James Gray

James Gray is a singer songwriter from the North East of England. James played in numerous bands in his late teens onwards primarily as a drummer. '' Singing never really held an interest for me. I wasn't that interested in playing the guitar either. I was too loved up with the drum kit. '' He started writing lyrics in his late twenties with a view to let other vocalists sing them. ''They just weren't really getting it or feeling the words. I was eventually told to stop being a dick & use the voice I had. So began my love of singing my own stuff. I was beginning to feel frustrated by relying on other people to interpret the music I had in my head. The only way around this was to learn guitar & please myself. I really don't know why it took me so long to do it. It's great that I can get out & play as a solo artist & also get to collaborate with other musicians.
James Gray is an honest songwriter drawing from life around him & his influences can be heard in his own brand of Alt Americana, from The Band & Dylan to Ryan Adams, Hiss Golden Messenger, Fink & City & Colour.
His songs have been played on BBC Introducing & he has supported artists such as Chris Helme, Ian Prowse, Mark Morriss & Big Country.