James Rees is a singer-songwriter, producer, and educator originally from the West Midlands, now based in Essex and London. His debut EP Normal People was released in 2023 and recorded entirely on cassette tape, reflecting his interest in DIY music production.

He has released six singles and an EP through his own label, Broken Leg Records, and has created accompanying music videos, including a stop-motion animation for his debut single Circles, in 2020. That track was supported by BBC Introducing, and James has since performed at Glastonbury Festival in both 2023 and 2024.

From 2017 to 2024, James was a founding member of the London band Pynch. During that time, he played shows across the UK and Europe, including support slots for The Libertines. He played guitar on the band’s Speedy Underground single Disco Lights, produced by Dan Carey, and contributed to their debut album Howling at a Concrete Moon, released in 2023. He also worked with Gordon Raphael, producer of The Strokes, during his time with the band.

Alongside his creative work, James has over a decade of experience in music education. He is currently Head of the School of Music Production at ICMP, and was previously Associate Dean of Music Production at BIMM University. He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and holds a BA in Music Technology and Popular Music, as well as an MA in Songwriting.

His research and practice often explore themes of creativity, independence, and process in music-making. In 2023, he presented a paper on Paul McCartney’s DIY recording practices at the International Beatles Symposium at Liverpool Hope University.