AN ALTERNATIVE TAKEOVER

Written by Luke Nichols

Sitting underneath a mane of flowing red locks, James Lebenthal has already mastered the look of an alternative pop star. With a touch of quiet charisma, he cuts through the tension of a room, making the space around him feel light and breathable–quite a skill for an incoming third-year music industry major at UCLA. 

James’ early years were spent along the American maple belt only an hour's drive North of Manhattan. Surrounded by deeply wooded forests and sprawling green hills, James’ tranquil hometown diffuses into his character as he carries himself with a poised sense of calm. 

Music has been a trademark in James’ life. He first picked up a guitar and began pairing it with pen and paper in his sophomore year of high school. Feeling empowered by the ability to create openly, James saw music as an outlet to articulate his ideas. In effect, he saw music as the medium where he could best communicate rather than through simple conversation. 

In his high school days, the genres of grunge, emo, and punk resonated with James the most, giving him the ability to escape from his reality and enter the perspective of another. 90s punk was the name of the game in his eyes, listening to household names like Nirvana and the Offspring. With such raw lyrics, these bands displayed their vulnerability through the platforming of their insecurities, a quality that influenced the way James wrote his music.

Since then, James’ musical taste has matured, transitioning into genres with a more elevated and snappy tone, an effect of his desire to create more uplifting melodies. With a focus on alternative pop and indie rock, James now enjoys projects that display masterful production–his ear is becoming fine-tuned to the layering of multiple vocal elements accompanied by dynamic instrumentation. This musical style is embodied through some of his most beloved projects including “Fine Line,” released by Harry Styles in 2019 and “Think Fast,” one of Dominic Fike’s notable songs off his recent album release. 

With newfound inspiration, James is redefining who he is as an artist. His sound resembles the genre of poppy bedroom rock, expressing emotions that are intimate and inclusive. James tells of his experiences with love, devotion and heartbreak, common memories that extend far and wide. This shines through when James performs–he makes the audience feel connected as if they have lived in the same shoes as he showers listeners with a soft and warm voice, bringing his stories to life. 

In May of 2023, James released his first EP, “Cloud Cover,” an ode to the complexities inherent in romantic relationships. Each track tackles a different thematic chapter, following the detailed story of an individual and their partner. James begins the EP with two high-tempo songs, “Stay,” and “Alive,” that give voice to the desire for someone to stay. Marks of a story left unfinished, James highlights the memories that have yet to be made, explaining why that special someone shouldn’t leave. In this vulnerable state, James universalizes the difficulties of an intimate bond, showing listeners they are not alone in their experience.

The tone of the EP then transitions, encapsulating broody and melancholic emotions with the tracks “Cutoff,” and “Cloud.” The tonal shift resembles the sound produced by The Fray in the early 2000s, a sentimental and emotive take on traditional rock embodied with piano and complimentary falsettos. Touching on the monumental impact a romantic relationship can have, James displays his vulnerability, underscoring how one’s life can be utterly consumed by another as they begin to feel powerless in the attempt to maintain a connection. While a tragic experience to live through, James humanizes his memory, making the isolation indicative of a fleeting romance less solitary.

Now working with legendary producer, Anthony Gallo, who has collaborated with the likes of John Legend and Cigarettes After Sex, James is remixing the EP which will bring an elevated flare and clarity to his debut project. 

For James, the drive to create never ceases–with more musical projects already in the works, he is eager to show the depth of his creative talent. And with a new sound influenced by the relaxed LA lifestyle, James is charging forward with ambition as his career continues to develop.