Coby James

Although he’s still a new artist, James has already notched a No. 1 song on Billboard’s Christian Hot AC/CHR chart as a contributing writer on Courtnie Ramirez’s track, “Who We Are.” Moreover, he’s also scored a Top 5 hit on the same chart with “Born Ready,” a song on which he serves as the lead artist, co-writer and co-producer. James is no doubt a triple threat. The North Carolina native’s rare talent is set to be further showcased throughout 2021 across a trio of mixtapes, each possessing its own distinct sound. With the first EP, James will unveil a set of pop jams. Additional releases will shine a spotlight on his acoustic sensibilities, rooted in his masterful guitar skills; as well as his more artsy, experimental side—the side that isn’t afraid to tinker in the studio.

The oldest of three siblings, James wrote his first song at age 7; but he became obsessed with songwriting when he turned 15. An avid student of John Mayer, the burgeoning guitarist studied Mayer’s Room for Squares, attempting to emulate every chord and sonic embellishment. While he loves a good lyric, he’s equally at home with an extended jam session and admits to being completely enamored with every part of the production process.

“Sound is, in a way, like a science. It’s just so much fun to shape and mold and make something that sounds unique,” James says. “The way it’s all put together, the way the pieces fit—that is something that’s just so beautiful. I love how it all comes together. That’s the most exciting part for me.”

At first listen, his music immediately draws you in because it’s hard to peg. It doesn’t sound like anything else, yet at the same time, it’s vaguely familiar. “Music’s a sweet melting pot,” James offers. “I’ve always been a big believer that the only way to grow is to learn from other people. I love collaboration. I think everybody brings different things to the table. I’m inspired by other artists, and hopefully one day, I can inspire somebody else.”

His appreciation for pop music runs deep with a sound that melds a clear mix of beats directly influenced by current chart-toppers with his own experimental edge evident in even the finest sonic details of his songs. “Golden” incorporates the uplifting vibes of the Jonas Brothers and Julia Michaels, while pop smash “Simple” blends elements of Alec Benjamin and Justin Bieber. Meanwhile, “New Roots” is reminiscent of Coldplay, and “Castles” rides the resurgent ’80s wave made popular by artists like The Weeknd and Dua Lipa.

While his production prowess behind the board shines, the astute listener will wisely take a deep dive into his lyrics. “I’m a storyteller,” says James. “I want to tell my story; I want to tell other people’s stories, and it’s always going to come from a Christian perspective.”

It’s a perspective he gleaned growing up in church in his small hometown outside of Raleigh, where he eventually began leading worship. It’s also a point of view he derived from listening to Christian music as a kid, who was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age. As a child, he additionally battled Lyme disease, as well as half a dozen other illnesses that accompanied Lyme. Treatment included large doses of antibiotics and up to ten hours a day receiving IVs. “That’s one reason why I want to be in Christian music, because I definitely feel like I have a lot to say when it comes to trials and tribulations,” James offers. “I feel like I’ve definitely been through the wringer in a way, but God used those things that I went through to give me something to talk about and a layer of depth that I can dig into when I’m writing.

“I think it’s helped me in ways I could never imagine,” he continues. “I thank God for the fact that I went through those things. In the moment, I didn’t quite know why, but I now think it’s because it gave me something to say.”