Wilder Music

By Edie Berry.

Nothing quite compares to Shayfer James’ haunting, dark cabaret discography – but with the release of his long-awaited album ‘Summoning’, his listeners are graced with an entirely new sonic experience. From the sweeping, soulful soundscape of Headed Home to the gritty refrains of One Foot in the Grave, every song helps weave a narrative, interspersed with stories from the musician’s own life. 

As of September 9th, fans in both Europe and the UK have been lucky enough to witness his ethereal talent live, in order to celebrate the much-anticipated ‘Summoning’. I had the good fortune of experiencing this marvel live on the 14th, in the rather homely New Cross Inn in London. For such an intimate venue, his music flooded the room and crashed off the walls, mingling with the voices of his devoted audience who knew every word to every song.

After a raw yet atmospheric opening performance from London’s hidden gem Queen of Nothing, who entranced the audience with her indie folk charm, Shayfer James took to the stage and we all waited with bated breath. As the first solemn notes of Have a Seat, Misery rang out, there was nothing to do but watch his deft fingers on the piano keys in something like reverence. He had the crowd’s attention hook line and sinker before he even opened his mouth. In immediate contrast, an electric tempo filled the room with Imagine That, the second song of the night and the first on the new album. It was incredible how moving one man and his piano could be, but every song held us in awe. The mood of the room ricocheted between sombre and euphoric, darting from the wistful harmonies of Winter Hymn to the soaring, jovial beat of Lighthouse Keeper, which transformed our venue into a lively tavern with tapping feet and clapping hands – a testament to the immense versatility of Shayfer’s songwriting ability. He didn’t need a band either, as his fans couldn’t help but join in with their own percussion. With every song came hearty stomps and claps which brought a truly special, communal aspect to the concert, as though we were all performing together.

In between musical interludes, Shayfer took to sharing stories from his life, particularly those which inspired his music. His wit and humour captivated the crowd just as much as his musical prowess, and I was a particular fan of the tale behind Your Father’s Son, inspired by his own eclectic father. Having been enlightened that there is a shred of his life in almost every song, it’s hard not to listen to the lyrics with a newfound appreciation. For Wolves is one such example; written at the lowest point of his life to date, this heartbreaking, tender song ensured there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd when it was played live. These songs are not just introspective, but ingenious; Shayfer’s emphasis and delivery swept the audience into his narratives, and even if you can’t personally relate, it’s hard not to see some fragment of yourself in his music. It’s multifaceted talent like this that indisputably cements him as a musical savant of the indie world.

Despite the light, humorous tone of his anecdotes, Shayfer also preached honesty and kindness to everyone – qualities which are lacking today, in both the musical world and society as a whole. These values crop up throughout his songs – like Crack a Bottle, Run a Bath – and highlight the beautiful spirit of the man behind the music. He prides himself and his music on being a safe space, in particular for queer youth, and it’s nothing short of the truth to say strangers became family in the crowd that day. 

Among callbacks to fan-favourites like For the Departed and Villainous Thing (both from 2011 album Counterfeit Arcade, which for many is a gateway into the darkly whimsical universe of Shayfer James’ music), fans were lucky enough to witness a sneak peak of new song The Deed, both ominous and alluring. Following a brief introduction, the crowd was split in half, with each side given a section of the refrain. Although tentative at first, the accompaniment of Shayfer’s seamless vocals eased the audience in, and in no time the room was filled with an almost unifying call-and-response chant. Apparently the track was intended for ‘Summoning’, but it was deemed ‘too dark’ in comparison to the rest of the songs; it’s set to be a single, and a keenly-awaited one at that. Akin to Blood Moon Love in 2023, the song is rumoured to be released sometime in October, just in time for Halloween – as per tradition.

Overall, the setlist was the perfect blend of tender nostalgia and thrilling novelty, underscored by the vivacious charm and passion of Shayfer James himself. His command of the music, the stage and the audience were truly unparalleled – and coupled with his affable nature when greeting his fans, undoubtedly renders him an underrated treasure in the world of modern music. With such a diverse array of songs in his musical repertoire, it’s safe to say fans across Europe and the UK are eagerly awaiting the day they can summon him back.