02 May Artist Profile: James Or
New to Music Sync Licensing from Ireland
Avant Music Port Catalogue
Style: Rock, Indie Rock, Pop
Key words: Upbeat, Love, Feelgood, Heartfelt, Hopeful, Soaring, Gritty, Driven, Mystery, Desire, Soaring, Desert, Anthemic, 90s, Driving, Passionate, Melancholic, Waltz, Hurt, Rejection, Caring, Building, Heartbreak, Carefree, Youth, Romance
Making a vocal line soar powerfully and effortlessly above catchy melodies all in an indie pop/rock haze, is what Cork man James Or knows how to do exceptionally well. When quoting Elbow, Sinead O’Connorand Damien Dempsey among his favourite artists, it’s no surprise hearing the sense of a vast epic-ness in his instrumental soundscapes (hello Elbow…) and his vocal that packs a serious punch (hey Sineadand Damien…); pretty solid influences. Debut EP Cold Open, released in 2016, is a collection of “heartfelt, tear-jerkingly honest and bittersweet” tracks, which could match a film’s pivotal moment montage perfectly.
Lyrically James Or depicts heartbreaking, difficult times very honestly; a brief romance that finishes leaving you feeling vulnerable (‘The Fear’), trying to turn someone away (‘Don’t get used to me’), and accepting the feelings of uncertainty and fear you have when reflecting (‘Safe and Sound’). Yet there’s hope too in tracks like ‘Cartoon’ with its anthemic final chorus that makes you wish you were swaying in the middle of a crowd at a music festival chanting the lyrics. Recently James has been spotted serenading commuters by a piano in the underground at London’s Tottenham Court Road, so if you’re based in London you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of him on your daily commute.
Contact us at info@avantmusicport.ie for a special playlist.
Clare McGonigle