Born on the south side of Chicago in 1986, singer, songwriter and multi instrumentalist, Shawn James had a kind, hardworking Mother and a gambling, drunk and often abusive Father. His conflicted home life can still be heard in his music which can be full of contrasts -- dark and light, anger and joy, earthy and airborne – while remaining gritty and real. Singing in church growing up, he was drawn to the emotional, ethereal power of music and its ability to affect people. It was there that he found his escape and learned how to harness his unique, soulful voice.

After playing in bands since the age of sixteen, Shawn moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas in January 2012. Attracted to the beauty of the natural state and even more impressed by Fayetteville’s diverse and thriving music scene, he began performing every chance he got. The singer, songwriter – who also plays guitar, piano and numerous other instruments -- literally turned himself into a one man band. Regardless of where he was playing -- on the street, in a bar or at a house party – Shawn’s intensity, inimitable voice and hard-driving folk/soul/blues hybrid made for a performance you wouldn’t soon forget.