James Stephen

James Stephen is an Americana artist with an unashamed passion for his northern hometown of Stockport. Leaning back on his large bed of influences, James’ music proves he isn’t afraid to incorporate other genres into his work, making his take on Americana a refreshingly liberal one.

Citing his greatest influences as <a href="spotify:artist:2CvCyf1gEVhI0mX6aFXmVI" data-name="Paul Simon">Paul Simon</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:0hEurMDQu99nJRq8pTxO14" data-name="John Mayer">John Mayer</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:6fBF4MULW5yMzyGaon1kUt" data-name="John Butler Trio">John Butler Trio</a> and <a href="spotify:artist:7aW0i5ASfG998fHzkNDniL" data-name="The Bros. Landreth">The Bros. Landreth</a>, James&#39; ultimate goal in music is simple: write the songs needed by the people who don&#39;t know what to say.

James has steadily asserted himself amongst the stalwarts of unsigned Manchester, leading to shows much further afield. Captivating audiences with his pertinent lyrics, powerful vocals and effortless delivery, James has also become a Sofar Sounds regular, playing shows from Hastings to Amsterdam and featuring on their global playlists.

Following the successful release of his debut effort, <a href="spotify:album:6EwjlOrH27I74fGlMD572p" data-name="Patchwork EP">Patchwork EP</a>, James released single after single to much fanfare, racking up DIY sold-out shows, co-headline gigs with <a href="spotify:artist:40L96DDQs0Ve93aHHX9zsQ" data-name="Kevin Daniel">Kevin Daniel</a> and <a href="spotify:artist:7CykVl6QuU2n2ZH6Njax09" data-name="Lorena Leigh">Lorena Leigh</a>, and worldwide radio coverage, culminating in the follow-up EP <a href="spotify:album:1Heq6K8ABQInrCx44lJca2" data-name="&#39;Til It Comes Around Again...">&#39;Til It Comes Around Again...</a>, released in December 2020.

James released <a href="spotify:track:3nM0A47c10NHlb44i8j0kT" data-name="Stronger With You">Stronger With You</a> as a standalone single on May 30th 2022, ahead of writing the eagerly anticipated third EP.

Along the way, James has supported such acts as <a href="spotify:artist:7D0V1JYNXvhpxHDoP3zu0x" data-name="The Dunwells">The Dunwells</a>, US-charting band <a href="spotify:artist:41h543BszPTZEEfQRHYc8K" data-name="David Wax Museum">David Wax Museum</a> and was most recently handpicked as support by rising Nashville star <a href="spotify:artist:6LcdklijxllKGfl4FWiv3D" data-name="Canaan Cox">Canaan Cox</a> on his 2023 and 2024 UK tours.