Biography

Born and raised in Bakersfield, California, Dillon James was influenced by the city’s unique blend of Rock n’ Roll and Country music from an early age. James was first drawn to classic rock, though his tastes diversified to the likes of City And Color, Glen Campbell, Jeff Buckley, George Strait and Bob Dylan by the time he began writing his own music as a teen. Combined with inspiration from the local sounds of Merle Haggard and Buck Owens, James developed the soulful vocals that now characterize his music. Dillon’s tendency to win singer songwriter competitions led to a brief stint working as an actor in Los Angeles, followed by a turbulent period of substance abuse and homelessness. During this painful time Dillon realized that if he could heal himself and achieve his lifelong dream of becoming a singer songwriter, he could become a living testament to others as well. Dillon accomplished his goal and, following a successful run on American Idol, moved to Nashville to write and record his debut album. Whereas James’ early songs were largely autobiographical, his forthcoming project will guide fans through a cohesive body of work like the classic Rock and Country albums of his hometown. In his own words, “human connection his goal, music is just the vessel.” Dillon James is signed to Hollywood Records/Universal Nashville and is managed by Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk of The Core Entertainment.