Now James Vickery brings the UK soul across the Atlantic to you!

by | May 5, 2023 | Articles, Music

James Vickery Until Morning colors video capture June 4 2018

James Vickery Brings UK Soul Across the Atlantic

The discovery happened while checking out Zak Abel’s latest work. A quick search for British soul artists worth watching in 2019 pulled up James Vickery, and within the first thirty seconds of “Until Morning,” it was clear this South London vocalist deserved serious attention.
By the time you read this, Vickery’s “Until Morning” Colors Session has racked up over 13 million views. We’re late to this party, sure, but better late than never for readers in the States who haven’t caught on yet.

What Makes Vickery Different

Play “Until Morning,” and you’ll immediately hear talent. But spin it a few more times and something else emerges. Vickery doesn’t sing to impress you with runs and riffs. He sings like someone who spent years thinking about why certain phrases work, and others don’t. His control shows up in restraint, not showboating.
Pay attention to his hands when he performs. He’s not waving them around for the camera. Watch closely, and you’ll see he’s managing his breathing, controlling his diaphragm support. It’s the kind of physical technique you pick up from serious vocal training, the mechanics that separate weekend singers from professionals.

The Story Behind the Voice

Here’s what makes Vickery’s technical mastery even more remarkable: he’s completely deaf in one ear.
At eight years old, doctors diagnosed him with cholesteatoma, a growth of skin cells in his ear advancing toward his brain. The surgery saved his life but cost him hearing on one side. Most people don’t think about what that means for a musician. Hearing in stereo helps you place instruments in space, understand harmonic relationships, and make the tiny pitch adjustments that keep you in tune with a band.
Think about what singers need to stay in tune, to blend with a band, to hear themselves in a mix. Vickery manages it all while being deaf in one ear. This isn’t some feel-good story. It’s simply what happened and what he does anyway.

Building a Career

TH3RD BRAIN Records grabbed him before most Americans knew his name. Smart move. The label understood they had someone rare, a singer willing to work for years instead of months.
Producer Louis Mattrs deserves credit for the “Until Morning” production. The arrangement stays out of Vickery’s way, providing harmonic support without crowding his vocals. Too many producers treat the vocalist as just another instrument in the mix. Mattrs understood the voice should be the focal point.
The Colors Session performance introduced Vickery to a global audience. Colors’ stripped-down format, just the artist and minimal production, works perfectly for vocalists who don’t need gimmicks. Vickery’s session proved he could hold attention with just his voice and presence.

Live Performance Documentation

 

The “Live from London” series captured Vickery performing at the Rivoli Ballroom and The Old Vinyl Factory. These weren’t casual concert recordings but carefully planned sessions showing how he adapts to different spaces and band configurations.
The Rivoli sessions featured full arrangements with strings, backing vocalists, and a complete rhythm section. Some singers get lost when competing with full instrumentation. Vickery’s voice cuts through clearly without sounding strained or harsh. That balance comes from understanding when to push and when to lay back in the mix.
The Record Store at Old Vinyl Factory runs maybe a quarter of Rivoli Ballroom’s size. A smaller room means different acoustics, a tighter crowd, a whole different vibe. Vickery doesn’t sing the same way in both venues. He adjusts because professionals adapt to the space they’re in.

Smart Collaboration Choices

Check Vickery’s collaborator list. Musiq Soulchild has been making R&B since the late 1990s. Working with him connects Vickery to a lineage, showing he understands the tradition. Then EARTHGANG shows up for a hip hop track. That could’ve gone sideways fast. Instead, his vocals lock into the production like he’s been working in hip-hop for years.
Joe Hertz’s electronic production on “Swimming” placed Vickery’s vocals in yet another context. Electronic producers can either complement or overwhelm a vocalist. Hertz found the balance.

Visual Projects

The “Only You” video marks Vickery’s most ambitious visual work to date. Director Kemi Anna Adeeko brought in professional ballet dancers and high-end cinematography. The production values match the vocal quality rather than feeling like overcompensation for weak material.
“The Reason” video took a completely different visual direction. Vickery doesn’t have a signature look; he stamps his mark on everything. Each song gets treated as its own project.

Why This Matters for American Listeners

Most Americans see “British soul” and keep scrolling. They figure UK artists are just doing watered-down versions of American R&B. That’s lazy thinking. Soul music has bounced back and forth across the Atlantic since Motown’s heyday. Vickery grew up on American soul records, no question. You hear those influences in his singing. But he didn’t trace over somebody else’s work. He studied what made those records great and then wrote his own blueprint.
You notice how every singer sounds perfect on the radio now? That’s Auto-Tune doing the work. Vickery doesn’t mess with it. His voice on that Colors video is just his voice – 13 million people watched it, but whatever, numbers are meaningless when garbage music goes viral every week. The point is, the guy can sing. Really sing. He spent years training before he recorded anything, which was once normal but now feels rare. Most artists just let the studio fix everything in post.
The music business in 2024 lives and dies by algorithm placement and streaming farm numbers. Artists who prioritize craft over clicks are getting harder to find. Vickery’s one of them, worth the search.

Moving Forward

Vickery drops new music when he’s ready, not because some label exec circled a date on a marketing calendar. He’s not trying to ride a trend or cash in quickly. This looks like someone planning a long career.
He didn’t have to tell anyone about his hearing loss. Plenty of artists keep their struggles private. But Vickery talks about it openly and shows people what an invisible disability actually looks like. Makes him a better artist for being honest about it.
New to Vickery? Start with “Until Morning” and see if the voice grabs you. If it does, dig into his collaborations. Check out those live recordings from London. Watch the music videos. You’ll find an artist who’s still figuring out his full range, still growing. That’s actually exciting to watch.
British soul keeps evolving with each generation, adding new voices. Vickery’s already earned his place in that conversation. The smooth operator from South London deserves the attention he’s getting and more. Give “Until Morning” those multiple listens. Watch his technique. Appreciate what he’s built despite significant obstacles.

 

 

 

 

“James Vickery’s voice will grab you from the very first note. It is rich, powerful, and incredibly soulful, echoing the likes of Rag’n’Bone Man and Sam Smith (but with a lot more soul). Their debut EP Complexion was released at the end of 2017 and helped set the tone; he went on to top Spotify’s Viral 50 chart in the UK and received radio support out the gate. Vickery cleverly rode the momentum into his second project, last year’s Until Morning EP, with the title track garnering praise universally and streams in the millions. Produced by UK R&B artist Louis Mattrs, the song is a sultry slow jam where James shows his broad range, opening the tune while boasting an impeccable falsetto. Unsurprisingly, he’s received attention overseas and recently signed to the US label Th3rd Brain, where an album is currently in the works. “

Complex 11 British R&B/Soul Artists to Watch

James Vickery presents “LIVE from London”.

“Until Morning” written and performed by James Vickery for TH3RD BRAIN Records.
Filmed & recorded live on location at the Rivoli Ballroom. 

James Vickery – Something Good | LIVE from London – Part 2 | Rivoli Ballroom

James Vickery presents “LIVE from London”.

“Something Good” written and performed by James Vickery for TH3RD BRAIN Records.

Filmed & recorded live on location at the Rivoli Ballroom.

James Vickery – Turn Me On | LIVE from London – Part 5 | The Old Vinyl Factory

James Vickery presents “LIVE from London”.

“Turn Me On” written and performed by James Vickery for TH3RD BRAIN Records.
Filmed & recorded live on location at The Old Vinyl Factory

01.01.2020 – FELIZ ANO NOVO – COLLAB | Joe Hertz – Swimming ft. James Vickery
11 views•Jan 1, 2020

MAISANTOSILVA

Thiago Elias, Flávia Kishimoto, Edson Pitchula, Luiz Prestes, Gabriel Casemiro, Lívia Maria, Leonardo Alexandre e Maísa Santos.

Best Sellers in Prime Video

James Vickery – Perfect Company | LIVE from London – Part 6 | The Old Vinyl Factory

James Vickery presents “LIVE from London”.

“Perfect Company” written and performed by James Vickery for TH3RD BRAIN Records.
Filmed & recorded live on location at The Old Vinyl Factory.

Filmed in The Record Store at The Old Vinyl Factory in Hayes, London. Special thanks to Jacqui Tudor and her amazing team for making this happen.

Director: Tom Ewbank
Producer: Daedalus Agency
Music Director: Duncan Boyce
Director of Photography: Miguel Carmenes
Artist Management: Alex Lewis

Rhodes: Duncan Boyce
Guitarist: Alex Cooper Blake
Bass: Manny Simelane
Drums: Duayne Sanford
Audio Recording: Rick, Jana & Tim at Pink Bird Recording Co
Mixing Engineer: Dean James Barratt
Mastering: Marc Royal

Steadicam: Michael Vega
Focus Puller: Nacho Guzman
1st AD: Jonny Cass
Gaffer: Rasmus Skaaret
Production Manager: Paul Hines
2nd AC: Tommaso Colelli
Spark: John Ewbank
Makeup: Maria Kavalieros
Runner: Beth Turner
BTS Videographer: Miles Addy

https://www.coolmediallc.com/zak-abel-stands-out/

James Vickery – Until Morning | A COLORS SHOW

South London-based singer/songwriter James Vickery treats us to a slick and soulful performance of the latest single “Until Morning” (prod. Louis Mattrs) which is lifted from his forthcoming sophomore EP.

More R&B
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James Vickery – The Reason

Performed by James Vickery, Shot by Cameron Turnbull Choreography by Lucie Horsfall Producer: Fred Cox Writers: James Vickery & Fred Cox

LYRICS:
Every little thing you do
Makes me feel so warm inside
In the kitchen slow, dancing
We’re alone tonight

Wonder if you want to commit darling
I could spend my life waking to those green eyes
Knew it was you from the first moment
You are
You are
You are

You are the reason I wake every morning
Cause it’s the only thing that gets me by
You are my world and you keep it revolving
And all my worries are then gone by night

I wanna be with you
I wanna be with you for life
No other feeling
Compares to what I have inside

Wonder if you wanna commit darling
I could spend my life waking to those green eyes
Knew it was you from the first moment
You are
You are
You are

You are the reason I wake every morning
Cause it’s the only thing that gets me by
You are my world and you keep it revolving
And all my worries are then gone by night

#JamesVickery #RnB
Music
SONG
The Reason
ARTIST
James Vickery
ALBUM
The Reason
LICENSES
The Orchard Music (on behalf of James Vickery); UNIAO BRASILEIRA DE EDITORAS DE MUSICA – UBEM, LatinAutorPerf, LatinAutor – UMPG, UMPG Publishing, and 1 Music Rights Societies

THIS IS MY STORY. Not all disabilities are visible.

James Vickery – Only You | Official Music Video

 

James Vickery –

Special thanks to Nikon & Mahogany.

DIRECTOR Kemi Anna Adeeko
PRODUCER Alicia Stratford
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Shanona Fulton
PRODUCTION RUNNER Megan Michael
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Scarlett Gardner
1st AC Jamie Oliver Lai
STEADICAM OP Tommaso Colelli
GAFFER Beau Wilkinson
ELECTRICIAN Sachin Parmar
MAKEUP ARTIST Amie Harfield
MAKEUP ARTIST Racheal Ade
HAIRSTYLIST Britini Campbell
STYLIST Hannah-Marie Mayer
ART DIRECTOR Rita Ade
ART ASSISTANT Beth Anibaba
MOVEMENT DIRECTOR Salomé Pressac
LEAD BALLERINA Kibrea Carmichael
SUPPORTING BALLERINA Synaet Nin
SUPPORTING BALLERINA Maycie-Ann St Louis
SUPPORTING BALLERINA Comfort Kondehson
PHOTOGRAPHER Perry Gibson
SOCIAL CONTENT CREATOR Safeen James
EDITOR Jordan Kennedy
COLOUR GRADER Thomas Kumeling
GRADE PRODUCER Lewes Bridson
GRADE PRODUCER Olivia Donovan
POST HOUSE Black Kite
LOCATION AGENCY LC Locations
CATERING Your X Finest
EXEC PRODUCER Hobby Holmes
EXEC PRODUCER Patrick Greaves
PRODUCTION Mahogany

Music
SONG
Only You
ARTIST
James Vickery
ALBUM
Sheet Music
LICENSES
The Orchard Music (on behalf of James Vickery)

Consumer Reports Detailed Test Results

Sound quality: The Edifier’s S1000MKII had Excellent overall sound quality. Bass has a good impact and goes deep, but is slightly prominent and boomy. The midrange is fairly even but is a touch grainy and hazy. Treble is extended and fairly detail but slightly prominent and a touch smeared. Does a good job of recovering room ambiance but is slightly congested. This two-speaker model comes as a stereo pair, and its sound stage width and focus depends on how it is placed. When well placed the sound field extends well above and to the sides of the speakers and has decent depth, and individual instruments and voices are identifiable and have a three-dimensional quality. Provides a decent volume level in a large-sized room. No significant difference between Bluetooth, optical, coax, and aux sound quality except bass is slightly less prominent with the Bluetooth input but can be matched to the others with a slight bass adjustment. There was no difference in sound quality between this model and the Edifier S1000DB it supersedes.

Ease of use: We found the Edifier S1000MKII ease of use to be Very Good overall. Volume controls: The control is a labeled multi-function infinite-turn knob (volume & Input selector) which has a visual indicator on front of unit when max and min volume is reached. The volume control is not obvious due to its poor placement on the rear of the speaker. Switching sources: The source selector control is a labeled multi-function push button-knob that is clearly labeled. The control is not prominent (rear of unit), but uses ambiguous source selection indicators on the front of the unit. Wired setup: Is a 5 Din Pin cable provided for left/right interconnect of speakers, simply plugin, no prep needed. Bluetooth: The unit is always in pairing mode when not already paired when the Bluetooth input is selected, it lacks a pairing mode indicator and lacks an indicator when the pairing mode has occurred. Remote control: The volume controls are prominent +/- markings that lack index markings for volume levels, but have a visual indication when the max volume is reached on unit. The mute control is well marked, well placed, with clear indication when it is engaging, and mutes all inputs. The source selector has labeled buttons for all sources, but when selected the unit has ambiguous persistent source indicators on speaker display. The transport controls are obvious play/pause, skip only, no scan provision.

 

Edifier S1000MKII Audiophile Active Bookshelf 2.0 Speakers - 120w Speakers Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD - Optical Input - S1000MK2 Powered Near-Field Monitor..
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James Vickery – Come To Me (with Musiq Soulchild) | Official Music Video

Directed by Cam Turnbull.
Written by James Vickery & Musiq Soulchild.
Produced by Pomo.
Directed by Cameron Turnbull
Creative Concept by James Vickery
Produced by Elizebeth Roderick
Production Company MDRNLOVE
DOP Luke Dryden
1st AC Nacho Guzmán
Gaffer Fionn Hutton
Editor David Cuzner
Colorist Richard Hutchison
MUA Becky Burlton
Stylist Giorgio Auletta
Talent Lucie Horsfall

malik-skydsgaard-African American Woman -unsplash

Written by James Vickery & Musiq Soulchild.
Produced by Pomo.
Video by Cam Turnbull.

Music in this video

Song
Come To Me
Artist
James Vickery, Musiq Soulchild
Album
Come To Me
Licensed to YouTube by
AWAL Digital Limited (Kobalt) (on behalf of TH3RD BRAIN)

laura-thonne-Beautiful woman-unsplash

James Vickery – You Comfort Me (with EARTHGANG) | Movement Visual

Performed by James Vickery
Directed by Cam Turnbull

Producer: Jack Dine & Maths Time Joy
Writers: James Vickery, Olu O. Fann, Kerry Marshall Jr & Jack Dine
Mix Engineer: QMillion
Mastering Engineer: Chris Athens
Music in this video
Song
You Comfort Me
Artist
James Vickery, EARTHGANG
Album
You Comfort Me
Licensed to YouTube by
AWAL Digital Limited (Kobalt) (on behalf of TH3RD BRAIN)