Pennsylvania native Bailey James is an artist on the rise whose career path we have been keeping an eye on for some time here at thinkcountrymusic.com where we always ” bring country closer”. The teenager’s insane talent belies her years, and while her varied musical influences naturally filter through into her music she’s definitely using them to help tread her own path since her move to Nashville to carve her name as a country artist. 

When we chatted to her at CRS in 2020 we mentioned how the year was a ” pivotal” one for her ( https://thinkcountrymusic.com/whats-new/a-quick-chat-with-bailey-james-at-crs-2020/ ) and indeed, despite the  craziness in the world and plans to be busy out on the road having to be curtailed Bailey managed to keep her name to the fore, garnering 240k followers across her social media platforms to date.  Single releases included ” Mama Says”, inspired by her experience of being in a relationship which was frowned upon by her boyfriend’s mother,  and the stunning break-up song ” Train Wreck”  with its accompanying video filmed at a track by her house during lockdown….anyone else hear traces of Maraca Berg in her vocals here? 

In addition to her blossoming solo career, 2020 also saw Bailey become a part of the awesome Song Suffragettes, the only all-female country music singer-songwriter weekly showcase in Nashville…..anyone fortunate enough to catch these shows will vouch for the talent they attract. And if all that hasn’t left you exhausted, Bailey also teamed up last year with Drew Haley, Heather Nikole Harper and Kristen Kae as the newest and youngest member of the all-female group The Highway Women, who released their 5-track EP  ” The Highway” last September which included their inspiring and uplifting June single ” Shake The Dust” …..” you’ll know when it’s the right time to pack your bags and put your car in drive” …..

And it seems that Bailey isn’t slowing down in 2021!! Hitting the ground running, she’s already helped further demonstrate the strength and depth of her musical passion by collaborating with rap/hip-hop duo Twang & Round on ” Whiskey Rain”, the first single from their new album and last Friday saw the release of her own single ” Bitter” which showcases the rockier side to this multi-faceted artist…..download here https://soulspazm.ffm.to/bitter.  Collaborating with another exciting talent, singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Mia Morris who produced the track, it’s a co-write by the pair and Kelli Johnson which calls out the bitterness in those who bring people down. Talking about this latest release, Bailey says ” ‘ Bitter’ is a turn in my music that I’ve been waiting to make. It shows my rock influences. I love Nirvana and Black Sabbath, and I wanted to show some of my love for rock in my music”.  She explains ” We wrote this song about how we felt when a relationship had turned sour. Have you ever had a boyfriend who talked about you after the relationship was over? Then you’ll love this song. I was so excited to feature Mia on the song. It’s a banger!”. And you can’t argue with that description, just listen to the song’s hard rock beat and the passionate vocals from Bailey and Mia! Look out for the accompanying video coming soon.  

What’s next for Bailey? It seems she hardly has time to catch her breath at the moment, as the next Highway Women single, ” Dead Man Walking”  is released this coming Friday, 5th March…a song the ladies describe as ” the ultimate revenge break-up song” and which is available to pre-save here https://soulspazm.ffm.to/deadmanwalking

Alongside ALL her music, Bailey still finds time to follow in the footsteps of country music icons, Rascal flats and the late Charlie Daniels as the first teen ambassador of The Jason Foundation, a cause very close to her heart dedicated to the prevention of youth suicide by raising awareness through education and empowerment. She has partnered with them on numerous campaigns including their current Tennessee Won’t Be Silent campaign which helps raise the conversation about the silent epidemic of suicide. More about this important cause can be found at jasonfoundation.com 

Stay in touch with Bailey James through her website and her social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube.