Chris James

Chris James (frontman of electro-rock pioneers Stateless) brings new "Hurricane" AV show to Camden, to celebrate the release of his debut EP.

Chris James, lead singer and songwriter of electro rock pioneers Stateless, emerges, after two groundbreaking albums on !K7 and Ninja Tune, with a body of solo work. It's produced by the inimitable Suneil Pusari, known for his expansive live mixes for Rufus Wainright, The Maccabees and many others.

Legendary producer DJ Shadow heard James and immediately enlisted him to sing on his album, 'The Outsider’. A huge world tour followed, with more than 80 shows in 20 countries, and the seeds were sown for his solo career.
James is inspired by the folk music of artists such as John Martyn and Nick Drake and his respect for traditional forms is apparent. But his music evolves into epic soundscapes, sometimes reminiscent of the ethereal sounds of Sigur Ros. "I like exploring the juxtaposition of the intimate with the infinite..." explains James. “imagine being in a city bedsit and then, suddenly, you're on a glacier surrounded by sky…"
His forthcoming EP features the remarkable vocals of New York based DM Stith (who's worked with Sufjan Stevens, My Brightest Diamond), Aristazabal Hawkes (Guillemots) on bass, and the live show features vocal harmonies from London singer Lorna Rose, Nick Ramm (Cinematic Orchestra) on piano, and cello from Gillian Wood (The Anchoress).

The EP, recorded in a freezing barn in the Yorkshire Dales, is a taster for James' debut LP 'Songs From Hurricane’. Inspired by Dylan Thomas' poems about nature, Ted Hughes' mythical explorations in 'Crow' and works such as James Joyce's 'The Dead', ‘Songs from Hurricane’ promises to take us on a fresh and vital journey inspired by British poetry, folk music, and cinematic dreamscapes.