James Owen Fender
James Owen Fender is a solo artist, song writer and producer from Leeds that was previously signed to Island Records.
He signed a record deal with Island in 2008 and immediately started work on his début album with Jerry Finn at Conway Recording Studios in Los Angeles. However, two weeks into recording, Finn suffered a massive brain haemorrhage and died 3 weeks later. 5108, the final track produced by Jerry Finn before his death is the only completed track from the sessions. It features Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. (piano) who previously worked on American IV: The Man Comes Around and was mixed by Joe McGrath.
Due to management changes at Island, a year long legal battle ensued and Fender left the label in 2009. During this time, he toured with Cold War Kids, Manchester Orchestra, Cage The Elephant and The Wombats.
Fenders debut single The Cloud was digitally released through Plumpton Presents Records on October 4, 2010. The Cloud received airplay from BBC Radio 1, XFM and rotation on Amazing Radio. It also received an 8/10 review in Rock Sound Magazine, Issue 140 October 2010, and praise on drownedinsound.com. Fender was also profiled in Music Week as One To Watch. A video filmed in Filey, North Yorkshire, was produced to support the release.
Following this, Fender was invited to record a live session at BBC Maida Vale Studios by Rob Da Bank which was broadcast on BBC Radio 1 on October 2, 2010.
His debut E.P - WooF, was released on March 14, 2011 through Plumpton Presents Records, an independent Leeds based label representing the thriving local music scene. The E.P was limited to 250 CD copies and available digitally through iTunes. Again, BBC Radio 1 supported the release and played lead track Everyday. The video for Everyday was created from footage produced for the short film La Prévention De L'Usure, filmed in Paris by production house Les Film Du Requin and directed by Gilles Charmant. The video was produced with permission after Fender viewed the film as part of the French Comedy Shorts programme at Leeds International Film Festival 2010 .
In summer 2011, James Owen Fender will be performing at the following festivals: Bestival, Aeon, Boardmasters, Cold Pro and V festival.