South African newcomer James Deacon releases new track ‘Calling Home’ on May 31st
‘The Calling EP’ set for release Summer 2019
South African newcomer James Deacon releases his rousing new single ‘Calling Home’ on May 31st through Bad Future Records.
If songwriting is a way of processing the loss of a loved one, then singing about it is a way of surrendering to it. James Deacon’s ‘Calling Home’ is a raw anthem that grips, breaks, and rages only to release you at the end to the possibility of light in death. Written from more than one perspective, and soulfully sung, ‘Calling Home’ is a tribute that pleads with pain, and at its most vulnerable, speaks to the hope of living on in others. Listen HERE
Speaking about ‘Calling Home’, James says, "I wrote Calling Home over the course of 3 months. I began writing the song to help myself process some overwhelming emotions that I was going through as a result of watching my family member Anton be diagnosed with terminal cancer. It was a long battle and it took a very heavy toll on the entire family. I began writing the song from the perspective of Anton’s son Neston and I tried to imagine to the best of my ability what it must have felt like to have this happen to his father... The second verse I wrote after Anton had passed away and I wrote it from his perspective based off what he said in his final days and the message he had - that everyone should be strong and move on because he knew that this was his time. This song is a tribute to the memory of Johannes Antonie Kotze and it is my attempt at immortalising his memory. I'd like to think that this song could help anyone going through a similar battle or situation."
‘Calling Home’ is the follow up to Deacon’s powerful debut single ‘Not Givin’ Up’, which reached #2 on the Hype Machine chart. Support in his native South Africa has come by way of Apple, 5FM - the country’s biggest national radio station - and 94.7 - Johannesburg’s biggest regional radio station. Online tastemaker support has come by way of Indie Shuffle, CLASH, Earmilk, Euphoria Magazine, When The Horn Blows and many more.
Hailing from Johannesburg, 22 year-old multi-instrumentalist, musical prodigy James Deacon has teamed up with recording outfit Bad Future Records for his debut EP, which is due for release in summer 2019.
Despite a life-threatening accident severing tendons in Deacon’s right arm nixing his ability to play the instruments he learned to love (violin at age 4, guitar by way of a chanced-upon Jimi Hendrix Greatest Hits CD at age 10), his forthcoming debut EP ‘The Calling’ draws largely from determination, honesty and authenticity to propel his musical direction. Infusing its lyrics with soaring call-to-action vocals laced with rap and tenor-flecked melodies, cues are taken from soul, blues, hip hop and indie-funk as well as diverse influences that count John Mayer, Nirvana and Al Green to create a deeply personal mixtape dedicated to overcoming circumstance and inspiring courage in others.
With ‘The Calling EP’ James Deacon presents an aural scrapbook with a defiant soul. “Heads are shaking, it’s my awakening”
“Calling Home” is out May 31st on Bad Future Records
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