James Bay

The 24-year-old singer/songwriter with an engaging voice has been working at this launch since he was 11 years old, growing up in Hitchin, England, obsessed with his dad’s guitar. By his teens he was playing in bands with his brothers and friends and, by 18, started working his way from Brighton to London as a solo artist.

It was his performances in the capital city that led to an opening slot for The Rolling Stones in Hyde Park in 2013.  Soon, he was signed to Republic Records stateside, and WME got involved.

“I knew some friends and old acquaintances around James – good people who are capable of doing great things when they get together around remarkable talent,” WME’s Kirk Sommer told Pollstar. “The first little collection of demos sounded big and James had depth. We all agreed to build a proper foundation from the ground up before we put wind in the sail.”

Bay “strapped on a guitar” and drove thousands of miles, playing dozens of performances including festivals like Bonnaroo, Corona Capital, ACL and Telluride. 

“People were waiting in line to greet him and get some music for hours following his performances,” Sommer said.

Bay spent the fall touring with one of Sommer’s other clients, Hozier, and fits in well with some of the agent’s latest successes, namely George Ezra and a fellow named Sam Smith. Bay returns to the States for a short run in July-August, anchored around appearances at Lollapalooza and Outside Lands.

“He is one of the most talented, honest and hardworking people I have met,” Sommer said.  He added that, when Bay had a recent night off in New York, Sommer got the artist some floor seats at a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden.

“The next time I send him there, his name will be on the marquee. He’s that good. It is a privilege to work with him and be part of the team.”