James King is a singer/songwriter and guitar player, who has toured with huge names including Tinie Tempah and X Factor star Ella Henderson.
The multi talented rising star has over 11,000 Twitter followers, and is currently touring Nashville.
James has his own song ‘Riddle’ out now, and also covered Selena Gomez’s massive hit single ‘Good For You’.
I was lucky enough to catch up the man himself, to talk about Nashville, his musical influences and what the future holds.
You have worked with a lot of big names including Tinie Tempah and Ella Henderson, how have these experiences helped you?
I think the most beneficial experiences I’ve had are with the behind the scenes people. Session musicians, songwriters, producers, these are the people who really make things happen. It’s easy to over look them for the face of the project but these are the people with a wide array of experience.
Growing up did you always know you wanted to be a singer?
No actually, at first I wanted to be a psychologist. Music found me through a friend wanting me in his band.
What are your earliest memories of music?
It was probably having guitar lessons with an awful teacher, he was mean and had no idea what he was doing.
When you were younger who were your musical influences?
Well, there were many when I was young. So from likes of Linkin park the to the White stripes, after that Two Door Cinema Club. I’ve always loved BB King, ever since I first heard him.
How old were you when you first performed live?
I think I was around about 13 years old when I first got on stage and performed live.
Would you ever consider entering a talent show such as the X Factor?
No, I think if you want a integral and long lasting career, you stay away from those things.
Describe your sound in three words?
Worth your time
Who are your celebrity crushes?
Rosie Huntington-Whitely is pretty attractive, I haven’t met many celebrities for an extensive period of time so I wouldn’t really know.
Who is your favourite singer/band at the moment?
At the moment I’m really loving Cage the Elephant, they have a great vibe.
What is your favourite song at the moment?
Funeral by To Kill A King
Would you rather a number one single or win a Brit award?
A number one single would be pretty cool, but obviously it would be nice to have both.
How are you enjoying performing in Nashville?
It’s opened my eyes to the real workings of the industry and it has also made me realise that even though I’ve already come so far, I still have a long way to go. Being here has really pushed me to write more and further my grasp on music itself.
Which music venue would be your dream to perform at?
I’d love to play Union Chapel but also a stadium would be pretty awesome to play.
What has been your favourite country to perform in?
Personally, I’m torn. Americans are very easy to get involved while on stage but I will always have a soft spot for the place I started in London.
What would you like to achieve in the next ten years?
I’d like to have record at least 4 albums, I’d like to write a few songs for people. I’d also like to go on an international tour, You know start small.
You can listen to James’ cover of ‘Good For You’ here:
You can follow James on Twitter @JamesKing_Music
For more info on James King visit his official website.