James (EP) explained
| James |
| Type: | ep |
| Artist: | Phoebe Ryan |
| Cover: | PhoebeRyanJamesEP.jpg |
| Released: | October 27, 2017 |
| Recorded: | 2016–2017 |
| Length: | 17:26 |
| Label: | Columbia |
| Prev Title: | Mine |
| Prev Year: | 2015 |
James is the second extended play by American singer-songwriter Phoebe Ryan, released on October 27, 2017 by Columbia Records. It serves as the follow-up to her 2015 extended play, Mine (2015).[1] The EP was preceded by the release of three singles, and was promoted by a tour span from late October to mid-November 2017.
Background and composition
James is a pop EP that bases its musical composition in 1980s-inspired synth-pop, modern electropop, and contemporary R&B. The album lyrically chronicles a relationship from beginning to end.[2]
Promotion
Singles
- "Forgetting All About You" featuring American R&B singer, blackbear was released on August 4, 2017 as the lead single from the EP. It was supported by both a music video and a performance at the Billboard Hot 100 Festival.[3]
- "Be Real" was released as the second single on September 8, 2017.[4] A remix EP was released the same month.[5]
- "James Has Changed" was released as the third and final single on October 6, 2017.
Tour
In addition to the three singles being promoted, Ryan also embarked on a tour in support of the extended play. The tour began on October 31, 2017 and concluded on November 14, 2017.[6]
Critical reception
Mike Wass of Idolator gave the album a positive review; he praised Ryan for "[examining] matters of the heart with rare honesty and a razor-sharp wit. Each song leads effortlessly into the next, which is no easy feat considering that they explore wildly different sounds."[7]
Personnel
Credits adapted from Tidal.[8]
- Phoebe Ryan – lead vocals, songwriting
- Kyle Shearer – songwriting (tracks 1–2), record engineering (tracks 1–2)
- Nathaniel Campany – songwriting (tracks 1–2)
- Valley Girl – production (tracks 1–2)
- Joe Zook – mix engineering (track 1)
- Paul Hammond – engineer assistance (track 1)
- Mitch McCarthy – mix engineering (track 2)
- Justin Shturtz – master engineering
- Jordan "DJ Swivel" Young – mix engineering (tracks 3–5)
- Lucas Nordqvist – songwriting (track 3)
- Jurek Reunamäki – songwriting (track 3)
- Frans Mernick – record engineering (track 3)
- Antti Hynninen – songwriting, production, record engineering (track 3)
- Joonas Laaksoharju – songwriting (track 4)
- Axel Ehnström – songwriting (track 4)
- Big Taste – songwriting, production (tracks 4–5)
- Blackbear – featured artist, songwriting (track 5)
- Joseph Kirkland – songwriting (track 5)
- Jason Dean – songwriting (track 5)
Notes and References
- News: Phoebe Ryan designs fall tour. AXS. 2017-10-09.
- News: The Drop: Your Guide To New Music Friday Featuring LAUV & Nicole Millar. 2017-10-06. idolator. 2017-10-09.
- News: PHOTOS: Phoebe Ryan gets things started at Billboard Hot 100 Festival. Hudelson. Molly. 2017-08-22. Substream Magazine. 2017-10-09.
- News: Phoebe Ryan Makes An Honest Plea On The Super Sparkling "Be Real". The FADER. 2017-10-09.
- News: Phoebe Ryan's "Be Real" Gets A Massive NOTD Remix. 2017-09-21. idolator. 2017-10-09.
- Web site: Phoebe Holiday Ryan on Instagram: "Tour starts so soon. Philly 10.31 The Filmore NYC 11.1 Music Hall of Williamsburg DC 11.2 U Street Music Hall Boston 11.3 Brighton Music...". Instagram. 2018-05-18.
- News: Phoebe Ryan On Her 'James' EP, Birdwatching & Britney Spears: Interview. 2017-11-03. idolator. 2017-11-15.
- Web site: Try the TIDAL Web Player. listen.tidal.com. 2017-10-27.
