You may not be familiar with the name of multi-platinum songwriter Keith James, but you’ve heard his work on Jeremih’s “Birthday Sex,” Nicki Minaj’s The Pinkprint, and Wales “That Way,” among many others.
Making his debut as a performer, the South Side Chicago native traveled from his Chicago city home for a stay in Los Angeles to collaborate with long time friend and multi-platinum producer Mick Schultz, which stretched into several months tucked away in Schultz’s Malibu studio, where he recorded his debut EP, From The Grey, inspired by the notion that stereotypes and genre lines should be blurred.
“The slogan ‘one world, one people’ is evident in every song from the progression choice to the subject matter,” explains James. “Taking it all the way to the cover artwork, using no color lines. The cover art represents the essence that all colors are appreciated with no sexual discrimination. From the Grey is breaking the cultural restraints we place on ourselves because of what we hear, what we see, what we’re taught, and what we accept as reality”
From The Grey, which is due out June 16, includes James’ first single, “Not My Day,” which caught our ears earlier this year for it’s lively dance beat, catchy uplifting lyrics, and comical video. To coincide with the announcement of the EP, James has also premiered the second release off the project, “Treat Her Like A Lady,” which proves chivalry is not dead! A full track listing of the R&B/Pop EP, described by Schultz as a “vintage retro vibe, but very commercial,” is available below.
For those of you in the Chicago area, Keith will perform all five tracks off From The Grey at the official release show at the Hard Rock Café Chicago on June 26. Tickets can be purchased here.
Fans who pre-order From The Grey on iTunes will get both “Not My Day” and “Treat Her Like A Lady” instantly. Take a listen to the later below:
Keith James – ‘From The Grey‘ Tracklist:
1. Button
2. Not My Day
3. Peace
4. Treat Her Like A Lady
5. Phillips Song
