Manny King John
How James Holt does what he does is insane.
Weed level: Adequate.
Booze level: Could be better.
A
favorite of legendary producer, Brian Eno, James Holt, releases the video for “Whatever Happened to John?”
His Rockabilly Blues harmonica stylings are pure Rock; Pure Rock & Roll. Put Bob Dylan, the Stray Cats, and a dash of the Beatles in a blender; Bon appétit. I don’t want to spoil the video, but there’s humiliation, anger, and some satisfying violence. M. Night Shyamalan Plot Twists… James Holt is deaf. How this guy does what he does is insane. I’m still trying to figure it out.
Read more about James Holt
Manchester-born singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, James Holt has just released the impressive video for his new single, “Whatever Happened to John?”
The 24-year-old—who was diagnosed with a bilateral hearing loss at the age of four—has overcome his disability to release a pulsating and raucous rock’n’roll track, which is due to impact on Friday, July 7. Speaking candidly about the record’s inception, James explained:
“The inspiration came from a Sky Arts TV programme set in an alternate reality in which John Lennon walked out of the Beatles before their fame in the mid-60s. It’s a fusion of thoughts and ideas and also bears references to George Orwell’s 1984. Some people say that it sounds very Dylan-esque in the verses (especially with the harmonica), but I think the Indian-fused Beatles’ Revolver creeps in the bridge.”
Music legend, Brian Eno—who has long championed James—invited the young luminary to meet him at his John Peel Lecture for BBC Radio 6 Music. The former Roxy Music keyboard player, record producer, and revered ambient pioneer also chose James’s song to use as part of an arts festival last year.
James – who graduated with a BA Music 1st class honours and MA in Music Composition (distinction), despite doubt in his early years from his teachers – provides lead vocals, backing vocals and plays all instruments on the track, highlighting his immense talent as a musician and his resilience in the face of adversity.
“Whatever Happened to John?” follows several well-received releases from James, including his critically acclaimed second EP “Sanguine On the Rocks,” and “Butterfly” — a charity single for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity, which has raised over £1100 since its release in July of last year. James performed the single at the Royal Albert Hall for the Music for Youth Proms.
James continues to gain exposure, with a number of industry insiders tipping the young troubadour for great things. Watch this space.
