Nate James

Nathaniel James Speas, known as Nate James, (born 15 September 1979 in Lakenheath, Suffolk, England) is an English singer-songwriter. James released his debut soul album Set the Tone in 2005 which won him two MOBO Nominations for Best Newcomer and Best R&B Artist, featuring his revered first release "Set The Tone" He released on his Frofunk imprint via Independent Labels around the world and became one of the most successful independent soul recording artists globally. James has sold over 1,000,000 albums and he has had airplay hits in both Europe and Japan.

He won the Festivalbar in 2006, which was an Italian summertime singing contest that took place in the most important Italian city squares such as the Piazza del Duomo in Milan. In 2007, James won the Urban Music Awards' Best Album (Kingdom Falls) and Best Neo-Soul Artist. In February 2008, James and his band performed on the BBC show Later... with Jools Holland. Nate was a contestant on the BBC's prime time television show The Voice UK in April 2013.

Biography Early life and music career James has joint UK/US citizenship, having been born in 1979 on a U. S. Air Force base in England to an American father and English mother. He was signed as a songwriter by Universal Publishing 2004, prior to releasing material as a performer. He appeared on The Voice UK on 27 April 2013, where two of the judges turned their chairs.

Set the Tone (2005–2007) James released his debut album, Set The Tone in 2005 which is heavily influenced by soul artists such as Marvin Gaye, Prince and Stevie Wonder. It subsequently won James widespread critical acclaim and two MOBO nominations for Best Newcomer and Best R&B Artist.

Revival (2009) In between writing sessions for his next album, James recorded a selection of cover versions. These were released as Revival on 30 March 2009. The album was produced solely by the producer of James's Set The Tone album David Brant.

"Back Foot" (2012) In 2012 Nate teamed up with Manchester duo HeavyFeet to record the hit single "Back Foot". The track was released through Champion Records on 25 March 2012.

The Voice UK (2013) In 2013 Nate James appeared on UK hit TV show The Voice UK. Performing "Crazy", James turned Jessie J and Danny O'Donoghue's chairs. He chose Jessie J as his coach, although he did consider being on Team will.i.am. He was eliminated during The Battle Rounds.

Release Date: 8 August 2005 Label: Universal Music 96 33 39 68 43 IMPALA Sales Certification: Gold (30,000) Worldwide sales: 125,000

Release Date: 18 June 2007 — — — — —

Release Date: 30 March 2009 — — — — — EPs 2007: Funkdefining EP

Singles As solo artist Title Year Peak chart positions Album UK FRA — — — — "High Times" — — — — "Choke" / "Back to You" 2008 — — — — "Because I Love You" 2009 — — — — Revival

With SugaSmack! "We Are" (2010)

With Heavyfeet "Back Foot" (2012)

Collaborations 2005: Poker Pets featuring Nate James - "Lovin' You" No. 43 (UK) 2005: Natalie Williams featuring Nate James - "Conversation" 2006: Sway feat. Nate James "Still on My Own" 2006: Pe'z v Nate James – "Live for the Groove EP" Top 40 (JAP sales chart) 2007: Paolo Meneguzzi & Nate James 'Music' / 'Musica' Top 30 (Italia Airplay) 2012: HeavyFeet & Nate James – "Back Foot" 2024: John Galea & Nate James – "Old School Love"

Also features on 2004: Shapeshifters "Lola's Theme" No. 1 (UK single) "Funkdefining" is featured in the Hollywood movies Run, Fat Boy, Run and How to Lose Friends & Alienate People

Accolades

2005: MOBO AWARD Best Newcomer nominee 2005: MOBO AWARD Best R&B Artist nominee 2005: CHANNEL U Best of British nominee 2005: SCREEN NATION AWARDS Best Video nominee 2006: MOBO AWARD Best UK Male nominee 2006: BT DIGITAL MUSIC AWARDS Best Urban Artist 2006: FESTIVALBAR Best International Artist winner 2007: URBAN MUSIC AWARDS Best Album (Kingdom Falls) 2007: URBAN MUSIC AWARDS Best Neo-Soul Artist winner