Early James - Singing For My Supper

Singing For My Supper is the debut studio album by American folk and blues musician Early James, released in March 2020 via Easy Eye Sound and Nonesuch Records.

Early James is a folk and blues musician based in Birmingham, Alabama. He attempts to spin what perhaps has not been spun before; a so called “fresh” take on folk, blues, jazz and country with dark, rusty, crooner-esque stylings.

Early James is the latest signing to Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound roster, and releases his debut album, Singing For My Supper, via Easy Eye and Nonesuch Records.

The album spans hard- charging blues, wistful folk, and ages-old pop crooning, anchored by the singer’s voice that oscillates from gravel-gruff shout to a honey-smooth whisper. James’ inspirations run from Fiona Apple and Tom Waits to the Southern gothic poets, as heard in the album’s darker themes and in the wry humour with which he writes about them.

The album includes first single “Blue Pill Blues”. American Songwriter magazine calls Early James an “emerging alt-folk star” and say of the song: “Blue Pill Blues” is a stellar first track and one that showcases the unique — and quick — transitions that James’ vocals can make. He deftly switches from a melodic whisper to a gravely, if not guttural, growl to drive home his all-too-relatable lyrics…”

Dan Auerbach, who decided he needed to produce the singer’s debut album after watching just two seconds of a video of James performing, says: “Some people are good singers, and some people are better than good singers; they just have this great form of expression.”

This album is on standard black vinyl, pressed in Europe via Easy Eye Sound and Nonesuch Records.