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“Songwriter and pianist James Wilson has created a stage persona, Frightened Seller, around a dream in which he was trapped in a cellar. From this inspiration stems dramatic, personal and powerful ballads.”
-Jezebel Music
Dreaming of being trapped in a cellar would be a ghastly nightmare for most. For singer/songwriter/pianist James Wilson, this dream proved revelatory. The dream inspired him to create the character that became his stage persona, Frightened Seller.
Frightened Seller is a Brooklyn-based melodic, narrative post-rock artist. The classically trained pianist is known for his hauntingly beautiful piano melodies and his sonorous voice, a voice that has been likened to David Bowie and Morrissey. His narrative lyrics meander from the fantastical realm to scenes snatched from his own life.
Elements of both the fantastical and real are reflected in lines like, “Skeletons and red butterflies form a portal here/I come from a basement life/Hidden with furnaces you can't help but catch on fire.” These fantastical/real lyrics have inspired James’ legion of fans to create their own Frightened Seller street team, known as The Basement Dwellers.
Mim Readling, a former bandmate and Basement Dweller, said she was drawn to Frightened Seller's music because of the contrasts in songwriter James’ sound. "I loved the gothic feel of the music," she says. "And yet, there was an almost pop quality to many of his songs."
An Iowa native, James moved to NYC to further his music career. Just months after arriving, he was signed to a small independent record label. After two years on the label, he decided to leave it and his band.
His return to playing as a solo artist has allowed James more freedom. Not only can he perform with a variety of musicians, he can also continue to experiment with his own sound. “I wanted to move toward a more minimalist sound," he explains. "To focus on what I really love about music and to explore that fully.”
Frightened Seller is currently in Japan performing and writing new music. You can visit his website www.frightenedseller.net to download a free copy of his digital only release "Exordium".
Thanks SO much for the add and the friendship. My latest single "Synthetic Famine" was just released on October 4, 2009. I'd love your support! Please join my mailing list at: http://www.reverbnation.com/robotbombshelter?add_email=true. You'll get advanced notice of new tracks, upcoming shows and new CD releases. You can also check out my band page at: http://www.robotbombshelter.com to learn more about me and my music. Thanks for your support! Jake B./Robot Bomb Shelter
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