UK soul-pop singer James Sayer is ‘Still Not Over Being Over You’
“Suppose you mix Elton John and Billy Joel with soul legends like Aretha Franklin and Michael McDonald. James Sayer does this and created a completely unique sound!” – Radio Veronica, NL
In anticipation of the release of his long-awaited debut album Creation on June 28th, UK singer-musician James Sayer publishes new single “Still Not Over Being Over You”.
“Still Not Over Being Over You” is a smooth ballad that has all the trademarks of a classic late 70s pop song. The ethereal backing vocals from Polly Gibbons, Sumudu Jayatilaka & Michelle John, perfectly compliment James‘s soulful vocals and melodic Fender Rhodes playing. The song features an array of session musicians including Mark Douthit on Saxophone, Ian Thomas on drums, Steve Pearce on bass, Adam Phillips on guitar & The Blackjack Horns.
“Still Not Over Being Over You” is a standout track for its meaningful lyrics and originality. James says “This was a turning point in the recording of the album as I realised the kind of sound I’d been searching for. Aside from having my three-month-old daughter in the studio, recording and producing this track was my favourite part of the creative process.”
In support of the album release, James will be on tour over the next few months with dates in Holland and the UK already announced and more to follow soon.
James, often called an ‘old soul’ due to his love of classic songwriting and bygone eras comments that although technology has changed the landscape of the musical world today, making a record organically was still a must for him. About creating his debut album, he says “I’ve tried to capture all the styles I love – Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Gospel and classic pop music – but still create a sound that is all mine”.
Originally from Birmingham UK, James is a highly proficient pianist, saxophonist, guitarist, and singer-songwriter, whose fascination and love of music began at a very young age when he learned all things rhythm & blues and rock n roll from his dad’s music collection of artists such as Billy Joel, Elton John, Jerry Lee Lewis, later also finding a love of soul artists such as Michael McDonald, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison and Earth, Wind and Fire.
James moved to London in 2012 where he began performing almost every night in piano bars, clubs and pubs; spotted by the likes of Tom Jones whilst holding down a residency at the world-famous American Bar at the Savoy hotel. It proved to be a significant step for James when some of his demo recordings found their way to five-time Grammy winner and former member of The Doobie Brothers, Michael McDonald. McDonald described James’ music as “Very Inspiring”.
Soon after this time James finished his debut track “Taking Back My Love” and uploaded it to the BBC radio Introducing portal. The track was immediately picked up and made ‘Track of the Week’ by the taste-making network, kicking off the start of what would be James’ journey into writing his first record.
James was invited into the BBC studios to play live on air with his band on the BBC Introducing show. Following this came further national mainstream BBC Radio 2 airplay as well as support from BBC Radio 6 and legendary radio presenter Tom Robinson who commented – “When you hear a track like that, likely inspired by early Van Morrison, my tip to fellow Van fans is to save £100 on the ticket price and go and see James Sayer instead’…..’ I personally haven’t witnessed Van Morrison deliver anything close to that kind of energy and punch on stage in the last thirty years!”
“Still Not Over Being Over You” out digitally on June 21st 2024 via self-release
