American blues-soul vocal powerhouse, Shawn James will make his Australian live debut this spring.
The singer-songwriter – whose 2012 song 'Through The Valley' was covered by Ashley Johnson (who voices Ellie in the video games) in the 2016 trailer for 'The Last of Us Part II' video game – will headline concerts in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne this October."We are coming over for the first time ever this October! To say that were excited would be a monumental understatement."
The song re-emerged last month, when Johnson's version featured in episode two of HBO's TV adaptation of the game, 'The Last of Us'. The Portland-based, Chicago-native has had his music also featured on 'Yukon Men', 'Reckless' and 'Shameless'.
Shawn has also released a number of well-received covers including 'Ain't No Sunshine' (Bill Withers), 'Burn The Witch' (Radiohead), and 'That's Life (Frank Sinatra), alongside his own originals like 'The Thief And The Moon', 'Flow' and 'The Curse Of The Fold'.
"Hey there, this is Shawn James. I've had way too many writers think they could sum me up and relay what I'm about from an hour-long conversation so they could write my 'bio' but I've had it. Screw that. I'll tell it in my own words.
"I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. I grew up on the south side of the city where I attended a gospel church. I was always around a lot of heartfelt, soulful music and hardworking, real, down to earth people. Although I no longer abide by any religion, I value the times I had and how they shaped me to be what I am now.
"I've moved around quite a bit living in all different parts of the US. While absorbing all sorts of different cultures from here and around the world, I've developed my own sound.
"I started releasing my own music in 2012 and haven't stopped since. I play a wide range of music from folk to blues, R&B, gospel to rock, metal and a lotta things in between.
"The main constant amongst all the genres would be that it's all done with emotion, feeling, heart and a lotta soul. I mean what I say and deeply feel what I play.
"I play covers of songs I dig sometimes and although some people may only know me because of those, I'm hardly just a cover artist.
"If you come see me play live and expect just one style or aspect of what I do, you may be disappointed to learn that our shows are a roller coaster of emotions, musical styles, intensity and energy. "I get bored easily and love to mix things up. Be ready and bring your ear plugs just in case.
"I've always been the underdog so to speak since I've never had the backing of a large record label, big marketing firm or massive PR company and I truly like it that way.
"I feel as though I've earned what I have through hard work, determination, a good bit of luck and the great relationships with people I've made along the way. I've learned a lot of lessons the hard way being in this 'music business industry' and that's alright by me.
"I've seen that with your support (the listeners out there) I can make my wildest dreams come true. If you want to listen to an artist that's authentic, genuine and original then you've come to the right place.
"I hope you enjoy the music and will join me on this journey that I'm so extremely grateful to be on. Thank you all so very much. Love, Shawn James."
Tickets on sale from 12pm (local time) on 30 May.
Shawn James 2025 Tour Dates
Wed 8 Oct - The Brightside (Brisbane)Thu 9 Oct - Mary's Underground (Sydney)
Fri 10 Oct - Northcote Social Club (Melbourne)
