Ethan James - Water Signs (EP) + 10 Questions

Born in 2000 and growing up in the UK town of Watford, singer and songwriter Ethan James found a passion for singing in his youth. Turning this childhood passion into a career has seen James channelling his creative prowess into a personal project that now takes the form of his debut EP Water Signs, released via NYC label DOLO.

With an audacious mix of the alternative and R&B, James brings a fresh, bold energy to the scene. Influenced by Tyler, The Creator, Giveon and many more 90s R&B artists, Water Signs (produced entirely by Ava Zarate) sees a collection of tracks doused in personal experience and hypnotic sonics. Layering harmonised vibes over nu-soul and funk beats, the EP oozes hazy guitar lines and bold production.

On lead single "Babyfever", James draws on the expertise of Martha B and producer Ava Zarate to create a soulful track laced with elegance. With feel good melodies and cushioned beats, the track is a peaceful elixir of sultry tones. With the dreamy production on "Since Day" and the effortlessly soothing breakup track "Smoke & Mirrors", James' lo-fi talents produce a tapestry of intricately woven sounds. Closing the EP with the piano-led "All Things Go", the single is a reflection of dealing with emotions. A hard-hitting, turbo-charged experimentation of honesty positioned in front of an alluring backdrop.

"Water Signs has been an exploration of what's on the inside of me, I tried to get some things off my chest with this project. I tried to be more open about how I feel," he explains. "Essentially, Water Signs came at a time where I had gone through a breakup after healing from a breakup and I'm just happy to have it out. There's songs on the project like Babyfever which capture the essence of young love and how reckless it can be with no direction. Then there's songs like All Things Go which show the more ugly side of dealing with those feelings."

Believing that music would take him further than academia ever would, James followed his voice into the world of music and has since seen support from the likes of Complex, Mixtape Madness and Wordplay Magazine. With tracks added to Spotify's Fresh Finds playlists as well as performing across intimate London venues, Ethan James is a name ready to be broadcast loudly to the world. With the promise to defy genre limitations, Water Signs blurs the boundaries of categorisation and maintains a fluidity that explores the magic of hybridity.

Ethan sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

I’ve grown up in a pretty musical family, I’ve always been in choirs as a kid or doing local musicals and that love has followed me all through my life up till now.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I’d say I’m influenced by the likes of Giveon and Tyler, The Creator. I like A2 and would be interested in working with him in the future.

3.  What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

I cannot speak on my next project at this moment.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I’d describe my sound as either neo soul / neo punk / neo hip hop.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

My proudest moment is just being able to see my ideas go from scratch to a form where it’s recognised and appreciated. it’s pretty cool, I hope they reach as many people as possible.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music? 

Be you and as authentic as you can be.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

Mister Green is doing great, Tendai and skaiwater.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Steve Lacy’s Gemini Rights, Kojey Radicals Reason To Smile and probably Knucks ALPHA PLACE. Been listening to those projects a lot recently.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

When I’m not making music I’m usually with my boys, they run a clothing brand called Corvidae that I’ve been with for a few years. We all have fun hosting events, doing product shoots and coming up with new ideas.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

If I’m in the studio you’ll usually find me with a magnum, a packet of sour patch kids and my headphones.