From Sweeping Floors To Shaping Sounds: Mckinley James Brings Raw Soul And Old-School Cool To The Forefront

NASHVILLE, TN - Authentic grit has to be earned from the ground up. Emerging guitarist, singer, and songwriter McKinley James is a testament to that timeless truth. Tracing an authentic path from his foundational roots in Rochester, New York, to the heart of the Nashville music scene, James is making waves with a raw tone, dynamic energy, and an effortless, old-school cool that breathes fresh life into classic genres.

James' musical identity is built on a "dyed-in-the-wool" work ethic reminiscent of an era gone by. Rather than chasing shortcuts, he immersed himself in the craft from the ground up-literally. His journey includes sweeping floors at the vaunted Easy Eye Sound Studio in Nashville, a rite of passage that placed him directly under the mentorship of its founder, GRAMMY Award-winning producer and The Black Keys frontman, Dan Auerbach.

Under Auerbach's guidance, James honed a blistering, minimalist approach to American roots music. Channeling the spirits of pioneers like Otis Rush and Johnny "Guitar" Watson, his songwriting and guitar work deliver a powerful blend of Motown-infused soul, sharp blues, and high-energy rock. Backed by a razor-sharp rhythm section-backed by his father, veteran rock 'n' roll drummer Jason Smay-James locks into a groove that feels both impeccably pocketed and fiercely alive. With his signing to Easy Eye Sound, McKinley James joins a pedigree of foundational legends and leading lights of modern blues and soul.

FILE UNDER: Raw Soul / Blues Boogie / Vintage Rock 'n' Roll

With a string of critically acclaimed independent releases, high-profile tours in support with everyone from ZZ Top to Eric Church, and a relentless touring schedule, McKinley James is proving that vintage sounds are entirely timeless when delivered with real heart.

It is only fitting that an artist defined by classic style and raw power would partner with DicE Magazine-the premier global publication for vintage motorcycle and custom culture-for his latest video release. The new video captures the exact energy James brings to the stage: unvarnished, high-octane, and deeply stylish.

The new single, "Back On The Run," and music video are available now. McKinley James is currently on tour across the United States.

For more information, music, or interview requests, please contact Amberle Phillips at [email protected].

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Tour Dates

• JUN 12 • Continental Club • Austin, TX
• JUN 13 • C-Boys Heart & Soul • Austin, TX
• JUN 20 • W.C. Handy Music Festival • Henderson, KY
• JUN 26 • Fanatics Pub • Lima, NY
• JUN 27 • Live at the Bandstand • Sackets Harbor, NY
• Supporting The James Hunter Six
  • JUL 8 • The Franklin Theatre • Franklin, TN
  • JUL 10 • The Kent Stage • Kent, OH
  • JUL 11 • The Ark • Ann Arbor, MI
  • JUL 12 • Vivarium • Milwaukee, WI
  • JUL 14 • The Dakota • Minneapolis, MN
  • JUL 15 • The Dakota • Minneapolis, MN
  • JUL 16 • SPACE • Evanston, IL
  • JUL 19 • Knucklehead Saloon • Kansas City, MO
• JUL 13 • Vault 202 Brewery & Taproom • Appleton, WI
• JUL 20 • The Coda Concert House • Joplin, MO
• JUL 30 • Neurolux • Boise, ID
• AUG 1 • Kitsap Blues Fest • Bremerton, WA
• AUG 4 • The Mint • Los Angeles, CA
• AUG 7 • Saroyan Theatre • Fresno, CA with ZZ Top
• AUG 8 • Biscuits & Blues • San Francisco, CA
• AUG 10 • San Jose Jazz Summer Fest • San Jose, CA
• AUG 12 • Avogadro's Number • Fort Collins, CO
• AUG 14 • Alternating Currents Festival • Rock Island, IL
• SEP 10-13 • Big Blues Bender • Las Vegas, NV
• SEP 18 • The Cotillion • Wichita, KS
• NOV 6 • Hard Rock Live Rockford • Rockford, IL