Chicago native and R&B/Soul artist Brandon James is a rising star who’s setting his sights on making an impact in the industry. Ellena Rodriguez in Pursuit of Dopeness described him as an “artist to watch in 2017.” Brandon recently released his first his music video for the song “Love Rising,” from his “The Divine Collection,” E.P. He is currently in the studio working on his next album, scheduled for release in the spring of 2018.

He states that he “started doing music as an outlet for depression in Elementary School.” Not realizing his full potential at the time he also states that he “first realized his full potential and passion for singing at the age of 12, after being pushed to become involved in various music-related school projects to keep him out of trouble.” After high school, he challenged himself to become better at his craft, including taking voice lessons from Bobby Wilsyn one of the best Chicago Jazz musicians as well as Ars Musica, and Classical singer Andrew Schultze. Seeking to learn music at all levels he attended Columbia College of Chicago where he earned a degree in Music Performance & Music Business in 2009. The same year he got the chance to perform with legendary band Earth, Wind and Fire. Mastering his craft with regional performances and independent releases, Brandon began working with publicity company and indie label distributor EPR in 2015. 

To date, Brandon has released two EP’s the 2016 “The Soul Sessions” distributed by Ditto Music and 2017’s “The Divine Collection.” In the summer of 2017, Brandon performed with Bubba Sparxxx in his hometown of Chicago, wrapping up a successful regional tour and two-year promotional campaign of his released E.P’s.  Brandon James’s primary goal is to share his story and testimony through his music with millions of people all over the world. He seeks to inspire, touch hearts and provoke thought with his music.

Exposed Vocals Score 8.1/10

Review:

When it comes to music in the Great Lakes, no city rocks harder than Chicago. In a town famous for mobsters and deep-dish pizza, one of Chicago’s most vibrant yet often overlooked cultural exports is its thriving underground music scene. Thankfully, we ran into Chris Keplinger, the senior publicist for Entirely PR and he introduced us to this amazing artist Brandon James and this hit single ‘Love Rising’.

Overall, this is an excellent track that shows Brandon James as a quality songwriter both musically and lyrically, with a fine gift for melody and a voice that is both distinctive and easy on the ear. While it’s hard these days for a songwriter to break through, he has everything it takes and I look forward to hearing a whole album from him.

Exclusive Interview

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

 I grew up in Chicago and music has been apart of my life since birth! My grandmother and uncle were professional gospel singers and I had really good music teachers in my life.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

Stay consistent and take your pride and feelings out of your hustle! Keep following up and put on the best show you can every time!

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

Oh all the time!! Lol. Well I just learn to figure it out on the fly whether it be forgetting lyrics or missing a note you just keep it moving and make the rest of the show count!

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

I have toured and I have been in so many small towns where I was the only black person there!! It’s such a weird experience coming from a large city.

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

 I don’t work with the technology part of the studio but I am recording new music now though!

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

 Facebook and Instagram have been really good to me but there’s nothing like promoting your music on the road at a show!

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why? 

I would love to your right now with Bruno Mars and John Legend! That would be such a dope experience!

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

 I have a bug push right now for my new video and single called “Love Rising” which can be heard on my current EP the “Divine Collection”.  I will also be dropping new music in the spring!

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

 I would be a super star salesman which is what my day jobs have consisted of!

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?

New music videos, more shows, and new music!! All starting this spring!

Exposed Vocals: Any Shout-outs?

Shout out to Chris Kiplinger my publicist who’s hell has been amazing and shout out to my band “Soulogy” for all the music we make together!!