Following on from a flurry of rich and alluring singles over the last few months including the Kojey Radical collaboration “With U”, “The Reason”, and “(I Get So) Emotional” , which was featured in Spotify’s NMF – UK, US and Global playlists upon release, James Vickery has now released his eagerly-awaited new EP ‘Sheet Music‘ alongside the tender new offering “Only You“.
PRAISE FOR JAMES VICKERY:
“James Vickery’s voice will grab you from the very first note” – COMPLEX
“Spearheading a fresh wave of British R&B talent” – CLASH
“South London singer-songwriter James Vickery is the new face of UK R&B. – NOTION
“Pressure Pt. II” voted Top 10 best songs of 2020 ROLLING STONE
“Songs That Made Me Feel is an album you need to listen to with your eyes closed. Everything about these songs will make you feel, but it is Vickery’s voice that makes you feel the most.” – GIGWISE
“The face of British new wave R&B” – FLAUNT MAGAZINE
“An emerging talent that’s taking the R&B world by storm” – SPINDLE MAGAZINE
“Vickery’s buttery smooth vocals grab you at the first note and send you tumbling headfirst into a sultry soundscape filled with captivating lyricism. The raw, textured, and organic sound that characterised the R&B singer’s earlier releases and sets him apart from other artists on the scene is definitely here to stay.” – WONDERLAND
Collaborating a wealth of world-class producers including Jordon Manswell (Daniel Caesar), Fred Cox (Rag’n’Bone Man, Raye, Anne-Marie, Wretch 32), George Moore (Stormzy, NAO, Snoh Allegra, YEBBA), Maths Time Joy (Mahalia, FLO, NAO), and CVRE (Justin Bieber, Don Toliver), James Vickery’s newest EP ‘Sheet Music‘ looks to build upon the sensual textures of his earlier work and create the beginnings of the next phase within his musical evolution.
Speaking about his new EP, James said, “I had a really clear vision pretty early on about what I wanted my new EP ‘Sheet Music’ to be themed on in the writing process. It’s about passion and euphoria, it’s a collection of music that you play when you’ve found the love of your life and you’re alone with them. ‘Sheet Music’ is best played alone with your life partner – it’s to be paired with red wine, a scented candle, silk sheets, and the lights turned all the way down.”
Showcased by the collection’s opening track, “Only You” perfectly illustrates the rich and luxurious tones he has been pursuing for his newest release. Accompanied by a stunning video, shot in collaboration with NIKON x MAHOGANY and directed by Kemi Anna Adeeko, the new visuals give a broader and more elevated sense of his emotional drive throughout his current guise.
Adding about “Only You”, James says, “For the longest time I had the idea of putting a barbershop quartet into an R&B song. No particular reason, it was just a new take I hadn’t heard before. I took a trip to Toronto to work with some producers I kept tabs on for a while and this original idea turned into Only You. I took the idea back to London and developed the harmonies to make them fuller and almost chorale like. What came next was one of the most unusual yet beautiful songs I’ve ever made.”
While director Kemi explained her motivation, “When I heard the track “Only You” by James Vickery I was inspired by its soulful and dreamy tone and knew I wanted that to translate visually. I was inspired by the graceful movement of ballerina’s and when connecting with James he was on the same page in wanting it to be airy and delicate. We wanted to communicate what the feeling of infatuation and being completely in awe of someone’s beauty is like. I’m so happy with the outcome we have and I’m beyond grateful for the incredible crew and ensemble for bringing the vision to life.
“It’s been amazing working with Nikon and Mahogany who have been invested and trusting of my creative process.”
James Vickey will also be venturing on tour in May, kicking things off at London’s Islington Academy on May 4th, before heading to North America to perform a run of intimate live appearances in Los Angeles, Toronto, and New York City as he continues his dominant world appeal. Tickets for his next tour are on sale now and the full list of shows can be found below.
James Vickey International Show Dates
Thursday 4th May – London – Islington Assembly Hall
Thursday 18th May – LA – Moroccan Lounge (sold out)
Friday 19th May – LA – Moroccan Lounge
Sunday 21st May – Toronto – Drake Underground (sold out)
Tuesday 23rd May – NYC – Baby’s All Right
James Vickery’s debut album Songs That Made Me Feel features the Maths Time Joy-produced single “Somewhere, Out There“, Musiq Soulchild collaboration “Come To Me“, seductive offering “Hourglass“, the vibrant “You Comfort Me” ft. EARTHGANG, and SG Lewis-produced gem “Finally“. James has since amassed over 100 million streams across his catalogue, most notably his COLORS session for “Until Morning”, which has garnered over 31 million views to date. Supported by BBC Radio 1/1 Xtra, Apple Music, Sirius XM and KCRW, his track ‘Pressure Pt II’ was voted in the top 10 songs of 2020 by Rolling Stone Magazine. He appeared on Sky News’ Kay Burley show last year talking about his debut record and how being deaf in one ear affects his music.
‘Sheet Music’ Tracklist:
1. Only You
2. The Reason
3. (I Get So) Emotional
4. With U ft. Kojey Radical
5. Always Knew
