JAMES VICKERY

Vickery has a rare gift for transforming deeply personal experiences into universally resonant music. His sense of resilience and catharsis is especially clear on forthcoming songs like “Fall In Your Arms”, a poignant ballad underscored by somber piano chords, where he pleads for just a moment more of closeness. Unafraid to explore new sonic territory, Vickery steps confidently outside his comfort zone on “Higher”, a buoyant, Eighties-inspired anthem where shimmering synths and a soaring chorus showcase his vocal range and optimism.

James is completely deaf in one ear due to a life-threatening cholesteatoma diagnosed at the age of eight. A vocal coach, initially brought in to help him with his speech, soon discovered his astonishing singing ability. His documentary Louder offered a candid glimpse into his experiences while shedding light on his identity and heritage as the son of a Welsh father and South African mother. “Something I realised a while ago was that a lot of people didn’t necessarily understand where the music comes from,” Vickery shares. “I had a story that I was always a little bit ashamed of, which is sad in a way, but there was never much representation for people with my condition in the music industry.”