Shawn James

Hey there, this is Shawn James.

I’ve had way too many writers think they could sum me up & relay what I’m about from an hour-long conversation so they could write my “bio,” but I’ve had it. Screw that. I’ll tell it in my own words.

I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. I grew up on the south side of the city where I attended a gospel church. I was always around a lot of heartfelt soulful music and hardworking, real, down-to-earth people. Although I no longer abide by any religion, I value the times I had and how they shaped me to be what I am now.

I’ve moved around quite a bit, living in all different parts of the US. While absorbing all sorts of different cultures from here and around the world, I’ve developed my own sound. I started releasing my own music in 2012 and haven’t stopped since. I play a wide range of music from folk to blues, R&B, gospel to rock, metal, and a lot of things in between. The main constant among all the genres would be that it’s all done with emotion, feeling, heart, and a lot of soul. I mean what I say and deeply feel what I play. I play covers of songs I dig sometimes, and although some people may only know me because of those, I’m hardly just a cover artist.

If you come see me play live and expect just one style or aspect of what I do, you may be disappointed to learn that our shows are a roller coaster of emotions, musical styles, intensity, and energy. I get bored easily and love to mix things up. Be ready and bring your earplugs just in case. I’ve always been the underdog, so to speak, since I’ve never had the backing of a large record label, big marketing firm, or massive PR company, and I truly like it that way. I feel as though I’ve learned what I have through hard work, determination, a good bit of luck, and the great relationships with people I’ve made along the way. I’ve learned a lot of lessons the hard way being in this “music business industry,” and that’s alright by me. I’ve seen that with your support (the listeners out there), I can make my wildest dreams come true.

If you want to listen to an artist that’s authentic, genuine, and original, then you’ve come to the right place.

I hope you enjoy the music and will join me on this journey that I’m so extremely grateful to be on. Thank you all so very much.

Love,

Shawn James