James TW

Early life

James was born in England, the son of Sarah Taylor-Watts and Richard Taylor-Watts. He was named after James Taylor, one of his parents’ favourite musicians. He attended Warwick School, the oldest private boys school in England.

James' father, who plays guitar in a wedding band as a hobby, once found young James banging on the drum kit at home. Shortly thereafter, the band's drummer wasn't able to make it to a gig. So the band had a decision to make: either let 10 year-old James play or cancel the gig. James played that evening and has been performing on a regular basis ever since. He picked up guitar at 12 years old and started playing piano the following year.

In 2010, James started his YouTube channel at 12 years old.

Career

In 2014, James self-released an EP titled Just A Number which rose to number 6 on the iTunes Singer/Songwriter chart. In early 2015, Shawn Mendes, an artist discovered on social media, found James on YouTube and praised him on Twitter. Mendes’ label, Island Records, then noticed James and he signed with them shortly thereafter. On 19 February 2016 James released a music video for his first single, "When You Love Someone", through Universal Music. The song reached over 60 million Spotify streams and peaked at #28 on Billboard's Adult Pop Songs chart.

On 15 April 2016 James released his debut EP titled First Impressions, featuring 5 original songs as well as a cover of Torn by Natalie Imbruglia, which earned 17 million Spotify streams and peaked at 15 on the Spotify Viral 50 chart.

James was the sole opening act on the sold out Shawn Mendes World Tour.

On 23 January 2017 James TW performed "When You Love Someone" on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

James released a new single "Ex" on 17 February 2017 while premiering the video via Billboard on the same day.

Artistry

James named Bill Withers and B.B. King as inspirations as well as John Mayer and Ed Sheeran as more current musical influences.

Discography

Extended plays