James Aries

Artist Songwriter Student Alternative Classical Folk Pop

JAMES ARIES is a classically trained pianist with show tune tendencies and a penchant for pop. An emerging singer-songwriter, James draws comparisons to fellow Canadian artists Rufus Wainwright and Sarah Slean, while creating his own colourful blend of nineteenth-century art song, old-world cabaret, and contemporary baroque pop.

Growing up gay in rural Saskatchewan, James learned at a young age that since he didn’t fit in he might as well excel at standing out. He began playing the piano at age six and later started writing comedic songs to entertain his school friends. Since then, his passion for songwriting has developed in to a weapon of expression. Refreshing and relatable, the singer-songwriter’s oeuvre ranges from poignant poetry and romantic ballads to whimsical lyricism and satire that champions the unconventional and borders playfully on the irreverent.

An alumnus of the Royal Conservatory of Music, the Canada Music Academy, and the Independent Music Production program at Seneca College, James also holds a BFA in Drama from the University of Saskatchewan. Having appeared in over twenty productions (professional highlights include musicals such as Assassins, Urinetown, and Two Corpses Go Dancing for which he co-wrote the music), James is no stranger to performing. He recently released his debut single, Mr. Diamond, with two follow-up singles released in Fall 2020.

Now based in Toronto, ON, current endeavours include studying music composition at Humber College, collaborating on a musical adaptation of C.S. Lewis's novel Till We Have Faces for the stage, as well as writing/recording material for an upcoming debut EP.

To learn more, visit jamesariesmusic.com