I’m James Frost,
a singer-songwriter based in Dartmoor, England.
My music is often compared to artists like Ben Howard, Nick Mulvey, Damien Rice, Mike Scott, Xavier Rudd and Ben Harper... troubadours that play with sensitivity, heart and a collective spirit.
I’ve been honing my craft for many years, touring and travelling; walking the tightrope of the independent artist and following my path. It’s been hugely challenging and deeply joyful, like all the best things in life, and I believe in it passionately.
My songs are a window into my life, surrounded by the deep nature of Dartmoor where I live, and a community of seekers, healers and artists in the South West of England. The songs express my love of nature, my personal healing journey, stories of fellow travellers on the road, and the awakening in consciousness that touches my life and many on this planet.
In 2015, I studied at the British Academy of New Music in London (previous graduates include Ed Sheeran and Rita Ora) and released the ‘Nameless EP’, launching it with a sold-out show at the Servant Jazz Quarters in London and a magical video for the title track.
Upon release, ‘Nameless’ was chosen as one of BBC 6Music’s picks of the week, leading to a session for BBC Introducing and a stunning remix by Russian DJ Loolacoma.
In the following years, I lived simply and surrendered to a life on the road, performing throughout the country in acoustic venues, arts centres, living rooms, protest rallies and around campfires by twilight.
I played concerts with James Yorkston, Martha Tilston, Tiny Ruins and many other folk heroes, alongside summers of festival touring including slots at Secret Garden Party, Glastonbury Festival and Folk East.
With growing support, I launched a crowdfund to fund my debut album ‘All Of Our Hands’, raising over £16,000 through crowdfunding, and additional money from Arts Council England and Help Musicians who believed in the project.
I recorded with a live band and collaborated with musicians all over the world, giving each song a unique treatment and sound.
Guest vocalists on the album include Kyla Jade (American gospel singer, finalist on ‘The Voice’ USA), Carmody (well known London-based vocalist) and gospel choir ‘Soul Of The City’, as part of an international line up of 100 musicians and singers who contributed.
My vision was to not only make an album but also to provide opportunities for listeners to be part of the creative process. As a result, fans and followers were invited to join huge choirs at Real World Studios and Dartington Hall to sing directly onto the album they had pre-ordered. Online audiences also helped create a lyric booklet of paintings, illustrations, collages and children’s art.
The album has been celebrated through listening parties, music videos filmed in the beautiful landscapes of Dartmoor, and live performances with choirs. Tracks have also been played in 5Rhythms and ecstatic dance classes across the world, in places such as New York, London, Moscow, and Malaga, as the music finds its way out into people’s hearts.
I see the creative path as a rite of passage, requiring incredible resilience, courage, and resourcefulness. It has brought many gifts to my life and taken me on an incredible journey, less about fame and money, and more about moments that linger in the soul long after they first were lived. For that, I am so grateful.
To stay connected, please follow me online, and add me to your favourite streaming platforms. I am always happy to hear how the songs move you, your favourite tracks or where in the world you are listening.
Hope to sing with you, one day,
James
REVIEWS
"Absolutely faultless...a beautiful, self penned song featuring the haunting harmonies of Carmody"
- Under The Radar Live Sessions
“One of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard... an artist who has truth running through his veins"
- Luke Hannam, British Academy of New Music
"Listening to a song of yours and it's beautiful"
- Sarah Howells, Bryde
"Nameless EP...highly recommended. Buy it!"
- KLOF Magazine (Folk Radio)
"English folk, crisp picked guitar and a huskily introverted vocal...fans of Harper, Carter, Drake will love it"
- Americana UK Magazine
"A beautiful collection of songs, with diverse instrumentations and a deep-rooted confidence in their performance"
- FATEA Magazine
“A stunning collection of nature-infused songs. A beautiful vibe”
- Tony Livesey, BBC Radio 5 Live
"Wow, I am very impressed"
- Fred Fellowes, Founder, Secret Garden Party Festival