English singer-songwriter. GQ Men of The Year winner of Breakthrough Solo Artist. Q Awards winner of Q Best New Act. BRIT Award winner of British Male Solo Artist. Critics' Choice Award. Echo Music Prize winner of Best International Newcomer. Ivor Novello Award winner of Most Performed Work. Only 26 years old.
James Bay.
It was the age of eleven when James Bay was inspired to begin his music career. It was the age of eleven that he listened to Eric Clapton's "Layla" and decided to pick up a guitar. Seven years later Bay moved to study in Brighton where he gained a greater music education from playing the city's open mic nights.
" That taught me a lot about writing and performing on my own and trying to hold my own. I'm trying to make songs that make people feel something, and if I'm lucky, even more them. "
After performing at an open mic in London, a fan uploaded a video onto YouTube that caught the eye of Republic Records A&R that led to him being sign to his first label. The Dark of the Morning was the first EP released on July 18, 2013 and within the year was selling out his first UK headline tour. His second EP titled Let It Go was released the following year on May 12, 2014. The album debuted in the top 10 iTunes album chart and Let It Go, the lead single, peaked number 10 in the UK charts. Also in the year of 2014 Bay toured with Hozier all across the United States.
Along side his popular hit Let It Go, James Bay's Hold Back The River peaked at number 2 in the UK charts and has even been certified platinum. The full album Chaos and the Calm was recorded at Blackbird Studios in Nashville
In 2016 Bay received the award for Best British Male Solo Artists and also performed "Love Yourself" with Justin Bieber at the ceremony. Bay has only been seen in the music industry for three years but is already making his way to the top. For the rest of the year Bay has concerts spanning from Chicago, IL to Uncasville, CT. Check out his website as well as his social medias for ticket information and plans for what's to come next year!
