Raised in Sheffield, England, James Harker began his musical career playing bass in his school concert/big bands, while producing his own home-made "prog-pop" albums on the side. Later on, he evolved into an actor, short film soundtrack composer and restaurant piano player.
After university, James decided to make his long-awaited debut album, based loosely on his chaotic experiences at the Edinburgh Festival: "The Red Room". Produced on a micro-budget, with the help of friends, and mastered at London's De Lane Lea Studios, it consists of 12 songs (not to mention bonus tracks in French and German, recorded for essentially no good reason), mixing pop sensibilities with the spirit of prog that infused his early home-made efforts. It is informed by the music of Neil Hannon (Divine Comedy), Antony and the Johnsons, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and more, with subtle flavours from such composers as Hans Zimmer and Arvo Part, and tells the story of a young man treading his way through the complex emotional terrain of a break-up, in an environment way out of his comfort zone.
Now 25 and living in London, James is writing for his next album, as well as composing for short films, drawing on influences ranging from Nick Drake to Stravinsky.
"Delicate, soaring pop" - panel of music journalists, including NME and Rolling Stone, 2006
"A talented artist" - ArtistProList.com, 2012
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