James Vickery announces UK headline tour dates and a brand new studio album

After two months of activity that has firmly put him on the map, standout South-London R&B artist James Vickery today announces his brand new studio album JAMES. - to be released September 12th on Red Bull Records.

And with that, also comes a brand new single ‘Right Side’, where we hear, quite literally, a different side of Vickery - a bold slice of groove-laden pop with a hidden meaning. “I love the idea of something being disguised as a love song, so this was inspired by the fact that I always have to be on the left side of someone due to my deafness,” he explains. Listen here, and watch the official video, shot in LA, directed by Cully Wright, and featuring an excerpt of sound at the beginning that mimics the way James hears the world through his impairment, here.

‘Right Side’ follows James’s recent stunning comeback singles ‘Butter’ & ‘Hotel Lobby’, that have received praise across the board with support from BBC Radio 1, BBC 1Xtra, KISS, The Independent & more. James was recently part of Crystal Palace’s sensational FA Cup build up and victory celebrations as he performed a memorable performance of their club anthem ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ for fans at Wembley’s Box Park before the game, and also sat down with BBC London TV for an interview HERE.

Joining forces with longtime collaborator JD Reid (Mahalia, Mabel, Sinead Harnett), producer Larrance Dopson (Kendrick Lamar, Ella Mai, Justin Timberlake) and Grammy-nominated LA songwriter/composer Jonah Christian (Beyonce, Normani, Tems), his stunning new album is a remarkably assured statement – one that introduces a whole new sound to his audience.

“JAMES. is an album that I always wanted to make but I never knew how to”, says Vickery. “This is the first time in my life I’ve made music with no restrictions or felt the pressure to please anyone. In this album you will find everything from emotional heart-wrenching ballads to upbeat funk-driven summery bangers. I feel like this album captures every essence that makes up the different components of myself. It’s the most true, raw and authentic reflection of me, James.”

James is completely deaf in one ear due to a life-threatening cholesteatoma diagnosed at the age of eight. A vocal coach, initially brought in to help him with his speech, soon discovered his astonishing singing ability. His documentary Louder offered a candid glimpse into his experiences, shedding light on his identity and heritage as the son of a Welsh father and South African mother. “Something I realised a while ago was that a lot of people didn’t necessarily understand where the music comes from,” Vickery shares. “I had a story that I was always a little bit ashamed of, which is sad in a way, but there was never much representation for people with my condition in the music industry.”

Vickery has a rare gift for transforming deeply personal experiences into universally resonant music. His sense of resilience and catharsis is especially clear in songs like ‘Fall In Your Arms’, a poignant ballad underscored by somber piano chords, where he pleads for just a moment more of closeness. These raw emotions come full circle in ‘Hotel Lobby’, symbolising the sweeping arc of his journey. Unafraid to explore new sonic territory, Vickery steps confidently outside his comfort zone on ‘Higher’, a buoyant, Eighties-inspired anthem where shimmering synths and a soaring chorus showcase his vocal range and optimism.

Together, these tracks form the core of an album Vickery calls his most authentic yet, blending classic R&B, Seventies funk, soul, and the pop sounds of the late Nineties and early 2000s that shaped him. That organic energy is palpable throughout - a bold, emotionally rich statement from an artist fully embracing who he is.

James also announces extensive live plans for the year with North American, European and UK tours planned throughout October, November & December - tickets here.

James has built an impressive career to date. His breakthrough COLORS SHOW has racked up nearly 40 million views, and collaborations with Kojey Radical, Musiq Soulchild, Kenny Beats, EARTHGANG & SG Lewis, as well as support from BBC Radio 1, BBC 1Xtra, The Fader, Clash & Complex, has cemented his reputation as a standout voice in UK R&B. Once driven by a need for acceptance, James has now embraced his truth.

“I don’t want to be a sad story,” Vickery affirms. “I’m very proud of going through what I have and coming out the other side.”

US, EU & UK HEADLINE TOUR DATES

October

12 - Seattle, WA (Mama Lou’s)

14 - San Fran, CA (The Independent)

15 - Los Angeles, CA (El Rey)

19 - Dallas, TX (Deep Ellum)

21 - Atlanta, GA (Masquerade)

23 - Washington, DC (Union Stage)

25 - New York, NY (Racket)

26 - Philadelphia, PA (The Foundry)

28 - Chicago, IL (Lincoln Hall)

30 - Toronto, ON (Velvet Underground)

November

25 - Berlin, DE (Kantine)

27 - Vienna, AT (Chelsea)

29 - Cologne, DE (Yuca)

December

2 - Paris, FR (Les Étoiles)

3 - Amsterdam, NL (Paradiso)

5 - Manchester, UK (Deaf Institute)

6 - Bristol, UK (Strange Brew)

12 - London, UK (Earth Theatre)

JAMES. Album Tracklisting

1. Hotel Lobby

2. Butter

3. Like That (ft. BIA)

4. All In

5. Right Side

6. Miss A Thing

7. You & I (Interlude)

8. ILU

9. Better Days

10. Higher

11. Hanging On

12. Fall In Your Arms