James Mauri
Bridgeport, New York, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2011 | SELF
Music
Press
'immediately demands attention with the first few chords off of his single, “Got Your Love.” Mauri does not slowly introduce his musical sound and direction - instead he boldly announces his entrance within the first few bars ' ~ chelsea lewis, celebrity cafe - celebrity cafe
'tight as hell, tough... fallen in love with him. Ass kicking band from CT ' ~ Audio Fuzz - audio fuzz
'all it took was the first 2 seconds of the intro riff to grab my ears' ~ Kingston Music Reviews - kingston music reviews
Connecticut’s music scene can be tough. Clubs want cover and tribute bands playing familiar music, James Mauri says. Creativity — not so much.
So — after banging around since his 1995 graduation from Staples, studying media production, writing songs and working in a studio — James settled in Black Rock, trying to figure out how a singer/songwriter like himself could get noticed.
He realized that independent radio stations like WPKN, and internet stations, offered a way to reach music fans. He booked himself to be interviewed and play. Sometimes that meant 15 minutes at 2 a.m. — but it was better than doing long shows for unappreciative, drunken bar crowds.
These days music sells through videos too. James bought himself a MacBook Pro — and an iPhone — and got to work.
It’s not the most sophisticated equipment, but it gets the job done. For a song about the endless development of Route 7, James stuck his phone on his dashboard and drove north. He intercut what he filmed with some performance tapes, then played around with speeds and special effects.
The result: a sophisticated, compelling music video.
Make no mistake: the iPhone is not a sophisticated video camera. Lacking built-in lights, interior shots are particularly tough.
It can take a couple of weeks to get the effect James wants. He adds features like stop animation as needed.
When he’s ready he uploads the finished product to YouTube, and sends links to friends. Soon, the video is making its way around the internet.
James thought he’d simply be introducing his music to new fans. But he’s been contacted by people who want him to make iPhone videos for them too.
He will not stay with his low-tech equipment forever. James hopes to upgrade to a “better, more serious camera,” as well as to Final Cut Pro, a more robust editing system.
He may prefer the cutting edge of guerrilla video making to drunk-filled clubs, but James Mauri has not totally abandoned live performances. This Saturday (June 11) he’s got a gig right here in town.
He and fellow Westporter Buddy Valiante will both play at Arcudi’s. It’s not your typical club scene — but James Mauri is not your typical singer/songwriter or music video maker either. - 06880 - Where Westport meets the world
"... Based out of Kent, CT the four piece band is fronted by James Mauri, who played acoustic guitar and harmonica in addition to singing. They sounded tight and well practiced as they ran through their set, with Mauri sounding convincingly like Ian Astbury during a reworking of "Don't You (Forget About Me)" that was so orginal, it took me until the chorus to realize what they were covering..."
— Dan Barry, The Fairfield Weekly - The Hartford Courant
James Mauri and Ryan Zygmont Interviewed by WPKN's own Bob D'Aprile on Connecticute Rocks! - WPKN.ORG
Discography
2013 FOUR EP
2015 PHONOGRAPHIC
Photos
Bio
James has established himself as a dynamic singer-songwriter whose deep musicality is matched by his commanding lyrics , as outlined in his debut EP (James Mauri FOUR, 2013 and subsequent full length Phonographic , 2015 , both on his own imprint) .
James Mauri is a force and has a fanatical cult following . He is respected for both his artfully crafted sound and deep lyrical content . He is an inspiration to fans and non fans alike . He has excelled in multiple genres on many many instruments and is technically proficient in the studio , working alongside greats . His buzz is deafeningly strong and growing by the numbers . He is a Heart Throb, the likes of which hasn't been seen by the music industry in AGES . He is a true artist and renaissance man beyond the realm of music . Whatever medium or genre he chooses to work in is left touched in a way it never has been by others who've come before him . He is truly unique . The majority of his influence resides internationally , in South America , Europe and Australia . However James and his army of fanatics are at the ready for the next assault with their sites on North America . He is perfectly poised to dominate with new singles on the way for fall of 2016 . With your help we can spread the work and art of this amazing person . Please join the revolution .
More about the story...
James learned to play the guitar at the age of 12 , only after first studying piano , acting , dance and an array of orchestral instruments . Driven by a desire to make the music he was writing , he learned bass, drums and keyboard . At the age of 16 James was writing and producing music in his basement recording studio in Westport , Connecticut . At 18 , he moved to Orlando , Florida where he was voted as one of the Top Ten Orlando Music Acts by the city's top rock radio station , REAL RADIO 104.1FM . Later he met and established a partnership with Grammy Award Winning Producer and Engineer , Ray Bardani (the Swans , Luther Vandross , Harry Chapin , Dr. John , Elvis Presley) . Together they produce the records James' fans have come to know and love .
Band Members
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