SINGLE OF THE WEEK: EARLY JAMES ‘Steely Knives’

EARLY JAMES releases third album, ‘Medium Raw’ via Easy Eye Sound on January 10 2025, with video single ‘Steely Knives’ now available.

‘Medium Raw’ offers intelligent, playful, and occasional fiercely rocking original songs, producing a sound that thrives on a gritty, lived-in, real-world ambiance. But after recording his first two albums at Easy Eye Sound Studios, producer Dan Auerbach felt ‘Medium Raw’ needed to be recorded in a fresh setting.

“I wanted to try to find that power of when I first saw him, when it was just him and his guitar,” said Auerbach. “After working with him a couple of times in the studio, I felt like I wasn’t going to be able to do it in the same kind of way. The comforts and luxuries of the studio, where you’re able to hear everything and make adjustments and changes, wasn’t right for this project. Some of my favorite albums are those ‘Arhoolie’ records produced by Chris Strachwitz, that were recorded in houses, by Fred McDowell, Lightnin’ Hopkins. I felt like we might get better results if we did it in a house.”

And the house in question was ‘Honky Chateau,’ an old Nashville property owned by photographer and artist Buddy Jackson. Over 100 years old, the building has plaster on the walls, plastered ceilings, old wallpaper and big oak floors.

Fresh from opening for Americana legend Charley Crockett, EARLY JAMES plan to undertake a UK tour early 2025.

CONNECT: Early James

(Photo (c) Jim Herrington)