James Owen Fender

James Owen Fender

James Owen Fender is a Leeds-born singer, guitarist and songwriter who works in a solo project as well as group settings. He performs vocals and guitar, and the listed line-up for one of his projects includes Tom Knox on drums and James Knox on bass. He moves to London at 17 in search of musical success, after growing up in Leeds.

Background and early work

Fender starts writing and performing young, and plays in The Tarka Groove Experiment from the age of 16 before deciding to focus on solo material. He is associated with Leeds and is also identified as an LMS artist.

Style and influences

His songs are described as hook-led, and his musical influences range across punk, soul and singer-songwriter traditions. The names specifically linked to his taste include The Clash, Bill Withers and Tom Waits. He also cites non-musical influences from everyday life in Leeds, including Farndales Fish and Chip shop and Leeds United.

Recordings

He is working on his debut solo album, where he takes on vocal and lead guitar duties. Island is the label associated with him.