Rock Out

KRIS KROSSES

(EVERYTHING OFF THE LIST!)

Singer/songwriter Kris James has crossed a lot off his list aged 30, having two hit albums, a number 1 single on iTunes, a tour with Will Young, a clothing range, a 7-year boy band heritage and a new disco-funk single – making big waves - just out.

Kris has been stunning audiences and rapidly growing a collective following like no other. An experienced and talented performer with songs that never fail to disappoint. Kris’ new single taken from his upcoming second album, ‘The Way You Move’ is infused with the most disco funk feel yet. It carries on with Kris’ ability to make every song ooze with bubbling danceability and feel-good energy. Loaded with groove, the pop melodies drive forward with dazzling vibrant colour. With a rejuvenated ‘80s sound, the track mixes disco and classic synth-pop to create a love anthem perfect for summer. ‘The Way You Move’ has been a hit with the media too with the Sunday Express saying the latest single is “full of self-assurance and maturity,” while online music site 1883 said they loved “Kris’ tracks because they always feel very personal and introspective.” Kris’ latest single was produced by multi-platinum producer and award-winning songwriter Sam Williams, who has worked with the likes of Supergrass, Plan B and Gaz Coombes. Through his own production company, Temple Sound Music, Sam has formed a legacy of creating record-breaking hits. He definitely has the Midas touch and ‘The Way You Move’ is no exception. ‘The Way You Move’ will be released on August 5th so expect it to be the soundtrack to your summer.

Talking about the new single Kris states, “This time around I’ve been able to have some real fun in creating this song and the next album. This is the most disco-funk I think I have ever gone and I absolutely love it! Hope you do too!”

Last year saw the release of Kris’ self-titled debut album, which made noise and turned heads, as it navigated

through the depths of first love. Kris always writes and performs from the heart. His first ever single ‘Anymore’ was released in 2018 and entered the official iTunes Chart at number 1 in the genre of electronic on the day of release. What an accolade! His third single ‘I’ll be Here’ peaked at number 19 in the official overall iTunes charts.

WHAT GOES ON TOUR...

Kris will also be returning to our stages soon, as he joins up with original Pop Idol winner and International Pop Superstar Will Young on his upcoming commemorative 20 Years Tour. Opening on the 10th of October, the two-month tour will voyage all around the UK, visiting the likes of York’s Barbican, Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, Manchester’s O2 Apollo and London’s Palladium.

Will Young said of his supporting act: “I’m so excited Kris James will be joining my 20 Years tour this October. I love supporting new artists and I’m sure the audiences are going to love him.”

Kris is overjoyed about the tour too saying: “I’m super hyped for the Will tour, I smile when thinking about the fact that we are back on stage again! It’s been a long time coming and I can’t wait for people to hear the album and also the new music I’ve been working on”.

BOYBAND HERITAGE

The Liverpool-born singer/songwriter, has an inspiring story to tell having been the lead singer for a boyband that cracked the US and almost made it in the UK. Kris was on the verge of launching his solo career aged 23, having been signed by Sandi Thom and her then partner American blues star Joe Bonamassa, when a friend told him about an opportunity to join boyband The Scheme who were looking for a replacement lead.

“I went and it was amazing, I did seven years with The Scheme, travelling all over the world. We recorded an album in Minneapolis with the guy who did the Jonas Brothers stuff, we toured America and did loads of TV.

“But then at the end of our last three-and-a-half-month tour there, we were in the airport lounge when the pianist said he’d met a girl and he was leaving the band. We never heard from him again, the label didn’t want to replace him and they released us from our contract.”

Gutted was an understatement.

So I was fired!!

I went back to the label and asked if we could just do the song which I’d written which I knew was going to be a hit. They agreed, I rerecorded it and it went to 23 in the charts. From that I was able to do the album.”

SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Kris has just signed a brand-new deal with Fairwood Music Publishing (longstanding publishers of the likes of David Bowie) as a solo artist.

On hearing the news earlier this year, Kris posted to his 26K Instagram fans: “So thankful and happy to say I’ve finally signed a publishing deal after all these years! Never give up on the dreams that you set out for, some day they will come true!” The true gent went on to thank his team for all their hard work.

“It’s been a long long time coming but I’m happy and persistence is the key in this business. No matter what you do in life, I believe that if you carry on you’ll get where you want to be eventually, and my mum always said I was a late bloomer!”

With a new album on the horizon, expect big things from Kris James. A recent LA visit has introduced the star to more dance and music opportunities.

Besides his music endeavours, Kris is also the founder of Amanzzo, a new luxury, sustainable menswear brand that launched its debut collection of swimwear, produced using recycled and repurposed materials such as ECONYL.

Kris aims ‘“to deliver luxury quality at affordable prices, and prioritise sustainability at every avenue, from production through to packaging and shipment without compromising on style or quality”.

Look out for Celebrity Journalist Angela Sara West’s exclusive chat with Kris James in the October Issue.

Tour Dates, supporting Will Young:

Wed 12th October 2022 | SEC Armadillo, Glasgow Thu 13th October 2022 | Barbican, York Sat 15th October 2022 | Symphony Hall, Birmingham Sun 16th October 2022 | Usher Hall, Edinburgh Tue 18th October 2022 | O2 City Hall, Newcastle Wed 19th October 2022 | Winter Gardens, Blackpool Fri 21st October 2022 | Bonus Arena, Hull Sat 22nd October 2022 | O2 Apollo, Manchester Mon 24th October 2022 | City Hall, Sheffield Tue 25th October 2022 | Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool Wed 26th October 2022 | New Theatre, Oxford Fri 28th October 2022 | Regent Theatre, Ipswich Sat 29th October 2022 | Cliffs Pavilion, Southend Mon 31st October 2022 | Princess Theatre, Torquay

Tue 1st November 2022 | Guildhall, Portsmouth Thu 3rd November 2022 | St David’s Hall, Cardiff Fri 4th November 2022 | Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth Sat 05th November 2022 | Brighton Centre, Brighton Mon 7th November 2022 | Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham Tue 8th November 2022 | The Forum, Bath Thu 10th November 2022 | Arena, Swansea Fri 11th November 2022 | Palladium, London Sat 12th November 2022 | Palladium, London

Kris James’ latest single ‘The Way You Move’ is out on August 5th

Niku Bar & Restaurant located on Ewell Road, Surbiton.

Our mission is to serve great cocktails, food, accompanied by great tunes and a whole load of fun… after your meal in our restaurant dining area, we have a lounge accompanied with a different drinks menu and DJ all evening.

For all you cocktail lovers, our new lounge is open with a new cocktail menu. Step into our Jungle in style and be wowed by our cocktails, opening from 8pm until 1am every Friday & Saturday! Get ready to dance the night away The Niku team are on hand to ensure your experience is smooth-sailing and long-lasting! Niku Lounge also offers Happy Hour from 8-9pm on selected cocktails!