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• Drifting EP
  
  CD - $6.99
• 8 Hours EP
  
  CD - $6.99

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Hometown: Austin, TX, USA

Influences: Nick Drake, Ryan Adams, The Cold Showers

Website: http://www.stjamesmusic.com

Our Story:

St. James, Inc is: Austin Hartley-Leonard - lead vocals, guitar, cello Matt Ramsey - lead guitar, vocals Harmoni Kelley - bass guitar, vocals Cully Symington - drums Charlie Richards - steel guitar Rock and roll, originally a rebellion against convention, has found recent musicians incorporating traditional elements into their music. St. James, a rock band based in Austin, Texas, is part of a growing collective of artists whose music subtly reflects classically-inspired harmonies while staying true to their more contemporary influences. All of the members are formally trained and of their music, lead singer Austin Hartley-Leonard says, "While I've always had a great appreciation for classical music, rock has been my passion for as long as I can remember. My formal training has taken my songwriting in directions I never expected to go, and my goal now is to build on that to create music that's representative of my unique background." While studying at Vanderbilt University, Hartley-Leonard joined the band Gillespy Road, opening for acts such as Guster and Cracker, catching the eye of Sony Music and Millennium Entertainment, and performing at Farm Aid 2001. In 2003, he heard the call of the legendary music scene in Austin, Texas. With his guitar and a catalogue of songs recalling the likes of Ryan Adams or Nick Drake, Hartley-Leonard headed west and teamed up with guitarist Matt Ramsey (who enjoyed success as a singer/songwriter in his own right), bassist Harmoni Kelley (who has played with local acts like John Dee Graham and the Gene Pool) and drummer Cully Symington (most recently of popular indie-rockers, Zykos). The recent addition of Charlie Richards has brought the steel guitar to their live show, rounding out their layered chamber pop sound with an alt-country feel. Since forming, they've brought their evocative, guitar-driven melodies to local institutions such as Stubb's, The Parish, Antone's, and Hole in the Wall. After a successful performance at the 2005 SXSW Music Conference, St. James, Inc. was invited to participate in the Austin City Limits Music Festival. This winter they sold out shows at the renowned Mercury Lounge in New York, The Hideout in Chicago, and as the opener for Matt Pond PA. St. James will take the stage in August at Lollapalooza and are preparing to enter the studio to record their second EP. Visit www.stjamesmusic.com or www.myspace.com/stjamesband to find out more and to hear music from the “Drifting” EP. “Hartley-Leonard's formal education is reflected in his music, which is well-balanced with instrumentation and tends to feature his cello frequently. His gravelly voice offsets the style well - giving it a slightly more folk-y or edgy feel and keeping things from being too orchestral.” – Out the Other (http://outtheother.typepad.com/) “With shades of Nick Drake’s vocal stylings, lead singer Austin Hartley-Leonard takes us through songs that are perfect for our “Windows-Down Road Trip” playlist (“The Shore and Stars”) and remind us of what we like best about Badly Drawn Boy (“Drifting”) while also hinting at Kiss Me-era Cure (“Hooray For The Heart Attack”).” – Chicagoist.com “Hartley-Leonard has spent the past two years in Austin honing his songwriting skills, and his newest creations are a testament to his dedication. Favorites such as “Drifting” are augmented by an increased lyrical depth from recent additions “Blacklight” and “The Waves.” Throw in a few covers of band favorite Ryan Adams, including the punktastic “I Don’t Wanna Work,” and St. James has cultivated a crowd pleasing set list”. – Austinist.com

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