'I'm Happiest on Stage': Introducing Jazz-Pop Star of the Future Reuben James
Tuesday, 04 February 2020
Written by Milly McMahon
“I’m happiest on stage. When I'm performing that’s the only place that I truly feel like I belong. That feels most like home.”
The profoundly talented pianist and vocalist Reuben James has been skirting fame for some time, working as a hired gun and songwriting foil for some big names.
Having written, played and toured with Sam Smith, from the early days through to credits on his second LP ‘The Thrill of it All’, he has also spent time collaborating with influential contemporaries including Col3trane, Tom Misch, Poppy Adujah, Tori Kelly, Disclosure, Roy Ayers, Honne, Empire Of The Sun and Bruno Major.
James originally honed his skills at the Birmingham Conservatoire and Londn's Trinity College. He’s now involved in jazz circles from L.A. to London and closer to home in the midlands, having worked with the Birmingham Symphony Hall in the past, and he is dedicated to forging his own skills and facilitating creativity for others.
With last summer's ‘Adore’ EP in the rear view mirror and a return to his old stomping ground at Ronnie Scott’s in London coming up on February 7, we caught up with James to discuss his past, present and future.
I read that your earliest memory of making music was sitting on your sister’s lap while she played the piano.
She sang and played violin and piano, and she inspired me. She didn't teach me, I had a teacher and then stopped getting lessons. I'm self-taught, and I like learning by ear because I struggle to read music. I just taught myself.
Creatively, how does day to day life pan out? Do you have to work to a structured pattern or do you have as much freedom as you need?
I am all over the place! It's all mental. Sometimes I might read a poem, other days I might be at the piano or I might go on a walk. I'm always doing gigs and working with artists. There's always something going on in my head, so every day is different.
How did you come to work with Sam Smith?
I was a regular at Ronnie Scott's at the time and I was doing a lot of different shows with different artists. I think I just managed to get a name for myself on the scene. His people called me up. We recorded Lay Me Down and Latch, then that was just it. Then Oscars, Grammys, touring the world three times, it all happened overnight.
They reached out to me and said they liked my vibe. I think everything in life comes for the right reason, and there are stepping stones that I have always aimed for. I have always wanted to play for a prominent artist and to be a big artist. I am just moving through the stages of my musical career.
How has being aligned with such huge artists changed your attitude towards your own career?
I've seen all their careers and it’s very inspiring for me. It shows me how working hard always pays off. Sam and his team are the hardest working in show business. That gives me a kick up the arse.
How do you protect yourself from burnout when you are working hard?
I do yoga and calisthenics, I hang out with my friends, I travel to San Diego and chill out with my girlfriend, and I go home to Birmingham and eat some of my mum's fried chicken and see my nan. I've got a cool friendship group in London, sick crew. I don't let it all get to me. If I want to make music, I make music. lf I want to cancel, I allow myself to do that too. I go to the sauna and stretch and meditate. I don't accept pressure and I take every day as it comes. I'll get an album out and it'll blow up. That’s the plan.
How long was the ‘Adore’ EP in production?
I think it was for about a year. I was touring with Sam Smith, writing at the time. When I had a spare afternoon to myself, I'd just come up with something. The month before I just sat down and finished everything properly. My manager told me it was time to pull my finger out.
Have you always been clear about the kind of music you want to put out, or has it taken to this point in your career for you to understand how best to represent yourself creatively?
It's a process. I was in a band making pop/dance music. I went through a whole period of writing straight up pop music and then jazz music. I just kept putting myself into a different headspace. Now I feel like I have properly found my sound, which is a mixture of everything I like: jazz, R&B, soul. So instead of doing one thing I am trying to make it all up into one vibe.
Is there a grand plan for future releases?
In my head, I want to keep writing amazing music and upping the levels, to reach as many people as possible. If that means a few more EPs and then an album, great. I don't have a specific plan for the structure. I'm sure my team have that figured out but I am just focusing on making music right now. Then, hopefully, people can get a chance to listen.
What size venues do you prefer to play?
The smaller, the better. I love intimate shows and feeling the audience super close. That's my original background, super close. I've done it all and played arenas, but if I had a preference, it would be intimate and small.
Reuben James plays Ronnie Scott's in London on February 7.
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