James Singleton, known professionally as James Pants, is an American multi-instrumental recording artist. Although his music defies simple categorization, he is promoted as a purveyor of the "fresh beat," an early-1980s sound with influences from 1980s soul, electro boogie, early rap, new wave, and post-punk disco.[1][2][3][4]
James Pants | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | James Singleton |
Genres | |
Occupation(s) |
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Years active | 2006–present |
Labels | Stones Throw |
Website | www |
Singleton's father is a Presbyterian minister and he has lived in Texas, Boston, and Spokane.[5]
Singleton used to be in a rap group called Ballistix in Austin, Texas.[5]
Singleton was discovered by DJ and Stones Throw Records head Peanut Butter Wolf, whom he approached while still in high school. When Peanut Butter Wolf did a gig in his hometown of Austin, Texas, Pants left his prom, with his date in tow, to meet him at the show.
Singleton interned at Stones Throw offices.[2] After releasing several singles and compilations with Stones Throw, he released his debut album, Welcome, in 2008. The second James Pants LP, Seven Seals, was released in July 2009;[6] his third, self-titled LP was released on May 3, 2011, and his fourth LP, Savage, was released on April 14, 2015.
Singleton currently resides in New York City and works as a software engineer for Bloomberg L.P.[7] He is affiliated with the Red Bull Music Academy.[5]