Entering Onto International Scene
Online music store CD Baby describes indie kiwi musician James Kahu’s sounds as ‘funk rock’ and says he’s a phenomenal singer and bass player.
James’ debut album through me, is now available on all major online retail stores and is expected to increase this DIY artist’s popularity without any major label backing.
Growing up in Glenfield, New Zealand and playing the bass since he was fifteen, James is well-known in New Zealand for his six-string, fretless, left-handed bass with unique carvings on the body of the bass guitar. It is the only one of its kind in New Zealand and there are only a handful around the world.
After doing his time in the New Zealand military, James took a leap of faith, throwing himself into his own music while working in his covers band, playing corporate functions and doing session recordings.
Through his own promotional efforts both locally and overseas, James has propelled his music onto the airwaves on radio stations in the USA, UK & Europe.
New Zealand artist promoter Gray Bartlett talks of the cross-pollinating of styles that James mixes throughout his debut album.
“James’ music has a distinct feel, based on melody and intensity with funky bass solos and quirky lyrics”, says Bartlett.
“It’s great to see a bass player using strong vocals and getting his own music out there. His sound is hard hitting funky like Dave Matthews with an upbeat feel along the lines of Jack Johnson or Ben Harper”.
James’ debut album, through me, features songs which range from reggae-infused Tequila & Lime (Lounge Mix), pop track Shut Yo Mouth, country style Take A Ride haunting ballad Sleep. James was also lucky enough to record some of his tracks with great producer Billy Chapin, Sound Mind Studios, Daytona Beach, Florida & a few tracks with Hip Hop producer Jonathan Swole Dumas in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. James also includes his first ever written song everything, which incorporates his signature bass jazz styles and was co-produced with help from Auckland’s Beaver Studios back in 2009. With his skilled song-writing and gutsy vocals, James pulls this eclectic mix together into a pleasurable experience which leaves you impressed with his powerful bass renderings.
