McKinley James signs with Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound
McKinley James has signed with Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound and marked the occasion with the release of the new music video for “Back on the Run.”
The Rochester, New York-born guitarist, singer and songwriter joins the growing roster of artists on the Nashville-based label after years of developing his sound and working closely with Auerbach. Before becoming an Easy Eye Sound artist, James spent time sweeping floors at the label’s renowned studio, where he learned under the mentorship of the Black Keys frontman and Grammy Award-winning producer.
James has built a reputation as one of the rising talents in the modern blues-rock and roots music scene, blending blues, soul, vintage rock and roll and Motown-inspired influences into a sound that feels both classic and contemporary. His guitar work and songwriting draw inspiration from artists such as Otis Rush and Johnny “Guitar” Watson, while his live performances are driven by a powerful rhythm section that includes his father, veteran drummer Jason Smay.
The signing comes after a string of independent releases, extensive touring and support slots with major artists including ZZ Top and Eric Church. Easy Eye Sound has become known for championing artists rooted in blues, soul and American roots music, making the partnership a natural fit.
Alongside the label announcement, James has released the music video for “Back on the Run.” The clip was created in partnership with DicE Magazine and captures the same high-energy spirit that has become a hallmark of his live performances.
Raised in Webster, New York, outside Rochester, James later relocated to Nashville, where he has continued to establish himself as a rising force in blues-rock. His latest work showcases his blend of rhythm and blues, soulful vocals and vintage rock influences that have helped him build a growing audience in the United States and Europe.
The new single and music video for “Back on the Run” are available now. James is currently on tour across the United States.
TOUR DATES
JUN 12 • Continental Club • Austin, TX
JUN 13 • C-Boys Heart & Soul • Austin, TX
JUN 20 • W.C. Handy Music Festival • Henderson, KY
JUN 26 • Fanatics Pub • Lima, NY
JUN 27 • Live at the Bandstand • Sackets Harbor, NY
JUL 8 • The Franklin Theatre • Franklin, TN
JUL 10 • The Kent Stage • Kent, OH
JUL 11 • The Ark • Ann Arbor, MI
JUL 12 • Vivarium • Milwaukee, WI
JUL 13 • Vault 202 Brewery & Taproom • Appleton, WI
JUL 14 • The Dakota • Minneapolis, MN
JUL 15 • The Dakota • Minneapolis, MN
JUL 16 • SPACE • Evanston, IL
JUL 19 • Knucklehead Saloon • Kansas City, MO
JUL 20 • The Coda Concert House • Joplin, MO
JUL 30 • Neurolux • Boise, ID
AUG 1 • Kitsap Blues Fest • Bremerton, WA
AUG 4 • The Mint • Los Angeles, CA
AUG 7 • Saroyan Theatre • Fresno, CA (with ZZ Top)
AUG 8 • Biscuits & Blues • San Francisco, CA
AUG 10 • San Jose Jazz Summer Fest • San Jose, CA
AUG 12 • Avogadro’s Number • Fort Collins, CO
AUG 14 • Alternating Currents Festival • Rock Island, IL
SEP 10-13 • Big Blues Bender • Las Vegas, NV
SEP 18 • The Cotillion • Wichita, KS
NOV 6 • Hard Rock Live Rockford • Rockford, IL
