Live Again

“The fine songwriting and effortless soul vocals of
Melissa James are one of London's best-kept secrets”
– Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music

Debut Album Out Now

Musician Of The Year

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Debut Album Out Now

Musician Of The Year

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, postulant contentiones voluptatibus ut has. Ex alii aliquid vel, id vix saepe sententiae effico.

Biography

Recognised as one of the UK’s most compelling voices, Melissa James transcends traditional blues, weaving a rich tapestry of soulful, folk, gospel, and spiritual influences. Praised by industry veteran Tom Robinson, her artistry is defined not only by a powerful voice but also by profound storytelling and unwavering resilience.

In 2015, she recorded her album Stripped Back, showcasing her raw, naked voice and soulful musicianship—an intimate exploration of emotional struggle through rootsy folk and gospel-infused songs. The following years became a journey of healing, during which Melissa founded SING4SANE, a mental health initiative reflecting her mission to inspire awareness and recovery.

Melissa’s creative evolution intensified through her collaboration with mentor Russell Oliver Stone whose Sounding practice unlocked her vocal potential and helped dismantle personal fears. This transformative mentorship fuelled her artistic confidence, evident in her spontaneous and emotionally charged songwriting.

“James takes all of her musical loves – jazz, blues, soul, folk – and wraps them up into songs that achieve an astonishing array of moods and emotions.” – Jazzwise magazine

In early 2025, Melissa reimagined Live Again—a song born from personal challenge—into an energetic anthem of resilience and renewal, collaborating with acclaimed producer Hannah V and jazz guitarist Femi Temowo. Her dedication to positive change continues with the poignant Kissing the Earth with Your Feet, inspired by the late Buddhist peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh and his teachings of mindful compassion.

Now poised to release her revitalised album Live Again this year, Melissa reunites the original songs from Stripped Back with new recordings, completing a full-circle journey that reflects where she stands today. Her work reveals a profound understanding that music, like life, arrives exactly when it is needed. As she embraces this new chapter, Melissa James emerges as a powerful voice of hope, strength, healing, and artistic authenticity in a landscape driven by conformity and trends.

“Melissa’s vocals are sensitive, soulful and emotional…” – Maverick magazine