About Adam

Adam James is a recording artist who defies easy categorisation, standing out in the music industry with his vast and versatile talent. Integrating his indigenous heritage, country origins, and a deep love for blues, James has crafted a sound that is distinctly his own.

Renowned in Australia for his notable debut in the country music scene, James has expanded his repertoire to embrace blues and jazz. 

His third studio album marks a significant evolution, showcasing him as a sophisticated storyteller and an indigenous artist with few peers. 

A singer, songwriter, and dynamic live performer, James has earned acclaim on both large festival stages and in intimate venues, captivating audiences with his melodious voice and effortless charm.

James’s musical journey began in Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and rural New South Wales and Queensland, eventually leading him to prestigious award stages and the esteemed blues scene in Nashville. Themes of truth and storytelling are central to his work, and his live performances offer a powerful connection with his audience, revealing an artist deeply committed to his own authenticity.

In 2023, James was awarded a significant Arts QLD First Nations Commissioning Fund grant to reimagine a national jazz-themed ‘Great First Nations Songbook.’ This project has solidified his transition into a new musical realm, providing a perfect platform for his exceptional voice to shine.

James’s first studio album, “Messages and Memories” (2007), paid homage to the Australian country sound and the landscapes of his northern NSW upbringing. Success followed with “The Country Singer” (2008) and “Children of the Sunrise” (2012), leading to performances at major festivals such as Woodford Folk Festival, The Dreaming Festival, and Tamworth Country Music Festival. In 2015, he was recognized as TSA’s best Alt-Country-Blues artist.

With his third studio album, “Russian Blue,” James embraced his blues influences, recording in Nashville’s The Sound Emporium with longtime producer Stuie French and a talented backing band. The album blends James’s sincere storytelling with a deeper, soul-inspired sound, exploring profound human experiences and truths. 

As a man of Quandamooka Country heritage, James maintains a strong connection to the Australian community. He serves as a Board Director for the non-profit charity Uncle Jimmy Thumbs Up, which promotes good nutrition and positive life choices through music. James also holds First Nations board memberships with BlakDance and Sobah Beverages, furthering his commitment to his culture and community.