Hayden James

Hayden James is a singer/songwriter and producer from Sydney, Australia, who creates R&B-influenced downtempo electronic pop music as well as more club-minded remixes. His songs typically feature lush synthesizers, intricate melodies, and sensual vocals, while his remixes for artists such as Odesza and Basecamp incorporate elements of trap, deep house, and U.K. garage. His 2019 debut album, Between Us, reached the Top Ten in his native country, and follow-up Lifted arrived in 2022.
James debuted in 2013 with the Balearic disco single “Permission to Love,” released by Australian label Future Classic. The track earned extensive radio airplay in Australia, and soon became the centerpiece of James’ self-titled five-song EP, which also featured the single “Embrace.” Following extensive touring and remixes, James released “Something About You,” which gained more Australian airplay as well as charting in several European countries. “Just a Lover” was released in 2016, followed by 2017′s “Numb” (featuring Graace), which was certified platinum in Australia. Also that year, James co-wrote and performed on “Déjà Vu,” a song from Katy Perry’s Witness album. “Just Friends” (with Boy Matthews) appeared in 2018.
In spring 2019, James issued the single “Nowhere to Go” — a collaboration with L.A.-based Australian electronic duo NAATIONS — a month ahead of his debut LP, Between Us. The album arrived in June, followed by a summer tour of Australia and New Zealand, as well as a U.S. tour in the fall. In spring 2020, he released the upbeat single “Right Time” featuring Icona Pop. His output in 2021 included “Foolproof” (with Gorgon City and Nat Dunn) and “Rather Be with You” (featuring Crooked Colours). Second full-length Lifted appeared in 2022, with guests including Elderbrook, Xavier Dunn, and Jem Cooke. ~ Paul Simpson