Anglo-American James Riley is back from a two-year stint in the USA, with a killer new album in his back pocket, brimming with energy as he prepares to share his new material. Recorded in Nashville by producer Matthew Odmark, these new recordings take James' distinctive, soulful songwriting to a new level, vibrating with portentious energy as they keep you listening, hanging, waiting for the next twist.
He won't let you hear it. Or at least, not yet.
Instead James will release "Lightning Strikes" as a first single from the album and a taster of what's to come. It's a dark and beautiful murder ballad featuring eery, haunting pads, achingly beautiful guitar, and lyrical cello and piano arrangements. Listening to this tune is akin to the moment he references - waiting, hoping, counting the seconds to hear the deep rumble of thunder.
To mark the single release, James will celebrate with his brand new ensemble in the classically styled setting of Paper Dress Vintage in Hackney.
The show will also feature an exclusive screening of the brand new music video, shot by John Stow of Intraspectrum Studios.
HATTIE BRIGGS
Hattie Briggs is a 24 year-old singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Since making the decision to drop out of a Russian degree in her second year at Oxford University, she has released several EPs, two critically acclaimed albums, had airplay on BBC Radios 1, 2, and 6 Music, and embarked on tours around the UK, the Netherlands and the U.S. During her travels she has supported some well known bands and artists, including chart topping duo, Ward Thomas, at the O2 London’s Brooklyn Bowl, Lauren Aquilina, Stornoway, Jamie N Commons, Seth Lakeman and Grant Nicholas (Feeder). Inspired by James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Jeff Buckley and Foy Vance, Hattie writes and sings straight from the heart. Her crystalline vocals, and insightful lyrics resonate across all ages, rekindling old memories and capturing imaginations. Combined with catchy melody lines and a cheeky, charismatic stage presence, it's unsurprising the youngster is seriously impressing industry figures and fans alike.
THOMAS JAMES SMITH
Thomas James Smith mixes his love for finger style guitar with soulful songwriting with unique dexterity and eloquence. After recording and touring professionally as a session guitarist, Thomas got invited to sing at Elton John's house for an event, this inspiring experience spurred him to pursue his own songwriting. Now Thomas is completing a fully orchestrated album set to be released next spring.