Early James

Fredrick James Mullis Jr. (born June 2, 1993), known professionally as Early James, is an American singer-songwriter.

Early James
Background information
Birth nameFredrick James Mullis Jr.
Also known asEarly James
Born (1993-06-02) June 2, 1993
Troy, Alabama, US
OriginBirmingham, Alabama
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer-songwriter
  • musician
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
LabelsNonesuch Records, Easy Eye Sound
Associated actsEarly James and the Latest
Websiteearlyjamesandthelatest.com

Early life

James was born and raised in Troy, Alabama. At the age of 15, he received his first guitar from his aunt for Christmas.[1] He began writing songs shortly thereafter, citing James Taylor and Johnny Cash as formative influences on his music.[1]

Career

At the age of 21, James moved to Birmingham, Alabama to pursue music professionally. It was here that he met Adrian Marmolejo and formed their band, Early James and the Latest.[2] Drawing inspiration from Birmingham's diverse music scene, James began to cultivate a fresh sound that contains elements of blues, folk, rock, and classic country.[3]

While working in Birmingham, James caught the attention of Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys[2] who was taken by James' unique style and instantly knew he wanted to produce his debut album.[4]

On December 5, 2019, James announced his debut album Singing for My Supper will be released on March 13, 2020 by Nonesuch and Auerbauch's Easy Eye Sound[5] and released his first single from this project, "Blue Pill Blues."[6] Subsequent singles from this project, "It Doesn't Matter Now" and "High Horse" were released on January 23, 2020 and February 13, 2020, respectively.[1][7] Singing for My Supper has been described as Early James singing about "disillusion in styles that glance back to the 1970s and before."[8]

In 2020, James will be on tour supporting Shovels and Rope, The Lone Bellow, The Marcus King Band, and The Black Keys.

Artistry

James has been compared to Tom Waits[7] and has referred to the musician as one of his inspirations, along with Fiona Apple.[9] His lyrics are often dark but with a sardonic sense of humor, dealing with such themes as depression, addiction, and relationships.[2][10]

References
  1. "Early James Turns Toxic Relationship into Song on ‘It Doesn’t Matter Now’". Billboard. January 23, 2020. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
  2. "Early James". highroadtouring.com. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
  3. "Talent | Eclipse Music Group". www.eclipsemusicgrp.com. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
  4. "Early James Shares Video For New Single, "It Doesn't Matter Now"". The Prelude Press. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
  5. "Emerging Alt-Folk Star Early James Announces New Song, Album, Tour « American Songwriter". American Songwriter. December 5, 2019. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
  6. Desk, TV News. "Early James To Release Debut Album SINGING FOR MY SUPPER". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
  7. Freeman, Jon; Freeman, Jon (February 13, 2020). "Alabama Singer-Songwriter Early James Evokes Desolation in 'High Horse' Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
  8. "Early James Is a Rootsy Throwback in an Uncertain Present « The New York Times". The New Your Times. March 11, 2020. Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  9. "Early James: Bound & Determined". Sound & Soul of Central Georgia. February 11, 2020. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
  10. "Early James to Release Debut Album, "Singing for My Supper," March 13 Via Easy Eye Sound / Nonesuch Records – Nonesuch Records". Nonesuch Records Official Website. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
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