James and his band perform during a power outage at Shrewsbury Folk Festival       

Anglo-American and raised in London, James followed his roots back to Nashville in 2015 for a short trip – which ended up becoming a 2-year odyssey. Whilst in Tennessee he met Grammy-winning producer Matthew Odmark, and recorded his debut album “Transatlantica”. 

Since returning to the UK, James has been building towards his the release of his new record, putting out teaser singles, creating cinematic music videos, and through a slew of live shows and festivals including Glastonbury, Wilderness, Shrewsbury Folk & Maverick, slow-burning his way towards national notoriety– and heads have indeed begun turning. The past 18 months have seen James nominated for no fewer than 4 awards – as well as yielding national TV and radio coverage, and international tours on both sides of the Atlantic. 

The start of 2019 marks the threshold of an exciting new chapter for this transatlantic songsmith, and a long-awaited opportunity to share with the world the fruits of a hard-won musical journey – and one that seems ready hit its stride over the next twelve months.

“Absolutely fantastic”

Kev Jones, Bear’s Den/Communion

“Exquisite”

Ear To The Ground Music

“Awesome… like the Allman Brothers meets the Seeger Sessions”

Laura Marling

“We are in awe of the sheer beauty and lyrical capacity”

Wolf In A Suit

“One of my highlights of the year”

Verity Sharp, BBC Radio 3

"There's no one else quite like him out there"

Tshepo Mokwena, UK Editor, Noisey Magazine

“It hooked us on first listen…from the harmonies to the guitar work there’s nothing to not like”

Folk Radio UK

“Riley writes with a deftness often reserved for musicians twice his age” 

Addict Music

“James Riley won’t be one of the best kept secrets on the London folk scene for much longer”

For Folk’s Sake

AWARDS/ACCLAIM:

Coffee Music Project 2018
: 2nd Place
RSD Unsigned: Finalist 2018

Fender Undiscovered Artist of the Year Finalist 2017

Salute Top 100 Music Makers Shortlist 2017
Folk Alliance International Official Showcase Artist 2016
Winner of the Mayor of London: Gigs Competition 2012