Django James

Biography

Django James is one of many musicians from England who has followed in his parents footsteps. Born Django James Lawless Stewart, he is the son of Dave Stewart, well known for his collaborations with Annie Lennox and the Eurythmics, and Siobhan Fahey of Bananarama and Shakespear's Sister fame. Since quitting high school and taking up home schooling, James spent time creating visual art, operating on the business end of his craft, and making music. He founded Django James & the Midnight Squires at the age of 17, a glam-indie rock band influenced by David Bowie, T. Rex, and Queen, that made a few scant recordings, followed by shows in the United Kingdom and the United States. A full-length album, done in a California studio and produced by his father's brother, Sam Stewart, was issued in 2009, with drummer Spike Phillips, guitarist Casey Hooper, bassist Scott Henson, and keyboardist Matt Henson. While his dad is a business advisor as opposed to a music director, James was also a sideman on his father's CD, The Dave Stewart Songbook, Vol. 1 as a background vocalist. Described as outspoken and raw, a cross between James Brown and Mick Jagger, and prone to sociopolitical statements, his personal style is reflected in his music, citing his home neighborhood of Camden as inspiration for his guttersnipe meets Lower East Side manner. James garnered criticism during the 2008 Grammy awards, making the worst-dressed list. The word "Hurricane," also the title of his most prominent single in 2008 for the Once Upon a Time label, is tattooed on the inside of his arm. He and his band have played several dates in Los Angeles and New York City, and his band has been photographed extensively by the acclaimed veteran Mick Rock, the images displayed at the Morrison Hotel Gallery in New York City. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide