James Owen Fender

After a chaotic three years, James Owen Fender’s debut single ‘The Cloud’ is finally here. Emailing his demo to Atlantic records in late 2007, he found himself arranging talks with the record company Atlantic within minutes. Three days later Fenders demos were being played by Steve Lamacq. After a hazy few months Fender had signed to Island and begun recording his debut album with renowned producer Jerry Finn. Finn shockingly passed away aged only 39 during the recording sessions leaving Fender in a dilemma.

Deciding to return to his hometown Leeds, Fender set up his own club night showcasing local bands, which in result led him to making his own record company, Plumpton Presents Records. Having released a compilation E.P, Fenders second release is his debut single ‘The Cloud’.

‘The Cloud’ is refreshingly feel good indie pop. The track kicks off with an alluring guitar riff, immediately catapulting you into a sense of well-being, which sticks throughout. It is evident that Fender draws upon both English and American influences. Fender sings in his native Leeds accent, however bass driven verses bring The Pixies to mind, whilst the chorus could easily sneak into an early Weezer track.

'The Cloud' is a strong debut single and will hopefully give an artist, previously riddled with bad luck the success he deserves. James Owen Fender is definitely a name worth remembering.