YH readers, are you in for a treat!

Allow us to introduce to you the musical genius that is Keith James! James is a multi-platinum songwriter who falls into the Pop, Hip-Hop, and R&B mix, and has written for artists such as Jeremih and Nicki Minaj. Now, he’s stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “Not My Day”, produced by Mick Schultz, which is debuting EXCLUSIVELY here on YH! Take a listen below:

And check out a sneak peek of the music video below!

“Not My Day”, is a captivating and feel-good song inspired by the frustrations of a typical bad day. Combining an unlikely blend of classical strings, uplifting dance beats, and catchy lyrics that entice you to sing along, it's hard to not feel a sense of bliss when listening to it!

So charming and adorable right? I bet you wanna get up and dance!

Like what you hear and see? Keith’s “Lucky Fans Tour” Contest offers the chance for fans like you to win one of 10 private performances for yourself and your friends -- at your house, school, work, wherever (yes, it’s your choice)! And you enter through social media, how easy is that? The contest ends on April 19, so get to it!

Keith’s career really took off when he teamed with Schultz back in 2008 and co-wrote Jeremih’s platinum smash “Birthday Sex” (remember this song, guys?), which ended up being #4 on Billboard Hot 100. And what a perfect duo they are, both having achieved so much -- like selling a combined 10 million records!!!

Born and raised in one of Chicago’s most dangerous neighborhoods, Keith started performing when he was 9 years old, singing for his church choir while playing piano and saxophone. Keith is known for his positive and uplifting lyrics, despite growing up with the constant sound of gunshots outside of his window.

Now that’s what I call inspiring.

Colleagues have described his music as a contagious mix of Pharrell Williams, Bruno Mars, and John Legend (which I totally have to agree!), and his voice as a soothing mix of Teddy Pendergrass and Barry White.

Still wanting more? You can visit his Official Website, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to keep on creepin’! - Young Hollywood

Chicago native Multi-Platinum songwriter and new artist Keith James stops by Windy City LIVE. He performs his new single, "Not My Day." - ABC Chicaago

"I've never really put my stamp on an artist, or put someone out independently but Keith is the first guy besides Jeremih that I'm 150 percent confident and excited about."
~ Mick Schultz in Billboard - Billboard

Ever have one of those mornings where you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, which sets in motion a day of unfortunate events? For many, Mondays are the epitome of “bad days” so it is only fitting that multi-platinum songwriter Keith James’ uplifting tongue-in-cheek single “Not My Day” is released today. This song is 2015’s answer to Cee Lo Green’s explosive earworm “Fuck You” or Modest Mouse’s optimistic indie rock staple “Float On.” In the verses Keith comedically and matter-of-factly lays out the days transgression and tribulations, like getting a ticket, or dropping his cell in his coffee. Once the chorus kicks in Keith’s sexy soulful voice similar to Barry White permeates through every down stroke and kick drum giving assurance that you are not alone on your shitty day. Whether you’re having a bad day or a great day this song will serve as a warming reminder that we are all in this together and positivity will get us through the end. James’ playful take on bad days is displayed perfectly in this cutesy emoji filled lyric video for the single.

Keith teamed with longtime collaborator Mick Schultz to produce their infectious pbr&b track that will be swimming through your consciousness uplifting you in times of frustration and despair. The two had their first mainstream success when they wrote “Birthday Sex” with Jeremih and have since continued to collaborate with him, Nicki Minaj, and many other artists. After working behind the scenes songwriting Keith is excited to step into the spotlight as he and Mike takeover stereo waves coast to coast and this single is the exact propellant he needs to get him to that spotlight. Download the single on iTunes and stream it on Soundcloud below. In addition to the singles release, Keith wants to make your day better by offering a unique string of ten intimate performances to contest winners in his Lucky Fans Tour Sweepstakes. Find out more about the contest here.

This week Keith released the official music video to follow up his colorful and playful emoji filled lyric video. Directed by Danny Erb and produced by Mick Schultz, his official video is a jubilant mix of animation and real time acting. Its like that scene in 500 Seconds Of Summer with it’s own colorful twist to it and a love story intertwined. So if you need a little pick me up today, tomorrow, or any day – let Keith James anthem help you when it is “not your day.” - Earmilk

Chicago native Keith James makes his FSD debut today with “Not My Day,” which was produced by longtime Jeremih collaborator, and multi-platinum producer/songwriter Mick Schultz. These two have tag-teamed on a number of tracks in the past, but today Keith steps to the forefront of the scene with this brand new, feel good release. Seriously, try getting this earworm out of your head today.

In honor of the release, Keith is doing a sweepstakes which you can read more about below, and you can also buy this joint on iTunes right here. For now, however, we strongly suggest you check out “Not My Day” below. - Fakeshore Drive

An experienced songwriter whose pen game helped make Jeremih’s debut single, Birthday Sex, one of 2009’s biggest hits, Keith James has now slid over into the driver’s seat to launch a career as a recording artist. On Not My Day, his latest promo single and first DJBooth feature, the Chicago native showcases his rich, earthy vocal stylings over a breezy instrumental by the boss Mick Schultz. - Nathan Slavik

Live Radio Interview with Keith on The #1 Top Rated College Radio Station - Liz Peterson

Lively, fun, and comical, the visual for “Not My Day” will surely lift your day as the Chicago native sings out about some of the many frustrations that can come with a bad day.
Read more at http://www.thisisrnb.com/2015/02/video-keith-james-not-my-day/#riuMuGj63xpXmIOu.99 - This is RnB

You may not be familiar with the name of multi-platinum songwriter Keith James, but you’ve heard his work on Jeremih’s “Birthday Sex,” Nicki Minaj’s The Pinkprint, and Wales “That Way,” among many others.

Making his debut as a performer, the South Side Chicago native traveled from his Chicago city home for a stay in Los Angeles to collaborate with long time friend and multi-platinum producer Mick Schultz, which stretched into several months tucked away in Schultz’s Malibu studio, where he recorded his debut EP, From The Grey, inspired by the notion that stereotypes and genre lines should be blurred.

“The slogan ‘one world, one people’ is evident in every song from the progression choice to the subject matter,” explains James. “Taking it all the way to the cover artwork, using no color lines. The cover art represents the essence that all colors are appreciated with no sexual discrimination. From the Grey is breaking the cultural restraints we place on ourselves because of what we hear, what we see, what we’re taught, and what we accept as reality”

From The Grey, which is due out June 16, includes James’ first single, “Not My Day,” which caught our ears earlier this year for it’s lively dance beat, catchy uplifting lyrics, and comical video. To coincide with the announcement of the EP, James has also premiered the second release off the project, “Treat Her Like A Lady,” which proves chivalry is not dead! A full track listing of the R&B/Pop EP, described by Schultz as a “vintage retro vibe, but very commercial,” is available below.

For those of you in the Chicago area, Keith will perform all five tracks off From The Grey at the official release show at the Hard Rock Café Chicago on June 26. Tickets can be purchased here.

Fans who pre-order From The Grey on iTunes will get both “Not My Day” and “Treat Her Like A Lady” instantly. Take a listen to the later below:

Keith James – ‘From The Grey‘ Tracklist:

1. Button
2. Not My Day
3. Peace
4. Treat Her Like A Lady
5. Phillips Song

Read more at http://www.thisisrnb.com/2015/05/emerging-artist-keith-james-announces-debut-ep-from-the-grey/#M4Dis9MigVWTecEl.99 - ThisIsRnB

Interview and Live Performance - WCIU - THE U

UNITED STATES
1. Magic City Hippies, "Fanfare" (New World Music Group)
2. Morningsiders, "Empress" (Morningsiders LLC)
3. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, "S.O.B." (Concord Music Group)
4. SG Lewis, "Warm" (Universal Music Operations Limited)
5. CVIRO & GXNXVS, "Sober" (Between Music)
6. Raf Riley featuring Etta Bond, Avelino and Dun D, "Summer" (OddChild Recordings)
7. Sports, "You Are the Right One" (Sports)
8. East of Avenue, "Paper Planes" (Killer Publishing)
9. Jocelyn Alice, "Jackpot" (Jocelyn Alice)
10. Keith James, "Not My Day" (Mick Schultz Productions, LLC) - US Today