Wednesday, July 23, 2014

James Bay


         

Buzzing UK singer and songwriter James Bay has released his second EP, Let It Go [Republic Records], via iTunes and other digital retailers. This is the follow-up to his critically acclaimed U.S. debut, last year’s The Dark of the Morning. “If You Ever Want to Be in Love,” the lead single off of the EP, premiered yesterday on Nylon.com to rave reviews. Only available in the U.S. “If You Ever Want to Be in Love” rolls from heavenly acoustic guitars and piano into a robust refrain from the singer. It’s a bright and unforgettable anthem that showcases his immense range.

Let It Go also features the heartfelt title track, which stands emblematic of his songwriting prowess and artful lyricism.  For both "Let It Go" and "If You Ever", he enlisted the production talents of Jacquire King [Kings of Leon, Of Monsters and Men, Tom Waits], while mixing was handled by Michael Brauer [John Mayer, Coldplay]. The whole world will be talking about BAY very soon.

He’s also gearing up to support Irish sensation Hozier on his U.S. tour this fall.  In 2013, he toured the States alongside ZZ Ward and Wild Feathers. Meanwhile this year in the UK, he has supported Tom Odell, Kodaline, and John Newman, in addition to headlining Dingwalls in London—which sold out six weeks in advance. Recently debuted at prestigious UK festivals Glastonbury and T in the Park.  Bay remains a magnetic performer on stage, consistently captivating audiences with his powerful presence.

Bay hails from the tiny town of Hitchin, but he cut his teeth during rapturous sets at London's famed Blue Flowers Club as well as Notting Hill Arts Club in addition to supporting both Laura Mvula and Rae Morris. It was at one of these very performances that a fan filmed his set and shared the video on YouTube. The video quickly caught the attention of Republic Records who ended up flying Bay to New York and signing him on the spot.



Tour Dates supporting Hozier:
10/1 Atlanta, GA                      Variety Playhouse
10/4 Dallas, TX                       The Kessler
10/9 Houston, TX                    Warehouse Live
10/12 Mexico City, Mexico       Corona Capital Festival
10/15 Solana Beach, CA        Belly Up Tavern
10/16 Los Angeles, CA           The Cathedral Sanctuary at Immanuel Presbyterian Church
10/19 Portland, OR                 Wonder Ballroom
10/20 Vancouver, CAN           Commodore Ballroom
10/21 Seattle, WA                   The Showbox
10/24 Boulder, CO                  Fox Theatre
10/26 Chicago, IL                    Metro
10/28 Toronto, CAN                Phoenix Theatre
10/29 Montreal, CAN              Virgin Mobile Corona Theatre
10/31 Boston, MA                   Paradise
11/1 Philadelphia, PA              Trocadero Theatre
11/4 Washington, DC              9:30 Club
11/5 New York, NY                  Irving Plaza