Zachary James (musician)

Zachary James
Background information
Birth name Zachary James Rogenmoser
Also known as Zachary James
Born Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Origin Ventura, California
Genres Rock and roll, glam rock. power pop
Occupation(s) Singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer
Instruments Vocals, guitar, piano, drums, bass
Associated acts The Thunderboys, The All Seeing Eyes, Alexandra Lee, Porcelain Black
Website www.zacharyjamesband.com

Zachary James is an American singer, song-writer, producer, and guitarist from Ventura, California. Zachary James and the All Seeing Eyes is the name of his current solo project in collaboration with other artists.

Influences

Zachary James' music references classic 1970s rock and roll, glam rock, and power pop. Dubbed "infectious...good time rock 'n' roll,"[1] inspired by the guitar work of Robert Johnson,[2] on stage theatrics along the lines of Alice Cooper,[1][3] David Bowie [3] and The Rolling Stones. James has publicly stated his love of punk rock, glam rock and 50s music, combining them to create a "modernized sound."[4]

Vocally, James has been compared to Joey Ramone,[1] while his guitar work has been compared to a mix of Keith Richards and Johnny Thunders,[1] and is inspired by Ronnie Wood and Elvis Costello.[4]

Musical history

The Thunderboys

The Thunderboys was formed in 2005 in Ventura, California when Zachary James was just 16 years old and still in high school. The band inked a deal with Gearhead Records, an independent record label known for releasing records by garage rock and rock acts such as The Hives from Sweden (a band that took off in 2002 and was later signed to Interscope). Their sound was described as pulling from The New York Dolls, Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers, and The Joneses.[5] The band toured on the national Gearhead Records Road Show Package Tour alongside I Walk The Line and the White Barons, ending in Austin, Texas' South by Southwest festival.[6]

The Thunderboys put out two releases on the Gearhead Records: "Can't Stop Drinking (About You)," a limited edition pressing of 550 hand-numbered rose pink vinyl records, wrapped in a hand-screened sleeve,[5] and the album "The Thunderboys...Are Go!".[7]

All Seeing Eyes

Zachary James left the Thunderboys to form The All Seeing Eyes, which was predominately James' solo material.[3] Under this moniker, he released a S/T 12" vinyl album & CD, "All Seeing Eyes," that reflected James' continued interest in 70s rock 'n' roll, but was described as being a "fresh departure," now having a wider array of influences, including nods to early blues, and containing liberal use of the piano and soulful backing vocals & vocal harmonies, dubbed "pre-punk glam."[1] In support of the album, Zachary James did a two-week-long tour of the west coast.[2]

In 2012 Zachary James performed at South by Southwest and CMJ.[2] While at CMJ Zachary James spoke on the "Touring Industry" panel about his expertise touring with Lil Wayne, Far East Movement, Keri Hilson, and Lloyd (singer)[8]

Other musical projects

Alexandra & The Starlight Band

In 2008, Zachary James met fellow musician Alexandra Lee and began filling in on bass for her band, eventually playing guitar for her group, Alexandra & The Starlight Band.[3]

Porcelain Black

In 2011, Zachary James began working for Universal Republic Records recording artist Porcelain Black as her guitarist. He completed the "I am Still Music Tour," the subsequent tour to the international I Am Music Tour, headlined by American rapper Lil Wayne and supported by artists Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross and Travis Barker.[3] He is depicted in the article "On The Road with Lil Wayne" alongside Porcelain Black with artists Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross and Travis Barker.[9]

Zachary James also performed in Porcelain Black's music video for her debut single, This Is What Rock n' Roll Looks Like,[10] which charted at number forty-four on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs. On July 21, 2011, Zachary James appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman as her backing guitar player.[11]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Michel Cicero (July 16, 2009). "On and Off The Record". Ventura County Reporter. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
  2. 1 2 3 "Zachary official website". Zacharyjamesband.com. Retrieved 2012-01-07.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Chris Baker (July 7, 2011). "It Takes Two.". Ventura County Reporter. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
  4. 1 2 Bill Locey (December 15, 2011). "The 'Eyes' Have It". Ventura County Star. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
  5. 1 2 "NEW LIMITED EDITION 7" AVAILABLE FROM THE THUNDER BOYS". Altsounds.com. March 30, 2007. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
  6. ↑ "Gearhead Records Road Show Package Tour announced" (Press release). Gearhead Records. February 5, 2007. Retrieved 2012-01-07.
  7. ↑ "Gearhead Records". Gearhead Records. Retrieved 2012-01-07.
  8. ↑ "CMJ2012Panelists".
  9. ↑ "On The Road with Lil Wayne". Hip Hop Weekly. 2011. Retrieved January 7, 2012.
  10. ↑ "Porcelain Black - "This is What Rock n' Roll Looks Like"". YouTube. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
  11. ↑ "Live On Letterman - Porcelain Black". July 21, 2011. CBS. Missing or empty |series= (help)
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