The last ten years or so has produced some great pop and rock music, but if we’re being honest with ourselves, the digital and electronic world is taking over; at least right now it is. With electronic music becoming easier and easier for practically anyone to make, it was definitely bound to happen. However, there are still new artists today that keep the vision of physically real and raw music alive.
One artist who’s leading the way for singer-songwriters and rock musicians is James Bay. James is an English singer-songwriter and guitarist most famously known for songs such as “Hold Back the River”, “If You Ever Want to Be in Love”, and “Let It Go”. His debut album Chaos and the Calm has gone to number one in the UK and number 15 in the US. Also, James Bay received three nominations at the 2016 Grammy Awards, one of those being for Best New Artist.
James Bay was raised in Hitchin, Hertfordshire and at age eleven he was inspired to play music after hearing “Layla” by Eric Clapton. Lucky for him, he happened to have an old guitar in the cupboard of his house and he began to learn. Being a native in the busking scene in Brighton, Bay learned a lot and said that the city’s open mics taught him a lot about writing and performing. Eventually, Bay caught the attention a Republic Records A&R after a fan uploaded a video to YouTube of him playing at an open mic. Just a week later, he was signed to the label and within a year he was selling out his first UK headline tour.
His music is very guitar-driven and features heartfelt and emotional lyrics. The guitar parts are often intricate and act as an accessory to his amazing and unique voice. On both his album and when he performs live he has a live band to complete his sound. My personal favorite songs from him are “Sparks”, “If You Ever Want to Be in Love”, and “Heavy Handed”. Bay has hinted at writing new music via social media and fans are eagerly waiting for any new music to come.
