British multi-instrumentalist, producer and singer-songwriter James Berkeley just released his new single “Giving Me Love.”
Berkeley – best known as the former frontman of UK neo-soul outfit Yakul – steps confidently into solo territory with his debut album Lost Boy, Golden Hour.
Blending elements of soul, jazz, dream pop, indie and electronica, Berkeley crafts a sound that’s distinct yet familiar – think Thundercat meets Japanese Breakfast with shades of Washed Out.
“My new single ‘Giving Me Love’ is a reminder that even at your lowest, the people closest to you can still see your best self. And through them you can rediscover it for yourself.” – James Berkeley
The album was sparked by an impulsive moment at the end of summer 2024. “Fuck it, I’m writing an album and I’m doing it now,” James told his modest following on Instagram. Since then, he’s grown his audience tenfold, amassed over 30,000 followers, and fully completed an album entirely written, produced, performed and mixed by himself.
No stranger to the UK jazz, R&B and soul circuits, James made his mark with Yakul, from selling out Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club three times to collaborating with Mereba and co-writing with Incognito on Tomorrow’s New Dream. He’s also toured internationally with Incognito, playing residencies at Blue Note Tokyo and Blue Note Milan.
Outside the spotlight, he’s been quietly prolific: releasing two EPs as a solo artist and collaborating with long-time creative partner edbl, including their 2022 joint EP which has since racked up over 2 million streams. He’s also supported acts like Cosmo Pyke and continues to build a reputation for both his studio prowess and magnetic live energy.
With a signature falsetto, jazz-inflected piano voicings and a passion for analog synth textures, James Berkeley is a genre-defiant artist with something to say. Lost Boy, Golden Hour is more than a debut – it’s a declaration of creative freedom.
