Young Doncaster musician to release debut album of songs written during lockdown

James Bank is a singer-songwriter from Finningley.

He is getting ready to launch his first album in August 2020.

The 20-year-old said: “I would describe the album as pop-based earworms you would hear on the radio.

“I’m heavily inspired by 80s synth and I want my music to be something fun people can dance to.”

James has sung since a young age and started taking singing lessons at 13.

This led to him moving to London at 18 and attending the British and Irish Music Institue for two years before coming back up north to Doncaster.

He said: “I produced the whole album during the lockdown.

“Having all this time to write was new to me but it was great.

“All of my previous music have been sad songs.

“I lost a friend to suicide and that was reflected in my songs but now I feel like I’m coming out the other side.”

James says that each track took him only half an hour to write and he feels that it is his best music yet.

He said: “It can be hard living in Doncaster and trying to break into the music industry.

“I love living here but the creative industry is small.

“If you’re pursuing music don’t give up.

“Give it your best shot and keep striving for that big break.”

As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community James hopes that if his career takes off that he will be able to become a strong ally.

“As a gay man I want to be an advocate and bring more of myself into my music,” he continued.

“I still sometimes hesitate or hold back because I don’t want to be judged too harshly.”

James is due to play a concert at the 02 Academy in Islington later this year.

He also has a new single titled ‘Nice Guy’ coming out on July 17, which will be on music streaming platforms such as Spotify.

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