Kingdom Falls (Radio Edit) / Kingdom Falls (Go Home Productions Vocal Remix) / Kingdom Falls (Go Home Productions DUB) / Kingdom Falls (Kevin Ford Remix)

FROFUNK

Smooth is probably the best way to describe rising UK RnB star Nate James; back here with the latest single to be lifted from his KINGDOM FALLS album.

KINGDOM FALLS sees James setting his sites on some 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 perhaps be advised to steer clear.  Nate James delivers his vocals in that smooth Alexander O Neal or Craig David style, 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.  KINGDOM FALLS rides along on a low key guitar riff and some tasty atmospherics, James's careering vocal gymnastics unfortunately a little too try hard and showboating to match this musical moodiness.

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.

Soul singer Nate James Set The Tone for a new generation of music stars by showing that you could follow your dreams without compromising your integrity. The fresh-faced funkster from the small town of Woodbridge in Suffolk (UK) has spent the last eighteen months touring with his band, entertaining sell-out crowds around the world including London, Milan, Tokyo & Amsterdam. His debut album was recorded and released on his own Frofunk label and by partnering up with various labels around the world he has enjoyed hits with his catchy singles The Message, Justify Me and Universal. 

He has on numerous occasions been compared favourably with classic soul icons Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder as well more contemporary artists like Maxwell and Jamiroquai. He has one of the most distinctive voices on the radio, so while the comparisons are a massive compliment, Nate is keen to set the benchmarks himself. And there’s no-one else out there in 2007, who can entertain an audience like Nate James. Whether it’s the rarified air of Milan’s Blue Note club or London’s Jazz Café or indeed the stadiums across Europe where Nate has performed as support artist to the likes of Simply Red, Beverley Knight, M People and Musiq Soulchild… standing still or just nodding your head is not an option... you gotta get up and dance and Shake Out!

As his profile has grown so has the demand on his time and Nate rarely has spare time to do normal things but still loves to party with his friends & family and often takes them with him on his numerous trips abroad. His stylish dress sense, engaging personality and funky music has won him friends and accolades around the globe. In Italy he was named best international act at 2007’s prestigious Festivalbar - astonishing considering he was up against the likes of Scissor Sisters, Lily Allen & James Morrison. In the UK he has been recognized for the past two years at the MOBO awards with nominations in Best R&B Artist (2005), Best Newcomer (2005) and Best UK Artist (2006). In October 2006 he performed his song Justify Me accompanied by London’s Philharmonia Orchestra at the Roundhouse in London after being nominated as Best Urban Artist at the BT Digital Music Awards. 

Nate remains as motivated and grounded as ever as he sets out to record his second album due for release in the Spring. He knows how privileged he is to be able to make a living from his music and he supports several charities including working as an ambassador for Shelter, Global Angels and Youth Music.

LINE UP

Nate James

DISCOGRAPHY

SET THE TONE (Frofunk>2006)

Said I'd Show You

Message

Get This Right

Pretend

Universal

Set The Tone

Funky Love - James, Nate & Carmen Reece

Justify Me

I Don't Wanna Fight

I'll Decline - James, Nate & Dawn Robinson

Impossible

Can't Stop

Shake Out

Still On My Own - Sway & Nate James

FUNKDEFINING EP (Frofunk>2007)

Funkdefining (Johnny Douglas Edit)

Stupid Things

Nervous Expectations

Funkdefining (Original Mix)

Stupid Things (With Rap)

Funkdefining (Johnny Douglas Extended)

KINGDOM FALLS (Frofunk>2007)

Outta My Head

You Got It Wrong Introlude

High Times

Ruminate Part 1

Kingdom Falls

Back To You

Choke

Wonderland

Ruminate Part 2

S M F

Thinking 'Bout You feat. Vula

Just Say Yes

LA Dreamin'

T H E R A P Y feat. Emily Friendship

Ruminate Part 3

KINGDOM FALLS (Frofunk>2007)

Kingdom Falls (Radio Edit)

Kingdom Falls (Go Home Productions Vocal Remix)

Kingdom Falls (Go Home Productions DUB)

Kingdom Falls (Kevin Ford Remix)

LINKS

Nate James>www.natejames.com