Americana artist and songwriting troubadour CHRIS JAMES releases new EP - HEARTBURN
Nov. 28th, 2017
After several years of performing with rock bands throughout Northern California and beyond, acclaimed singer-songwriter-producer Chris James has unveiled a new solo EP entitled Heartburn. The record is stripped down, emotional, autobiographical, and gets back to his roots as an Americana singer-songwriter.
The songs offer a range of compelling musical experiences from the nostalgic "City Speaks To Me" that juxtaposes a country music vibe with lyrics about big city life, to "Dancing Flames," an emotionally driven ballad with Cuban instrumentation and influence.
James' new EP touches the listener on a personal level with relatable emotion from his voice, lyrics and acoustic guitar. Keeping in tradition with the great songwriters of the 70's, Chris James delivers his heart on a sleeve and delivers his point of view with memorable songs.
--"James is as captivating a performer as I have seen in some time. His songs are well crafted, his energy on stage is contagious, and the truth in his lyrics is undeniable.” -Ralph Graceffa (Singer-Songwriter)
--"Chris is a singer-songwriter with an honest approach and style that really connects with people on a personal level..." - J. Bowman (Lead Guitarist for Michael Franti & Spearhead)
CONTACT:
Milkjug Music and Management
chrisjamessongs@gmail.com
415-533-9183
WEBSITE: http://www.chrisjamessongs.com
Chris James pours grit, emotion and autobiographical experience into his music that is reminiscent of 70’s folk-rock and Americana singer-songwriters. Influenced by his rural Maine roots, James takes an honest, no-frills approach to the craft, and digs in to tug at the heartstrings with lush chord changes and lyrical intensity. His new acoustic EP ‘Heartburn’ was just released this year (2017) with songs that reverberate James’ emotional and rootsy style. Several tour dates have been performed with more to be scheduled in 2018.
In his early days, Chris James was a budding songwriter, writing and performing acoustic songs at campfire outings, parties, and coffee houses in and around the Portland Maine area. Gaining confidence as a performer, he realized that he would have to look to larger cities to become more widely recognized and ventured to San Francisco with not much more than a guitar in tow. Shortly after arriving and weathering the culture shock he formed the rock band Small Change Romeos. After just a few years, the band had built a fairly large Bay Area following and were known for their diverse sound and eclectic but heartfelt songwriting, often ranging from alt-rock to heavy country to reggae and blues. They have a new record releasing this year as well.
James also released two solo albums as Chris James & The Showdowns, a more laid back and acoustic version of The Romeos. Songs from his records have been used in TV commercial promos and are still played in rotation on SIRIUS XM Radio and various stations throughout California. James has performed hundreds of live shows in the past few years as a solo artist and also with The Romeos and Showdowns.
Chris continues to perform and record regularly and has of late set himself in a producer and engineer role, working with other bands, as well as his own projects in the studio in order to get the 'magic on tape'.
--"James is as captivating a performer as I have seen in some time. His songs are well crafted, his energy on stage is contagious, and the truth in his lyrics is undeniable.” -Ralph Graceffa (Singer-Songwriter)
--"Chris is a singer-songwriter with an honest approach and style that really speaks to everyday people..." - J. Bowman (Lead Guitarist for Michael Franti & Spearhead)
--"James' style of writing is hard to deny as it rings of times and life situations we can all relate to. It's nice to see an artist and band like the Showdowns hold true to Americana roots while still giving you a rock and roll kick in the ass!" -Starita (President of the San Francisco Recording Academy Chapter)
DISCOGRAPHY
2017 – Heartburn (Chris James) EP
2016 - Mystery Sings (Small Change Romeos) LP
2015 - Somewhere Out In California (Chris James and the Showdowns) LP
2012 - Lucky Breaks (Chris James and the Showdowns) LP
2010 - Fire To Light (Chris James) EP
2007 - Fools Gold (Small Change Romeos) LP
2004 - Long Way From Tomorrow (Small Change Romeos) LP
2001 - $10 Haircut (Small Change Romeos) LP
Nov. 28th, 2017
After several years of performing with rock bands throughout Northern California and beyond, acclaimed singer-songwriter-producer Chris James has unveiled a new solo EP entitled Heartburn. The record is stripped down, emotional, autobiographical, and gets back to his roots as an Americana singer-songwriter.
The songs offer a range of compelling musical experiences from the nostalgic "City Speaks To Me" that juxtaposes a country music vibe with lyrics about big city life, to "Dancing Flames," an emotionally driven ballad with Cuban instrumentation and influence.
James' new EP touches the listener on a personal level with relatable emotion from his voice, lyrics and acoustic guitar. Keeping in tradition with the great songwriters of the 70's, Chris James delivers his heart on a sleeve and delivers his point of view with memorable songs.
--"James is as captivating a performer as I have seen in some time. His songs are well crafted, his energy on stage is contagious, and the truth in his lyrics is undeniable.” -Ralph Graceffa (Singer-Songwriter)
--"Chris is a singer-songwriter with an honest approach and style that really connects with people on a personal level..." - J. Bowman (Lead Guitarist for Michael Franti & Spearhead)
CONTACT:
Milkjug Music and Management
chrisjamessongs@gmail.com
415-533-9183
WEBSITE: http://www.chrisjamessongs.com
Chris James pours grit, emotion and autobiographical experience into his music that is reminiscent of 70’s folk-rock and Americana singer-songwriters. Influenced by his rural Maine roots, James takes an honest, no-frills approach to the craft, and digs in to tug at the heartstrings with lush chord changes and lyrical intensity. His new acoustic EP ‘Heartburn’ was just released this year (2017) with songs that reverberate James’ emotional and rootsy style. Several tour dates have been performed with more to be scheduled in 2018.
In his early days, Chris James was a budding songwriter, writing and performing acoustic songs at campfire outings, parties, and coffee houses in and around the Portland Maine area. Gaining confidence as a performer, he realized that he would have to look to larger cities to become more widely recognized and ventured to San Francisco with not much more than a guitar in tow. Shortly after arriving and weathering the culture shock he formed the rock band Small Change Romeos. After just a few years, the band had built a fairly large Bay Area following and were known for their diverse sound and eclectic but heartfelt songwriting, often ranging from alt-rock to heavy country to reggae and blues. They have a new record releasing this year as well.
James also released two solo albums as Chris James & The Showdowns, a more laid back and acoustic version of The Romeos. Songs from his records have been used in TV commercial promos and are still played in rotation on SIRIUS XM Radio and various stations throughout California. James has performed hundreds of live shows in the past few years as a solo artist and also with The Romeos and Showdowns.
Chris continues to perform and record regularly and has of late set himself in a producer and engineer role, working with other bands, as well as his own projects in the studio in order to get the 'magic on tape'.
--"James is as captivating a performer as I have seen in some time. His songs are well crafted, his energy on stage is contagious, and the truth in his lyrics is undeniable.” -Ralph Graceffa (Singer-Songwriter)
--"Chris is a singer-songwriter with an honest approach and style that really speaks to everyday people..." - J. Bowman (Lead Guitarist for Michael Franti & Spearhead)
--"James' style of writing is hard to deny as it rings of times and life situations we can all relate to. It's nice to see an artist and band like the Showdowns hold true to Americana roots while still giving you a rock and roll kick in the ass!" -Starita (President of the San Francisco Recording Academy Chapter)
DISCOGRAPHY
2017 – Heartburn (Chris James) EP
2016 - Mystery Sings (Small Change Romeos) LP
2015 - Somewhere Out In California (Chris James and the Showdowns) LP
2012 - Lucky Breaks (Chris James and the Showdowns) LP
2010 - Fire To Light (Chris James) EP
2007 - Fools Gold (Small Change Romeos) LP
2004 - Long Way From Tomorrow (Small Change Romeos) LP
2001 - $10 Haircut (Small Change Romeos) LP
