Prelude Press
Prelude Press – An independent music outlet focused on discovering and sharing the best emerging artists and diving deeper with the ones you already love.
Standout South-London R&B artist James Vickery has releases his superb new studio album JAMES. on Red Bull Records. The album encapsulates an exhilarating year so far that has seen the release of stunning singles “All In”, “Right Side”, “Butter” & “Hotel Lobby”, receiving praise across the board with support from Billboard, Ones To Watch, Apple Music (The Rebecca Judd Show), BBC Radio 1, BBC 1Xtra, KISS, The Independent & more.
Joining forces with longtime collaborator JD Reid (Mahalia, Mabel, Sinead Harnett), producer Larrance Dopson (Kendrick Lamar, Ella Mai, Justin Timberlake) and Grammy-nominated LA songwriter/composer Jonah Christian (Beyonce, Normani, Tems), his stunning new album is a remarkably assured statement – one that introduces a whole new sound to his audience. It’s an album Vickery calls his most authentic yet, blending classic R&B, Seventies funk, soul, and the pop sounds of the late Nineties and early 2000s that shaped him. That organic energy is palpable throughout – a bold, emotionally rich statement from an artist fully embracing who he is.
Today also sees the arrival of brand-new single “Fall In Your Arms” – a simply stunning track, encapsulating the depth and sheer quality of James as an artist. He strips everything away for this tender, heart-rending piano ballad on which Vickery pleads. “I finally feel safe/ ‘cos you’re here by my side. I need it night and day/ And all my problems drift away.”
Also appearing on the album is the suave R&B slow jam “Like That” featuring breakout rapper BIA, and a breathtaking rendition of Aerosmith’s chart-topping hit, “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing”. The fan favourite “Hotel Lobby” was recently featured on Love Island UK and James took part in Crystal Palace’s sensational FA Cup build up and victory celebrations as he performed their club anthem ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ for fans at Wembley’s Box Park before the game. He also sat down with BBC London TV for an interview at the stadium, HERE.
James is completely deaf in one ear due to a life-threatening cholesteatoma diagnosed at the age of eight. A vocal coach, initially brought in to help him with his speech, soon discovered his astonishing singing ability. His documentary Louder offered a candid glimpse into his experiences, shedding light on his identity and heritage as the son of a Welsh father and South African mother.
James has built an impressive career to date. His breakthrough COLORS SHOW has racked up nearly 40 million views, and collaborations with Kojey Radical, Musiq Soulchild, Kenny Beats, EARTHGANG & SG Lewis, as well as support from BBC Radio 1, BBC 1Xtra, The Fader, Clash & Complex, has cemented his reputation as a standout voice in UK R&B. Once driven by a need for acceptance, James has now embraced his truth.
James will tour North America, Europe and the UK throughout October, November & December – tickets here.
US, EU & UK HEADLINE TOUR DATES
October
12 – Seattle, WA (Mama Lou’s)
14 – San Fran, CA (The Independent)
15 – Los Angeles, CA (El Rey)
19 – Dallas, TX (Deep Ellum)
21 – Atlanta, GA (Masquerade)
23 – Washington, DC (Union Stage)
25 – New York, NY (Racket)
26 – Philadelphia, PA (The Foundry)
28 – Chicago, IL (Lincoln Hall)
30 – Toronto, ON (Velvet Underground)
November
25 – Berlin, DE (Kantine)
27 – Vienna, AT (Chelsea)
29 – Cologne, DE (Yuca)
December
2 – Paris, FR (Les Étoiles)
3 – Amsterdam, NL (Paradiso)
5 – Manchester, UK (Deaf Institute)
6 – Bristol, UK (Strange Brew)
12 – London, UK (Earth Theatre)