James Vickery

James Vickery bares his soul in JAMES., a bold, self-titled album that redefines his sound. From the cinematic strings of “Hotel Lobby” to the woozy beat of “Higher,” each track showcases his exceptional voice—one he nearly lost due to a life-threatening ear condition. Diagnosed with cholesteatoma at eight, Vickery was left deaf in one ear, but a vocal coach helped him discover his gift. His 2021 documentary Louder explored his journey, including his Welsh and South African heritage and struggles with identity. Once driven by a need for acceptance, Vickery has now embraced his truth: “This is real, it’s me.” His career boasts a COLORS SHOW with nearly 40 million views and collaborations with Musiq Soulchild, EarthGang, and SG Lewis. His independent Sheet Music EP highlighted his versatility, while JAMES. moves beyond strict R&B, blending funk, hip-hop, and pop with producers JD Reid, Larrance Dopson, and Jonah Christian. Tracks like “Hotel Lobby” groove on bossa nova rhythms, while “Butter,” originally meant for another artist, became a heartfelt confession of yearning. “Right Side” disguises his hearing loss as a love song, and “Higher” channels ‘80s synth-pop with dazzling vocal runs. The album’s finale, “Fall In Your Arms,” is a raw, orchestral ballad closing the emotional journey. “This is the most authentic version of me,” Vickery says. Seamlessly merging classic R&B, ‘70s funk, and early 2000s pop, JAMES. cements him as a fearless artist with a sound uniquely his own.