Brighton-based multi-instrumentalist, producer, and vocalist James Berkeley of Yakul has announced his debut single, “Run Through My Mind“, marking the first of multiple releases for 2023. This follows the success of his collaborative EP with producer edbl, which garnered over a million streams in three months after its release in October 2022.
‘Run Through My Mind’ is a distinct departure from Berkeley’s future soul roots with Yakul, demonstrating his talents as a producer, songwriter, and musician.
Berkeley wrote and performed everything himself, adding R&B inflections to his melodies and opting for electronic drums instead of his usual live preferences. The track opens with warm analog synths and saturated drums before segueing into Berkeley’s impeccable vocals, delivering a chilled but distinctive attitude.
The chorus repeats its title, mimicking the cyclical process of dwelling on something you can’t get out of your head, while the drifting chromatic piano improvisation highlights Berkeley’s indisputable talent. Dense overlapping vocal harmonies and a soaring keys solo complement the core of the song.
Berkeley has a wealth of unreleased music ready to go, eager to establish himself as a mainstay in the UK jazz, soul, and R&B scenes as he steps out on his own for the first time.
His extensive experience includes co-writing multiple tracks on Incognito’s album Tomorrow’s New Dream, touring with the band with residencies at Tokyo and Milan’s famous Blue Note, and Yakul selling out Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in 2022. He also collaborated with R&B songstress Mereba, which reached over a million streams, before Yakul’s 2021 debut album Rise Indigo.
Berkeley is an ambitious and avid songwriter who believes that great ideas come through trust and passion for the craft. His flair for lush and complex harmonies and a matchless falsetto, complemented by emotive jazz piano voicings and a soft spot for analog synths, drives his consistent nurturing of creativity.
He also shares his process and advice for musicians via Twitch and YouTube, utilizing his decade of experience navigating the music industry to help others find their way.
Berkeley’s solo career is off to a strong start, and music enthusiasts can look forward to more releases in the coming year.
Listen to “Run Through My Mind” below!
#Peace.Love.RunThroughMyMind
