James Berkeley

British musician / producer: multifaceted artist, instrumentalist, vocalist and producer James Berkeley has established himself within the UK jazz, soul and R&B scenes through his many musical endeavours. From garnering a reputation for an impressive live show with his band Yakul to more behind-the-scenes work producing and writing for artists, James now spreads his wings as a solo artist with his upcoming projects alongside prolific collaborator, edbl. James Berkeley began his musical journey in 2012 under the moniker King Dinosaur, his music then being based on 2-step, dub and electronica, drawing on UK garage, house and glitchy electronics. Signed to Artillery Records, James released three EPs during his time with the label, playing clubs in Brighton and the south-east. In 2013 King Dinosaur evolved into Newsome, with James expanding his styles into deep house and drum ‘n bass, and gaining a support slot for The Sunshine Underground on their 2013 UK tour. James formed the Brighton-based four-piece, Yakul, in 2016, playing a mix of neo-soul and jazz. The band has gained a considerable following worldwide and apart from regular slots at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and the Jazz Cafe in Camden, Yakul has played numerous festivals, south-east venues and completed two UK tours as well as a playing gig in Madrid. Following several digital-only releases, their EP “Getting Late” and LP “Rise Indigo” were both released independently. James has worked extensively with celebrated jazz veterans Incognito, even co-writing multiple tracks on their album “Tomorrow’s New Dream” and touring with the band with residencies at Tokyo’s and Milan’s famous Blue Note, before certifying a prominence on the jazz scene when Yakul sold out Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in 2022. His collaboration with R&B songstress Mereba reached over a million streams preceding Yakul’s 2021 debut album “Rise Indigo”.