James With The Drip – Back Around

James With The Drip is a multi-instrumentalist songwriter and producer from Northwest Indiana. A classically trained musician, he holds degrees in both Music and Computer Science from Saint Joseph’s College located in Rensselaer, Indiana. While attending college he split his free time between performances with five different Classical groups and bass gigs in several different Rock & Roll bands.

His musical interests are broad and James regularly works in Pop, Hip-hop, R&B and Funk. As a producer he has created music for artists of multiple genres. His skills range far beyond beat making though. With years of training in both music and technology he is able to create complex musical arrangements and melodic structures. He was even a finalist in the BMI John Lennon Songwriting contest.

“Back Around” is the debut solo album from James With The Drip, released worldwide to all major streaming services on January 8, 2021. The 12 song collection explores the various shades of modern music as interpreted through James’ unique vision, deep musical knowledge and a healthy collection of analog synths. Employing the assistance of both female and male singers, on each track he sets a theme with soulful vocals and minimal lyrics, and then explores that theme through cool retro electronic instrumentation and musical arrangements that are complex yet catchy and accessible.

James’ instrumental choices give the record a real synthwave vibe. However, within that 80’s framework he branches out into multiple genres and leans into the present and future at every turn. Tracks like “Fire is Burning” and “Good Love” combine modern Hip-hop and Trap rhythms with Pop melodies. He pairs Lo-fi Hip-hop beats with a rich mix of EDM sounds and swirling arpeggios on tracks like “If You Never Try.” Elsewhere, on tracks like “Oh My” the sound lives solidly in the dance world while “Best I ever Had” has strong synthwave vibes.

Throughout the record James With The Drip approaches these varying styles and themes with a fun and adventurous mindset. Some of the best moments come when he is most experimental. Songs like “World Spin” and “It’s Ok” incorporate wildly creative mixing techniques and disparate elements of multiple genres, World music and even 8-bit arcade sounds. Across the board these tracks are paired with skilled and soulful vocal performances. “Be Your Man” is a fun diversion in which James With The Drip takes to the mic himself for a sort of Grunge/Country/Rap.

Although these tracks stand solidly on their own, as a working music producer the artist is clearly open to collaborate. Pop, R&B, EDM and Hip-hop artists could all find a rich assortment of beats with which to work. Check out the record, below. You can also hear the song “Oh My” on the Deep Indie Dance playlist. Follow the links below to connect with James With The Drip. Get at him for collabs and follow his socials to get in the loop on all of the current and future projects from this talented composer and producer.