(James Berkeley/ Image Credit: Jack Morgan)
British multi-instrumentalist, producer, and singer-songwriter James Berkeley – best known as the former frontman of UK neo-soul outfit Yakul – confidently steps into solo territory with his debut album Lost Boy, Golden Hour and the record’s heartfelt lead single ‘Giving Me Love’, out now.
Blending elements of soul, jazz, dream pop, indie, and electronica, Berkeley crafts a sound that’s distinct yet familiar – think Thundercat meets Japanese Breakfast with shades of Washed Out.
No stranger to the UK jazz, R&B, and soul circuits, James makes his mark with Yakul, from selling out Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club three times to collaborating with Mereba and co-writing with Incognito on Tomorrow’s New Dream. He also tours internationally with Incognito, playing residencies at Blue Note Tokyo and Blue Note Milan.
Outside the spotlight, he remains quietly prolific: releasing two EPs as a solo artist and collaborating with long-time creative partner edbl, including their 2022 joint EP, which has racked up over 2 million streams. He also supports acts like Cosmo Pyke and continues to build a reputation for both his studio prowess and magnetic live energy.
With a signature falsetto, jazz-inflected piano voicings, and a passion for analog synth textures, James Berkeley is a genre-defiant artist with something to say. Lost Boy, Golden Hour is more than a debut – it’s a declaration of creative freedom.
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