Brandon James

Brandon James – Down In The Sand (West Coast Country)
Mixing strong bluesy melodies with Brandon James’ smooth baritone tenor,
“Down In The Sand (With Me)” certainly cooks in all the right places, with
an absolutely smoldering guitar solo in the middle. The four songs on this
EP showcase a singer/songwriter who’s much like Matt Gary in the sense
that he records mainstream country tunes on an indie label. My only
problem with the songs here is that the production sometimes overtakes
the singer, something that shouldn’t happen with a guy this good at
singing. “The World’s On Fire” is the clear stand-out here. - Roughstock.com

Brandon James’ press releases describe his sound as west coast country music. It sounds like polished pop/rock to me, but the important thing is good music is good music, which is what Brandon James has produced.
He is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and culinary enthusiast, courtesy of his parents Toronto based bakery business. His passion for music shares space on his web site blog, Country Rock Recipes, with his fondness for cooking. Just check out his Honey Garlic Sun Chip Chicken.
His latest release is the four song EP, Down In The Sand. He wrote or co-wrote all the tracks and provides the vocals while accompanying himself on his acoustic guitar. He has gathered a stellar group of musicians in support, including drummer Dirk Sommers, bassist Austin Underhill, electric guitarist Rod Castro, keyboardist Skip Edwards, violinist Eliza James, banjo player Dennis Caplinger, and background vocalist Shaun Williamson.
The EP was produced by Skip Saylor, who has worked with the likes of Dwight Yoakam, Roberta Flack, Santana, and K.D. Lang. He has produced and mixed a clean and tight sound that avoids many of the pitfalls of independent releases. The sound has a clarity and crispness that fits the music well.
If there is one thing Brandon James can do, it is write and create catchy and memorable pop/rock. The melodies stay in your mind long after the music has stopped.
“Down In The Sand (With Me”) makes it immediately clear that he can create full sounding music. It and “Walk In The Sun” are positive, toe-tapping, party songs. “Beautiful Eyes” and “”The World’s On Fire” both make use of his smooth and emotional voice.
The only negative about his new EP is it is too short, but such is the life of the brief EP. This was his second EP in a row; hopefully, he will create an entire album of his catchy music in the near future. - BlogCritics.org

Brandon James' press releases describe his sound as west coast country music. It sounds like polished pop/rock to me, but the important thing is good music is good music, which is what Brandon James has produced.
He is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and culinary enthusiast, courtesy of his parents Toronto based bakery business. His passion for music shares space on his web site blog, Country Rock Recipes, with his fondness for cooking. Just check out his Honey Garlic Sun Chip Chicken.
His latest release is the four song EP, Down In The Sand. He wrote or co-wrote all the tracks and provides the vocals while accompanying himself on his acoustic guitar. He has gathered a stellar group of musicians in support, including drummer Dirk Sommers, bassist Austin Underhill, electric guitarist Rod Castro, keyboardist Skip Edwards, violinist Eliza James, banjo player Dennis Caplinger, and background vocalist Shaun Williamson.
The EP was produced by Skip Saylor, who has worked with the likes of Dwight Yoakam, Roberta Flack, Santana, and K.D. Lang. He has produced and mixed a clean and tight sound that avoids many of the pitfalls of independent releases. The sound has a clarity and crispness that fits the music well. If there is one thing Brandon James can do, it is write and create catchy and memorable pop/rock.
The melodies stay in your mind long after the music has stopped.
"Down In The Sand (With Me") makes it immediately clear that he can create full sounding music. It and "Walk In The Sun" are positive, toe-tapping, party songs. "Beautiful Eyes" and ""The World's On Fire" both make use of his smooth and emotional voice.
The only negative about his new EP is it is too short, but such is the life of the brief EP. This was his second EP in a row; hopefully, he will create an entire album of his catchy music in the near future. - Seattle Post Intelligencer

Rating: 3.94 out of 4
Grade: A -

Brandon James comes from humble beginnings growing up in a close knit family that had its ups and downs but stayed together throughout. These experiences have given him an insight into writing songs not only about life but in an articulate way in which almost anyone can apply the life lessons of his stories to themselves. After the success of his last EP, Souls On Fire, an album that flirted with James’ country roots but mostly mixed it up with a rock sound, James set to work on this, his second EP, Down In The Sand. This time around James let his country roots show and produced a seemingly solid country pop EP that’s extremely easy to listen to but also engaging at the same time.
First things first, most listeners, once they’ve given Down In The Sand a go, will be disappointed by the fact that there are only four tracks on the EP. Word on James’ official website is that he should have a full album out sometime this year. From the get go, Down In The Sand is enriched with twangy country guitar, a pleasantly approachable yet background drum beat that will get your toe tapping, saloon piano, and James’ fantastic voice. This description pretty much embodies the title track, which is the first track on the album. A track that puts you right into a beach and beer type mood. Very catchy and easy to throw on a loop and enjoy endlessly.
The one song on the album that I had a bit of trouble with was Beautiful Eyes, track two. Written for a friend who was struggling in their life the track is meant to make them realize that life is too short, take it easy, take a step back and evaluate how much beauty there is in the world. Unfortunately it felt too repetitive for me with James’ laying on the chorus more then the track needs. Maybe that’s the direction that he felt the song needed to head in in regards to his friend but as a stand alone track it just takes what is without a doubt a beautifully constructed track and paints it a bit drab.
Track 3 is The World’s On Fire. This track is endeared to me because its so well, performed but at the same time, maybe it’s just me, there are a few moments where James sounds as if he falters for a second. Where usually I might find something like this to be somewhat of a big deal it feels real and works with James’ down home style. Either way I can throw this track on a loop as well, but because it feels somewhat raw, personal, I like it more then any of the others.
Finally the album ends with Walk In The Sun. The EP closes out pretty much on the same note as it began with this track. Its catchy, fun to listen to, and would probably be considered one of the two more radio friendly tracks. I can totally see this playing over some orange juice commercial or something like that. It’s just one of those songs that will make you feel positive and happy.
All in all I was highly impressed with Brandon James and his new EP. If you’re a country fan you’ll enjoy it, a lot, and if your into country lite you’ll enjoy it just the same. Hell, I’m not a big fan of new country but I loved it so you never know. Be sure to check out the official website where you can stream some of the tunes and decide for yourself. Well worth looking into. Enjoy. - Shakefire.com

Brandon James Is Named ‘Artist To Watch’ on iHeartRadio.com
Rising L.A.-based country artist and songwriter Brandon James has been named as an „Artist To Watch? on Clear Channel?s popular music site, iHeartRadio.com this month. James? single “Down In The Sand (With Me)” and its music video will appear on the site?s NEW! Discover & Uncover section.
James recently made his country debut with his new EP Down In The Sand, which earned a coveted spot on an AOL Music Listening Party. To complete the four-track EP, James collaborated with renowned mixer, engineer and recording studio owner Skip Saylor (Dwight Yoakum, Tom Petty, Bon Jovi, k.d. lang).
The multi-talented performer has been hot on the promotional circuit in support of his sophomore release, being profiled by Sidebeat Music on ActorsEntertainment.com,” The Celebrity Café, along with Big Blend?s Eat Drink and Be Merry radio show, highlighting his passion for cooking and delicious recipes on his website CountryRockRecipes.com. In September, James is Music-City bound for the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) Songposium.
In addition, James has earned two LA Music Award nominations for „Country Artist Of The Year? and „Country Album Of The Year.? James will contend for top honors at the 21st Annual Los Angeles Music Awards show November 10, 2011 at the legendary Hollywood nightclub The Avalon.
To hear music and get the latest news, visit www.brandonjamesmusic.com. - Music News Nashville

Emerging L.A.-based country artist and songwriter Brandon James has earned two LA Music Awards nominations for ‘Country Artist Of The Year’ and ‘Country Album Of The Year’. James will contend for top honors at the 21st Annual Los Angeles Music Awards show November 10, 2011at the legendary Hollywood hotspot The Avalon.

For his country debut Down In The Sand, James collaborated with renowned mixer, engineer and recording studio owner Skip Saylor (Dwight Yoakum, Tom Petty, Bon Jovi, k.d. lang). The four-track EP was recently featured on AOL Music Listening Party, while the title track made its radio debut on The Ranch (KKUS 104.1, KFRO 1370, KCUL 1410).

The music video for James’ breezy first single, “Down In The Sand (With Me)” perfectly captures the laid-back west coast vibe, depicting him and his band enjoying a fun-filled day in the sun at the Santa Monica Pier. The video is directed by Christian Laursen of Embrace Films and can be viewed on YouTube.

In addition to the hype surrounding the upcoming award show, James has been on the promotional circuit in support of his sophomore EP. The singer was recently profiled by Sidebeat Music on ActorsEntertainment.com. On June 26, James will interview with Big Blend Radio as a part of their Champagne Sundays segment.

Steeped in James’ country culture is his passion for cooking, which he shares via posts on his website blog “ Country Rock Recipes.” He has also teamed up with Sassy Cook’n to offer discounts on the site’s stylish kitchen apparel. James’ hobby has its roots in his family’s Toronto-based bakery business that James’ parents started when he was 12.

To hear music and get the latest news, visit www.brandonjamesmusic.com - Music News Nashville

To Whom it May Concern,
I am writing to recommend and endorse the exceptional talent that is Brandon James
I own and operate Harper's Bar & Grille in Tarzana, CA. We are a bar & restaurant that offers up live entertainment seven days a week. Brandon was the anchor for a three month run of “Country Rock n Roll Thursdays” night that included his band, drinking games, contests, and an all around Americana fueled evening.
I knew Brandon's drummer, Sumo, for a few years before I ever encountered B.J. (he finds the initials hilarious) himself. We met a few times about the possibility of a single show and our conversations quickly turned towards a weekly offering of him and his group. This was due to his charisma and my personal attraction for Country Rock music.
I could not have been happier with our outcome and the run we had. I still have customers ask “when are you bringing back Country Thursdays?” The answer is definitely soon! From a business end, Brandon James & his band mad me some good money, and speaking for my customers, they provided a lot of fun.
Of course this letter was written on Brandon's behalf, but in all honesty, once he told me he wanted to play for the armed forces, I truly could not think of a better, more entertaining, and fun band to have excite and motivate our troops. I hope this letter helps solidify Brandon and his group as an
exceptional act for our soldiers.
Sincerely,
Travis Leuenberger Robinson
General Manager, Harper's Bar & Grille - Harper's Bar

“Brandon James is a perfect blend of artist and professional. He never fails to move me with the depth of his creativity and his ever-growing talent. At the same time, he manages to possess a work ethic and fervor for the business that keeps his fellow musicians in awe. It was a pleasure working together, co-writing and recording my debut album, Pieces of My Heart, and I look forward to continuing to work with him into the future." - April Matson (star of ABC Family's Kyle XY and FOX's Quintuplets) - Personal Testimonial

“...simply wonderful. (Brandon James) didn't fail to impress their fans with an amazing show... the vocals blended for sheer enjoyment of every song. Brandon is a definite up and coming new
talent and one that music lovers should watch for.” - LA Weekly

“... skillful songwriting and infectious beats, this act’s songs are catchy and meaningful...
Because of that, Brandon James is worth keeping on the radar ...” - Music Connection Magazine

The story behind Brandon James’ FIRST live performance is a good one – and it ain’t bad at summing it up the kind of talent the guy brings to the table. Here’s the tale, in his own words: “There was this vibey lounge/bar in my hometown, Oakville in Canada, called Aristocats. So one night my father talked with the owner and told him about me. The owner wanted to hear me, so I got a call at home from my dad saying ‘Brandon, I'm at Aristocats and the owner wants to hear you. I'll see you in 20 minutes.’ So I grabbed my guitar and sped downtown. Jumped up and played a 30 minute set of all the songs I could think of, both covers and originals. By the time I got off the stage, the owner had already given me Thursday nights every week.”

James is a young guy, but he’s got quite the track record of experience; his first record was actually as half the duo, Concerning Mercury, eventually working to his debut solo effort in 2002, “Downtown”. By the end of 2006, Brandon was out of his native Canada and in LA, recording the EP “Souls on Fire”, a collection with tunes that ended up in film as well as in theatre. While he’s been working with Kyle XY star April Matson a lot over the past year, he’s also made time to drop his latest record saying, “For once, I haven't placed any limits on what I've written about. I used to try to write stuff, now I'm just letting it come out, raw and honest. It's just good raw honest songs, not a formed pop concept meant only to sell a bunch of albums.”

Check out Brandon James, and keep an eye out for his work with the Autism Society of America – he just performed once again at their Boise Annual Walk For Autism Awareness. There’s a lot more to learn, so get into the XXQ’s.

XXQs: Brandon James

PensEyeView.com (PEV): Tell us how you first got started out in music? Has playing music always been something you’ve wanted to do?

BJ: Music has been in my life since the beginning. It definitely wasn't something I've always wanted to do, but it's a life long love affair, no doubt. The truth is I didn't learn guitar for any reason other than when I arrived in high school, girls thought it was hot. So I taught myself. The trick was I was the only guy around who could sing, and actually had the balls at that awkward age to do it. It helped my social calendar stay full. Music helped me achieve the ultimate conundrum of any teen: fit in and be different at the same time.


PEV: Hailing from Oakville, Ontario, Canada, what kind of music where you listening to growing up? What was the first concert you attended? Who is on your iPod right now?

BJ: I grew up on my dad's vinyl collection. He was an ex-performing folkie, so I had artists like James Taylor (one of my all time favorites), CSNY, The Eagles, Jim Croce, Carol King, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, Joni Mitchell, et al. There's nothing quite like listening to music with that crackle you get on an LP.
My first concert ever was the Rolling Stones - Bridges to Babylon tour at what was then known as the SkyDome in Toronto. Now, that's a rock n' roll show...

As far as what I'm listening to now, I'm actually listening to a lot of British indie rock right now, particularly the Kooks. Love Luke Pritchard's accent and the fun feel to their style of rock.. it's just music that makes you feel like having fun.

PEV: Tell us about your creative process… What kind of environment do you have to be in to make music?

BJ: I think a lot, about all sorts of stuff, but a lot of my inspirations just pop into my mind like they've been baking in the background and are now ready to serve - be it a melody, rhythmic or musical riff, or if I'm lucky a combination of those three. I really don't know "how" to start a song, I don't think any songwriter could answer that.

PEV: What can fans expect from a live Brandon James show?

BJ: My expectations for any live shows is for anyone in the audience to come away saying that it sounded even better live than on the recording. I'm a storyteller at heart, so along with getting quality music, I like to talk about my life or the stories behind the songs. I feel it helps connect everyone to the song and why it was written.

PEV: Tell us about your first live performance. How have you changed since that first show to where you are now?

BJ: Wow… first live show. There was this vibey lounge/bar in my hometown, Oakville in Canada, called Aristocats. So one night my father talked with the owner and told him about me. The owner wanted to hear me, so I got a call at home from my dad saying "Brandon, I'm at Aristocats and the owner wants to hear you. I'll see you in 20 minutes." So I grabbed my guitar and sped downtown. Jumped up and played a 30 mins set of all the songs I could think of, both covers and originals. By the time I got off the stage, the owner had already gave me Thursday nights every week. That ended up being a 8 month long residency.

There were so many things I learned by being on stage that regularly - how to talk with an audience, how to engage, entertain, tell stories that didn't bore people but allowed them to become a part of the experience of the show and not remain just passive observers. It's an experience, not just a concert.

PEV: What can fans expect from your upcoming release?

BJ: For once, I haven't placed any limits on what I've written about. I used to try to write stuff, now I'm just letting it come out, raw and honest.

PEV: How is this different from other albums out today?

BJ: It's just good raw honest songs, not a formed pop concept meant only to sell a bunch of albums.

PEV: Where do you feel you will be ten years from now?

BJ: I try to live my life expecting good things to happen, and believing that by being as honest and truthful with myself and those around me, my life will unfold in ways that I could only dream.

PEV: What’s one thing we’d be surprised to hear about you?

BJ: I'm probably the strangest guy of all my friends. One minute I'm cracking jokes and the next, I'm busting out random junk science facts.

PEV: Was there a certain point in your life when you knew that music was going to be a career for you?

BJ: In my senior year of high school, I played in an acoustic duo and one day, we played this concert on the stage at the school. We did it just to get out of class, but after playing my song "Souls On Fire", I noticed about 5 different girls in the audience wiping tears from their eyes. It was then I got it. They got it. I was hooked.

PEV: What one word best describes Brandon James?

BJ: An honest voice. I cheated, that's 3.

PEV: As a musician, you live a lot of your life on the road. How is life on the road for you? Best and worst parts? Any fun stories?

BJ: I recently had a chance to fly out to Nashville, TN and play an industry showcase. Flew to Nashville.. killed the show. I had 30 mins to spend as a tourist before I had to catch my flight back so I set out on foot. I made a video where in that short amount of time, I ate a delicious pulled pork sandwich, drank it down with a Budweiser American Ale, sang a country song and stuck my tongue in Elvis's ear. You'll have to go see the pictures and video on my Facebook page.

PEV: Do you find yourself often going back to one theme in your songwriting over another?

BJ: I do write about relationships a lot. I, like everyone, have had my fair share of successes and failures, each time searching/blaming myself for the reason it went wrong. But I like to cut through all the b.s. that screws things up with my songs. It's like I am braver in my songs than I am in person.

PEV: How have all your friends and family reacted to your success?

BJ: Like any artist that has achieved any level above playing in your basement, I am extremely indebted to my family and friends. They have supported me emotionally and financially through showing up at gigs and purchasing my albums/merchandise consistently over my career. The one thing I try never to do is take it for granted.

PEV: What can we find you doing in your spare time, aside from playing/writing music?

BJ: I'm a pretty active guy, always have been. I'm an avid football fan - by that I mean soccer.. My favorite team is Liverpool FC. I actually play in a local men's league every week.

PEV: Having played with many great acts in music is there one artist or group that would be your dream collaboration? Why?

BJ: Paul McCartney, hands down. I desperately want to know what writing one song with him would be like.

PEV: Is there an up and coming band or artist you think we should all be looking out for now?
BJ: I'm digging this new artist, Adam Von Auler. He's launching his album on Capitol Records on October 29th. Definitely check it out.

PEV: If you weren’t playing music, what would you most likely be doing for a career?

BJ: A friend and fellow songwriter asked me recently what I was going to do after music. He said he wants to go into politics. I said, "oh I don't know... think I'll die."

PEV: So, what is next for Brandon James?

BJ: I like to have my music make a positive change and I've been really lucky to connect with the Autism Society of America via some friends of mine. Last fall, I was asked to perform at the Boise Annual Walk For Autism Awareness and the event was such a success, they asked myself and April Matson (star of ABC Family's hit series, Kyle XY) to host and perform again this year. The event is on September 19th, 2009 and if anyone wants more information or to make a donation, please visit www.asatvc.org. I've also started a video diary online documenting the whole journey. - PensEyeView.com