Stephie James Debuts with Full-Length Album 'As Night Fades'

Singer-songwriter Stephie James, with roots in both Nashville and Detroit, is releasing her debut full-length album titled As Night Fades on March 1. The album boasts a collection of songs that are intertwined with celestial night themes, all portrayed with a blend of wistful doo-wop and soul-stirring Americana rock. Venturing away from the typical Nashville country stereotype, James' music is marked by a distinctive flair, likening her style to a cross between Iggy Pop and Judy Garland, while being steeped in the narrative-rich tradition of icons like Townes Van Zandt & Guy Clark. The sound is reminiscent of 1960s girl groups, with nods to The Shirelles, conveying both a sense of nostalgia and a fresh perspective.

In her impressive musical journey starting from her teenage years, James has already shared stages and worked with an array of musicians such as Anita Baker, Nikki Lane, Buddy Miller, and Dan Auerbach from The Black Keys. She has also collaborated with esteemed songwriter John Bettis and performed alongside Michael Bolton. The creation of As Night Fades came to life with the help of producer Andrija Tokic, known for his work on the Alabama Shakes' Grammy-nominated album Boys & Girls, while the mastering was done by John Baldwin who has worked with several respected artists like The Rolling Stones and Lou Reed.

The album embarks with 'Company,' a song that paints a vivid picture of a smoky, after-dark tale with James' emotional singing leading the way. Other tracks, like the Phil Spector-inspired 'Spanish Harlem,' showcase the remarkable violin skills of multi-instrumentalist Billy Contreras. Songs such as 'Losing Side' serve as empowering anthems for underdogs, with its carefree rock essence. James pushes creative boundaries by including an instrumental track, 'Surf,' influenced by a deep dive into Dick Dale's music, highlighting her willingness to explore new musical territories.

James's background includes entrepreneurial and artistic endeavors, such as starting a coffee shop for all-ages shows and building a vibrant music scene in her hometown. Her move to Nashville was a strategic one, positioning herself in the heart of Music City U.S.A., where she continued to grow, including work at Easy Eye Sound studio. Her prior EP, These Days, offered a glimpse into James's storytelling prowess with a cool, retro vibe that set the stage for the full experience now unveiled in As Night Fades. James is confident and proud of her work on the album, which she envisions being enjoyed in an intimate theater setting, embraced by a crowd just as eclectic and passionate as the music itself.

DIGITAL TRACK LIST
01 Company
02 Party Doll
03 Steve McQueen
04 Surf
05 Hard Place
06 Five & Dimer
07 Silent Film
08 Losing Side
09 Will You Be
10 Night Fades

album, debut, Nashville, songwriter, Americana, doo-wop