Music
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Jamesking � Jamesking
2008 Self-released
Hailing from Toronto, Jamesking brings the sort of fresh perspective on R&B that the genre has quite frankly been waiting for. Harking back to a time when popular R&B/Funk was a means of musical expression and not just a formula, Jamesking creates intricate, smooth, hip and relevant music. Songwriter/guitarist Duff Demirovic has crafted a unique sound, aided by first class musicians Ran Caspi, Ilian Iliev and Vlada Mladenovic. Add to all of this the heavenly vocals of Gyles and you have an explosive mix that will keep your feet tapping throughout.
Jamesking is a debut recording that would make its makers immensely rich and famous in a perfect world. �Reminisce� itself is a single that could easily be a gold record with the right push from a record label. Jamesking is just the right mix of old school R&B/funk with a modern pop twist to be something new, similar to the niche discovered/created by Gym Class Heroes. Musically this is much more complex than a lot of what you will hear on top-40 radio, a credit to Mr. Demirovic�s songwriting talents (check out �Melody Wasted�, a particular gem). Don�t waste time, get to know Jamesking. If nothing else, you�ll begin a long association with one of the most talented and innovative R&B acts out there. If things work out well, you can say �I knew them when��.
- Wildy
If you're looking for the tightest, funkiest, most soulful, laid-back grooves on Indaba, look no further than the Jamesking. Their profile features four impeccably crafted neo-soul tunes featuring the heavenly vocals of Gyles. Listen to the way the bass and the kick drum lock together while the guitars and organs flirt playfully with each other. All aspiring producers take note, this is how you craft catchy pop songs that stay in a persons head long after they turn their stereo off.
- Indaba music web page
June 28th Show
James King Crew
Does being a size 4 make you any better a singer that a size 6, 8 or even 18? No, but according to Gyles, lead vocalist for the Toronto group, James King, a wardrobe session for the group's debut CD was a lesson in how thin-conscious people in the entertainment industry can be. Gyles, who is a size 6 (sometimes 8), was surprised to find out the she was considered Plus-sized by the video stylist. No wonder Jill Scott did not send photos of herself to recording companies when she was first starting out. What a talent the world would have missed if we chose singers by size! As the lead female vocalist for James King (there is no such person in the band, the group just liked the name), Gyles does an amazing job of moving from song to song on the group’s collection of R&B, Funk and Rock tracks. Since listening to the CD, I have found myself singing “Move on" Got to Move O� and “One Day�. At their July 4th CD release party, a love-fest of friends, family and strangers, the group showed that their sound was not just the product of studio tweaking. Although the sound level on their first set was way too high for the intimate setting of The Trane Studio, the sound for the second set allowed the group (Gyles, Duff, Ian, Vlad, Ran and Lisa Michelle on backing vocals) to really shine. Check them out at myspace.com/jameskingcrew. - Donna G.
Track of the Day on 12Apr2008 in R&B
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Track Of The Week on 29Dec2008 in R&B
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Best Female Vocals in R&B, week of 7Apr2008
Best Female Vocals in R&B, week of 28Apr2008
Best Female Vocals in R&B, week of 5May2008
Best Guitars in R&B, week of 28Apr2008
Best Drums in R&B, week of 28Apr2008
Best Bass in R&B, week of 28Apr2008
Best Production in R&B, week of 14Apr2008
Best Lyrics in R&B, week of 28Apr2008
Best Beat in R&B, week of 10Nov2008
Best Mood in R&B, week of 28Apr2008
Best Mood in R&B, week of 10Nov2008
Most Original in R&B, week of 14Apr2008 - Garageband.com
When you want to shut the place down, you do it in grand style. That is exactly what band Jamesking did. The soul infused group, fronted by the soulful, sultry singer Gyles, definitely had the crowd spellbound. Anyone bearing witness, walked away with satisfied listening senses. - Grande Junction Entertainment
Discography
Jamesking is currently mastering brand new cd "Lied To Me"
Photos
Bio
Toronto-based Jamesking delivers a melodic and lyrical fusion of the Pop, Rock and Neo Soul inspired by a time when popular R&B was a means of musical expression and not just a formula. Comprised of four experienced and highly coveted musicians and songwriters, the band features founder and composer Damir “Duff� Demirovic on guitar, Ran Caspi on bass, Vlada Mladenovic on drums and is fronted by the sultry lead vocals of Gyles. Each member brings different skills and passions to the table and together define the unique sound of Jamesking by creating intricate, smooth, hip and relevant music that is just the right mix of old school R&B with a modern pop twist.
Already on the Toronto R&B scene, Gyles has performed with Juno Award nominees Jully Black and Camille Douglas, as well as graced Carlos Morgan’s first single ‘Baby C’mon’ which appeared on Groove Essentials, Vol 1. Taking the opportunity to join the group in 2007, Gyles rounds out Jamesking’s signature sound and offers the audience a soulful and unforgettable experience every time.
In June of 2008, after the release of their self-titled album, Jamesking released their first music video for the track “Gold�, placed 2nd in the Mix 99.9 Canadian Radio Star Songwriting Competition with “Reminisce� and were nominated for a Canadian Independent music award. As a result, the band was offered international TV publishing and licensing agreements with Audiosocket from Seattle, Soundscape Media from Toronto, Synchup from Los Angeles. The track “Show Me� was later picked up by City TV to be featured in their reality show “Departures�.
In 2009 the band was given the opportunity to showcase during Canadian Music week and soon after released its sophomore album entitled Lied To Me, who’s title track was then featured in the movie Shark City released in July 2009 (directed by Dan Eisen and starring Vivica A. Fox).
With their talent and persistent commitment, Jamesking is clearly a band to watch for and remember. Proving to be Toronto’s newest Pop/R&B sensation, they are easily poised to become one of Canada’s most successful acts.
On stage, Jamesking is joined by back up singer Jordana Feldman and Lisa Michelle.
The facts:
“Nuh More� placed 2nd in the 2010 Mix 99.9 Canadian Radio Star song writing competition.
“Reminisce� placed 2nd in the 2008 Mix 99.9 Canadian Radio Star song writing competition.
“Reminisce� was also nominated for a 2008 Canadian Independent music award.
“Lied To Me� was featured in the movie Shark City released in July 2009 (directed by Dan Eisen and starring Vivica A. Fox).
Song “Show Me� featured in City TV reality show Departures in June 2009.
Headlined the 2008 Montreal Funk Festival.
Obtained international TV publishing and licensing agreements with Audiosocket from Seattle, Soundscape Media from Toronto, Synchup from Los Angeles.
Released their first music video for “Gold�.
Opened for Divine Brown during 2009 Canadian Music Week.
Opened for Ivana Santilli during 2009 Canadian Music Week.
Sophomore CD LIED TO ME CD released in May 2009.
Debut music video "Gold" released in June 2008
Self-titled CD JAMESKING released in February of 2008.
FOR MORE INFO: www.jameskingcrew.com
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