Biography

James Deem has recently finished recording an album of 10 original songs. On it he plays acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards, and sings lead and background vocals. The project was produced and recorded by North Carolina-native Jamie Hoover (The Spongetones) at Hooverama Studios in Charlotte, NC. Jamie is also featured playing acoustic and electric guitars, bass guitar, drums, and singing background vocals.

When James is asked to describe what kind of music he has written and recorded, to those who haven't heard it before, here's how he describes it: "It's power pop/melodic rock featuring a lot of vocals, a lot of guitars, and a whole lot of hooks."

James Deem is currently available to perform with his band James Deem & The Rebers. They play original music, penned by James Deem, in addition to a growing catalog of cover songs from artists popular in the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and today.

James Deem can perform as a either a full band (featuring David Reber on drums, and Rob Reber on guitar), or solo acoustic to cater to a variety of venues and audiences.

Click here for booking information/electronic press kit.

Background

James Deem has come a long way from his early teenage years in suburban Chicago where he began playing the piano by ear. Before long, James realized that his musical talent stretched beyond singing and playing to composing his own music.

James says: "Songwriting is something that I have a real passion for; it comes to me as simply as emotions do."

Encouraged by family and friends, James began studying modern composition. While in high school his training was reinforced by taking college-level music theory classes. A member of the choir, James auditioned for and performed his first feature act which he wrote and arranged, called "You’re the Light."

Popular with the students, this act spawned a new high school rock band. Composed of James and several other musician friends, including guitarist Jon Osing, this group was soon playing his music at school dances and produced his first 10-song demo, In Love with the Image in April 1988.

After high school James continued composing, performing, and recording music. He began to learn about and experiment with track recording techniques and arranging, still working with some of his original band members.

Says James: "Arranging is the key; a potentially good song can end up being nothing without it."

During this period, James produced the 10-song demo Second Thoughts, featuring both James’ music plus his co-writes and arrangements with guitarist and singer Jason Roe (aka Jayce Murphy). Doing all the recording themselves, James had Second Thoughts digitally mastered and professionally pressed on cassette in December 1989.

At the same time, James also became interested in learning to play all the instruments himself. He simultaneously produced a two-song demo called Never Let You Down/Could This Be Love, the first project which he did everything himself.

James continued experimenting with the same track recording techniques he used on Second Thoughts while polishing his arranging skills, taking full advantage of the sequencing capabilities of his upgraded equipment. Glass Rain, a more ambitious 12-song demo, jointly created with fellow musician Gary Sizer and started in 1990, reflects the wide capabilities of sequencing mixed with a live performance.

In 1992, James put music on hold and enlisted in the Marines. While enlisted, finding time to write and record was rare. It wasn’t until James met Carl Rosen that music began to again, take a front seat in his life. Meeting at a college concert early in 1994, James and Carl clicked musically and struck up a friendship.

"But I never dreamed Carl would ask me to go on the road with him," said James. "And who wouldn’t welcome the opportunity?"

The two embarked on a year-long nationwide tour of colleges and clubs, offering such musical treats as 52nd Street: 20 Years of Billy Joel. A tribute to Billy Joel, 52nd Street featured James and Carl--long noted for his amazing vocal likeness to Billy Joel--performing the hits of this popular entertainer.

In 1995, James and Carl stopped touring together and James now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Since that time, James has settled in as a part-time performer working full-time in the field of Information Technology.

In March 2001 James began recording new material with producer/performer Jamie Hoover and as of Summer 2005 has finished his first professionally produced and recorded project of all original songs.