Mike James (pop/rock)

Mike James

A new sound for a new age is alive in "Sociocosmetology"



Mike James, a fresh talent from Connecticut, has released his debut album "Sociocosmetology." Whether he's singing a rock song or a dance track, Mike James brings an innovative style to music.

The 20-year-old is already a seasoned performer - acting, singing and modeling since he was 11. He began his career on television and in videos. He also performed in a Christian music group. He went on to model in Manhattan.

Soon after, James took a new path toward becoming a singer/songwriter. He performed original songs at night clubs, coffee shops, colleges and festivals, including numerous gay pride events and equal rights rallies, appearing before audiences of thousands. He has taken top male vocalist awards at national talent competitions. He worked as a session vocalist for years. He played many benefit concerts, receiving a community service award for soing Boys and Girls Club benefits. He also performed in the New England Carousel Museum benefit concert. And when he was offered a solo in a Broadway production, he declined, dropping the "boy-next-door" image to persue his love for rock music.

He is also well-known among radio listeners. "Take Me Whole," the first song on the CD, has been played on college and major market stations in New York and Connecticut. The soulful, raw edge of James' voice is captured in this first release. Tori Amos' "Flying Dutchman" is taken to a new level with James' rich voice. For James, giving this song passion is easy, as Amos is one of his inspirations, as are Freddie Mercury, Janis Joplin, and others.

A firm believer in artistic freedom, James started his own label, RedSiren Records. This has given him the chance to showcase his range of musical influences and styles. In "Seventeen," James creates a rhthym that fuses mainstream alternative with a classic rock sound. HIs lyrics reach out to young listeners, addressing the hard choices and confusing emotions that come with adolescence.

In Gray Wardell's "Twisted," James, with jazz pianist Jason Castonguay, lends some jazz styleto th album and proves he an belt out this classic just as well as his rock songs. A cover of "I Think We're Alone Now" closes the album, and James shows his versatility yet again.

The album is produced by Mike James and progressive rock vetran Scott Sebastion. James also takes the role of piano man, joined by several solid artists, including Ken Cormier on guitar, Matt O'Reilly on bass, and drummer Megan Gilbert. "Sociocosmetology" is being distributed at music and book stores nationwide and on the Internet.

Each song is different. Each is unique. In an age when one song on the radio sounds much like the one before, and many bands sound like those who preceeded them, James' style is a revolutionary change.