'This Just In' by Philadelphia Songwriter Michael James
Michael James is a Philadelphia-based soul artist, songwriter, and performer who blends contemporary lyricism with classic influences like Curtis Mayfield, Steely Dan, and João Gilberto. He is known for his guitar work, strong yet smooth vocal delivery, and a style that bridges acoustic soul with modern grooves, which he tags as 'Rock and Soul'. The fusion of pop-country with jazz/R&B textures are prevalent in his work, with production that balances radio friendly polish with experimental touches.
James is a Temple University grad, with roots in the Norristown area where he discovered his passion for music in eighth grade when he first picked up a guitar. By College, he was writing and performing regularly, describing his style as 'acoustic soul music'. As a student, he was profiled as a 'Temple Made musical sensation', highlighting his transition from hip-hop experimentation to acoustic soul. In recent times, he has worked as an investment analyst before leaving in 2019, taking the plunge to pursue music full-time. October 1st of this year saw the release of his self-produced EP, 'This Just In', recorded here in the area at Studio 4 in Conshohocken. Keeping a busy schedule, he has most recently performed at 118 North and at Silk City this month.
The four-track EP includes James on vocals/guitar/keys, with Jonah Salen on drums, Jordan Mattiola on guitar/bass, and Joshua Berg on saxophone, with additional vocals by Deziah Thomas, and co-produced with Justin Bartlett. This Just In presents a warm, layered, and polished sound, starting off with the soulful tribute, Aretha, a musical homage which blends reverence with James's own artistry and features Berg on Sax complimenting as a second voice. The track feels celebratory yet personal, grounding his artistry in tradition while pushing forward with modern moves. Next up, Two's a Crowd, is a bit more playful of a tune with humor and lightness, and details witty storytelling and upbeat instrumentation while delivering feel-good vibes. Picking up the pace at track three, Comfortable comes in as an intimate ballad, showcasing and reflecting vulnerability, vocal warmth, and challenges ghosts of the past. The final track on This Just In, Runaround, delivers pop-rock energy with catchy hooks and hears more saxophone flourishing in the mix. Thematically, the song captures the restless energy of modern love, making it one of the most accessible tracks for new listeners.
By giving each track its own identity, This Just In demonstrates Michael James’s versatility as a songwriter and performer. From soulful tributes to playful pop, the album balances accessibility with experimentation, which not only entertains but also establishes James as a budding artist to watch here in the Philadelphia area.
James is a Temple University grad, with roots in the Norristown area where he discovered his passion for music in eighth grade when he first picked up a guitar. By College, he was writing and performing regularly, describing his style as 'acoustic soul music'. As a student, he was profiled as a 'Temple Made musical sensation', highlighting his transition from hip-hop experimentation to acoustic soul. In recent times, he has worked as an investment analyst before leaving in 2019, taking the plunge to pursue music full-time. October 1st of this year saw the release of his self-produced EP, 'This Just In', recorded here in the area at Studio 4 in Conshohocken. Keeping a busy schedule, he has most recently performed at 118 North and at Silk City this month.
The four-track EP includes James on vocals/guitar/keys, with Jonah Salen on drums, Jordan Mattiola on guitar/bass, and Joshua Berg on saxophone, with additional vocals by Deziah Thomas, and co-produced with Justin Bartlett. This Just In presents a warm, layered, and polished sound, starting off with the soulful tribute, Aretha, a musical homage which blends reverence with James's own artistry and features Berg on Sax complimenting as a second voice. The track feels celebratory yet personal, grounding his artistry in tradition while pushing forward with modern moves. Next up, Two's a Crowd, is a bit more playful of a tune with humor and lightness, and details witty storytelling and upbeat instrumentation while delivering feel-good vibes. Picking up the pace at track three, Comfortable comes in as an intimate ballad, showcasing and reflecting vulnerability, vocal warmth, and challenges ghosts of the past. The final track on This Just In, Runaround, delivers pop-rock energy with catchy hooks and hears more saxophone flourishing in the mix. Thematically, the song captures the restless energy of modern love, making it one of the most accessible tracks for new listeners.
By giving each track its own identity, This Just In demonstrates Michael James’s versatility as a songwriter and performer. From soulful tributes to playful pop, the album balances accessibility with experimentation, which not only entertains but also establishes James as a budding artist to watch here in the Philadelphia area.
Listen to 'This Just In' by Michael James on Spotify
