Biography

Darling James is the moniker of Melbourned-based songwriter James O’Brien. First coming to attention with seminal indie darlings The Boat People as a co-frontman and songwriter, James helped create 8 triple j high-rotation singles from 3 critically acclaimed albums, earned plays at Los Angeles’ KCRW and the UK’s Radio 1, travelled to the USA no less than six times (playing SXSW twice), toured the UK multiple times, and played home soil festivals at the likes of Big Day Out, Woodford, Valley Fiesta, Sunset Sounds, and toured alongside artists include David Byrne, The Shins, Powderfinger, Crowded House, Washington, Tim Rogers, and Augie March. As Darling James, he has released numerous critically acclaimed singles (including kudos from Gotye), including high-rotation single ‘Ultimatum Talk’, and his debut EP ‘Theory of Mind’ in late-2016, 'MOOD EYES' E.P. in 2018 and recent singles 'Make the Grade' and 'Born in the Blitz'. He has performed alongside the likes of The Church, Dan Kelly, Ella Hooper and Olympia. Darling James is currently preparing for the release of his debut album in early 2023.