Born on the south side of Chicago in 1986, singer, songwriter and multi instrumentalist, Shawn James had a kind, hardworking mother and a gambling, drunk and often abusive father. His conflicted home life can still be heard in his music which can be full of contrasts -- dark and light, anger and joy, earthy and airborne – while remaining gritty and real. Singing in church growing up, he was drawn to the emotional, ethereal power of music and its ability to affect people. Read more on Last.fm