Warwick teenager signs for major record label

The 17-year-old singer-songwriter has been offered a major recording contract with top American label Island Records- the company that has George Michael, Bon Jovi and U2 on its books.

James has just flown back from New York to tell his teachers at Warwick School that after sitting his AS levels this week - he’ll be taking the rest of the year off.

During the summer the boy who mastered the drums, then taught himself to play piano and guitar, will spend the summer in an apartment in Los Angeles rehearsing and writing some new songs.

James - who has adopted the stage name of James TW - was first spotted by an American agent after he and his dad uploaded some of his songs to You Tube.

As a result James was contacted by a music agent in America who offered to represent him.

He and his parents Richard and Sarah were cautious. But after checking out the agent they agreed to travel to New York where James performed his home-penned songs for a number of studios.

“In the end Island seemed to be the best one for me,” said James.

“I’ve signed a contract with the company’s president, David Massey, and they wanted me to start building a fan base and concentrating on my songwriting right away.

“First I’m going to sit my AS levels in psychology, business and music and I’ve agreed that I can always come back and finish the full A-level course at a later date.”

And after spending the next few weeks working with professional songwriters in America he’s also agreed to come back to Warwick School to perform in a special fundraising concert on June 13.

Teachers there have described his soulful voice as “outstanding” and say his song writing displays a maturity well beyond his years.

James has also agreed to a sell-out concert at Moorfields Rugby Club in aid of Leamington Ladies’ Netball team where his 14-year-old sister Emma plays. He also has an 11-year-old brother Peter.

Not surprisingly, James’ fellow sixth formers just can’t believe his luck.

But mum Sarah will accompany him for the first few weeks in America and the whole family are joining him in Los Angeles for the summer.

Tickets for James’ concert at the Bridge House Theatre in the school grounds cost £10 and are being sold in aid of the new school hall.

To buy them contact the box office on 776438.