Artist Profile: James Rose

James Rose hails from both the San Fransisco and New Orleans music scenes and it is this very mix of influences that is helping to sculpt the sound of an amazing young artist.  James is by no means a polished and finished act.  He is still coming into his own and discovering his voice as an artist, but he’s been creating amazing and beautiful music as he finds himself in his music.  His demo disc, tentatively titled Odd Hours for Dreaming will be debuting in the upcoming months.

A collection of older recordings and a few new ones, Odd Hours for Dreaming is the perfect cheat sheet to the evolution of an artist.  In James’ early music the influence of his idols and fellow musicians was more defined and dominated his songs.  While listening to “The Hole That Led to Nowhere”, one is reminded of Elliott Smith and late 60s John Lennon.  The sounds of other artists are incredibly evident until “King’s Place” and “Second Regrets” where James is finally discovering his sound:  soft harmonies, introspective lyrics and simple guitar chord changes.

His latest recordings have brought in new instruments and depth to James’ music.  “Faulty Antenna” is by far my favorite.  The song begins with James’ soft vocals laid over a guitar and white noise.  Suddenly, there is a shift about a minute into the song and it sounds as though James has begun playing coke bottles and buckets to create a folky and DIY sound.

James, a mere 19 years old, has yet to fully pin down the direction of his music.  He has, however, slowly carved out a niche for himself in my listening habits.  The ups and downs of his life permeate throughout his music and because of this it is very accessible to anyone who gives him a listen.  I highly recommend you keep tabs on this young artist.

James Rose is an unsigned artist and you may find his music on Myspace.