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NATE JAMES - FUNKDEFINING EP
Funkdefining (Johnny Douglas Edit) / Stupid Things / Nervous Expectations / Funkdefining (Original Mix) / Stupid Things (With Rap) / Funkdefining (Johnny Douglas Extended)
FROFUNK
Smooth is probably the best way to describe FUNKDEFINING, the new EP from RnB star Nate James. Soothing in a coma inducing kind of way, Nate James follows up his debut album SET THE TONE with the FUNKDEFINING EP; setting his sites on some more of that tasty mainstream chart action. Slick and soulful this maybe, but if you're looking for anything more than bland coffee table RnB you'd be advised to steer clear.
Nate James delivers his vocals in that smooth Alexander O Neal or Craig David manner, all manner of vocal gymnastics and quivering high notes failing to disguise the fact that this could be the work of any number of faceless RnB vocalists doing the rounds lately. Polished and slick to the point of exhaustion, FUNKDEFINING is about as safe and reliable a modern RnB record as you're ever likely to hear - no surprises or left turns here, just the usual combination of bland beats and melodies you'll have forgotten by the time the CD comes to its end. Backed by the equally slick sounding likes of STUPID THINGS and NERVOUS EXPECTATIONS, Nate James delivers his smooth soul with similarly predictable results; only the late breaking JOHNNY DOUGLAS EXTENDED MIX of FUNKDEFINING providing any real interest here.
Polished and predictable, at a stretch even soulful and smooth, FUNKDEFINING is an EP that just never excites or thrills, Nate James may be a talented performer and vocalist, but unfortunately with FUNKDEFINING you'll be too bored to really care.
BIOGRAPHY
Nate James returns with the FUNKDEFINING EP, released through his own label, Frofunk, on January 29. This is the first new material since 2005's debut album SET THE TONE, which has reached sales of over 100,000 internationally.
With sessions only just starting on the sophomore album, the FUNKDEFINING, release should whet the appetite of fans everywhere, with 5 tracks exclusive to this EP. The title track was written in the summer with Mark Hill and drops Nate's effortless vocals over strutting 80s funk: "I wanted to make a party record inspired by records like PYT, Fast Love or All Night Long, it's just about having fun on the dancefloor." Next up is STUPID THINGS, driven by a stripped back bass-line and low-slung R'n'B stylings. "It was written as a past relationship of mine was breaking down. It's when you get to the point where you're just tired of all the rowing." NERVOUS EXPECTATIONS is an ode to first date scenarios, layering smooth clicks across understated vocals. "You're walking to meet someone for the first time, your stomach is jumping and you know this could be the start of something big," smiles Nate. SEE YOU ROUND is a lush soul ballad recorded with the Liverpool Session Orchestra and BE THE ONE was co-wrote with Rob Davis, better known for his no. 1 hits with Kylie and Spiller's Groovejet.
Tracks from the EP were previewed at Nate's sell-out three night residency at the Jazz Cafe in September. "I hadn't performed in the UK since the start of the year and it was just great to get back to a London audience," says Nate. "The crowd were electric, and it's so inspiring when you see people react to new material."
Nate spent most of his summer touring Europe and the Far East: "I've toured across Poland, Italy and Portugal, although contrary to popular belief, it's not all glamour and parties," he sighs. "Most nights you just want to fall into bed, but we managed to fit in the odd party session." Nate was then nominated for a flurry of awards including his third MOBO, this year for Best UK Male and the BT Digital Awards Best Urban Artist. He also beat off competition from Lily Allen and The Kooks to win Best International Artist at Italy's prestigious FestivalBar Awards.
"It's great," says Nate. "I set Frofunk up last year and the past 12 months couldn't have been better. I can make the music I want to, without any compromises and my sound is really evolving."
The EP will delight his fans and cement his reputation as one of the most talented, motivated and unique independent artists in the UK today.
LINE UP
Nate James
DISCOGRAPHY
FUNKDEFINING EP (Frofunk>2007)
Funkdefining (Johnny Douglas Edit)
Stupid Things
Nervous Expectations
Funkdefining (Original Mix)
Stupid Things (With Rap)
Funkdefining (Johnny Douglas Extended)
LINKS
Nate James>www.natejames.com
Review date: January 2007 |
