James Deacon’s debut album, Season One is out today! (20 November 2020). It’s a genre-defying anthology that chronicles the episodes of his life. Season One fortifies his ability to distinguish his integrity and authenticity both lyrically and musically.
James Deacon’s career trajectory hasn’t always been the easiest but the multi-instrumentalist has continuously bounced back from his fair share of mishaps: from an accident that nearly ended his guitar playing, to his recent vocal cord surgery, to substance abuse and bullying.
More info about Season One
Season One is a 17-track offering that is brazen and brash and shows two solid middle fingers to conformity as Deacon continues to blaze an authentic career path. Deacon’s signature genre-busting style shines with splashes of haughty, enigmatic rap verses that contrast his soulful vocals, groovy guitar riffs and bold, heart tickling bass lines.
His new single, “The Revenant”, is an assertive, in-your-face banger, blending soulful rock, a dose of dirty swagger and a defiant beat. The momentous 4th-of-July-esque anthem will make you want to throw your hands in the air and walk like a badass.
James Deacon explains “The Revenant”
“In a world that feels like it’s on the brink of total collapse, I can’t help feel like it’s time to look inward and focus on building a better future. It’s no secret that I have had many ups and downs throughout my career and life thus far, and as always, I use my music to inspire the change I want to see in myself and the world around me. “The Revenant” is about rising from the ashes and building. In agriculture when the ground is burnt, it leaves space for regrowth and allows new life to flourish. So this song is not about rising up despite the devastation, it’s about using the burnt ground as the foundation for a better future.”
James also releases the music video for “The Revenant” which sees him once again partnering with creative force Eric T Graham.
Eric T Graham explains the music video for “The Revenant”
“The Revenant’s music video represents the admission of bad critique and harsh opinions. Instead of fleeing from it, James accepts it and fights it off with a DIY post-apocalyptic bat.”
“The whole idea was giving criticism room to share his stage, but only for a brief moment in time; Long enough to acknowledge it, while short enough not to dwell on it. We specifically stencilled seven words of critique that both James and I have received individually unto multiple glass vases. Props to anyone who can make out what they all are.”
Check out the music video for “The Revenant” below:
James Deacon keeps on surprising me with some well-produced tracks and music videos. I’m really excited to see what this oke is going to get up to in the future. Truly. Impressive (So far anyways).
James Deacon comments on his debut album
“‘Season One is my debut album encapsulating all the tracks from my first and second EP’s. At the time of the ‘Renegade’ EP release, I had some tracks on the back burner that were not ready for release, and since then I have worked really hard on perfecting each new track and so the release of ‘Season One’ sees an additional 5 brand new tracks added to the track list.”
“I chose the title ‘Season One’ because these tracks were all written during my first year in the music industry, so in a sense they were written during my first Season in Music! Each Track on the album represents an episode of my life thus far. I don’t really feel like I fit into a genre so each song is just a natural representation of a moment in my life, either good or bad.”
The album includes singles “Not Givin’ Up” – which heralds James’s awakening to his own powerful determination -’ and “Son Of Apollo”, that focuses his history with substance abuse, and which was used in an 8 week HBO movie promo in the US, from his SAMA nominated debut EP The Calling.
Also included are tracks from his 2nd EP, “Renegade”. The title track of the same name provides James with a chance to flex his rap muscles much more so than ever before, amplified by his passionate vocals willing him to become the person he talks about in the song, while “Mr Misery” is a broody, blues-infused tale that serves as a metaphor for James’ darker side and in turn becomes a resilient juxtaposition to single “Shine” which “is all about good wishes and positivity.”
Radio hits “Reason” – James’ “thank you note to a very important person who was the catalyst for [his] decision to quit [his] job and become a full time musician” and “Rain On Me” – a fight song about his recent vocal cord surgery – charted and were playlisted on most of South Africa’s biggest radio stations like 5FM, 947, KFM, Algoa FM, Jacaranda FM and many others.
In addition, Season One includes the new tracks “Stronger”, which, as James explains “comes from a time where I was spending many a day out in nature, because freedom of movement in the City was completely restricted by the Covid-19 Pandemic”, the bluesy blustery jam “Take Control” and the bouncy modern day James Brown “Get On Up”-esque anthem, “Ride”.
With James’ previous singles receiving online support from lauded sites Complex, Record of The Day, Earmilk and CLASH and Indie Shuffle, playlisting on Passport Approved, an independent internationally syndicated tastemaker import radio show that airs on over 70 radio stations and six continents worldwide, as well as playlist support from streaming services across the board, the anticipation around Season One is palpable and warranted as James is poised to spread his musical message globally.
You can buy / stream Season One HERE.
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