Born into a family of artists and musicians, attending the Royal College of Music in London and receiving a Scholarship at Berklee College of Music in Boston, James started a professional musical career at 18 years, old playing trumpet on Stronger Than Pride by Sade. He also produces, directs, programs, arranges and composes. Apart from playing and production, James consults to the Labour Party on Music Education, is a signatory to the Government’s Music Manifesto, and an ambassador for and consultant to the EMI Sound Foundation.