James Tillman drops off "i no u no" a Masterclass in R&B
James Tillman drops off "i no u no" a Masterclass in R&B
James Tillman is an R&B artist whose genre-defying sound blends soulful, emotive melodies with modern, experimental production. His debut album, ‘Silk Noise Reflex’ (2016) expanded his audience through key sync placements, including features on TV series like Dear White People on Netflix. The album’s single “Casual Encounters” gained widespread recognition and cemented James as a rising star in the indie R&B scene.
Now based in Los Angeles after spending time in New York and Chicago, James’s upcoming EP ‘SENSES Vol. 2’, produced by Eddie Burns (Omar Apollo, Dominic Fike) and William Corduroy, explores emotional depth and human connection in a world that has become increasingly guarded since the pandemic. It features themes around vulnerability and breaking through emotional barriers, all while experimenting freely with genre and arrangement. The lead single “i no u no” captures the tension of mutual attraction yet unspoken feelings, using a drum break to mirror how emotions can shift unexpectedly.
James’s music has garnered over 40 million streams across platforms and over 241K monthly listeners on Spotify alone, with playlist features on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, and Audiomack. Key playlists include Apple Music’s New In RnB, Alt-RnB among others, as well as Spotify’s Chill Vibes, New Wave Soul, Fresh Finds R&B, NMF Japan & Suomi, The Sound of Indie R&B, Fresh Finds Indie & Jazz and many more. His work has earned him praise from outlets like FADER, Essence Magazine, Okayplayer, NPR, American Songwriter, as well as KCRW, NPR and BBC London.
A performer with an impressive track record, James has graced venues such as The Troubadour, Bowery Ballroom, Lincoln Hall, Baby’s All Right, Scoot Inn and shared the stage with acts like tUnE-yArDs, Jordan Rakei, and Charlotte Day Wilson, as well as collaborated with Noname on her latest album ‘Sundial’.
Since launching his brand Musella Creative in 2015, James has continued to carve out space. The DIY spirit behind Musella Creative was born from navigating an industry that didn’t fully understand his vision, leading him to take control of his creative direction and sound. Now in partnership with Handwritten Records, James looks to take his music and brand to new heights.
Would love for you to take a listen to James’s upcoming single on 10/25 and see about setting up a premiere or feature around the release. Thanks!
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