Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Road, an intimate yet electric venue became a home away from home for a special Southern guest last night. There’s no fibbing when we say the Northerners were head over heels for him.
Known for his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, James Smith made his Manchester debut at the beloved Deaf Institute as part of his 'Common People' tour, following the release of his first album in November 2024. The 26-year-old Soul/Pop artist delivered a raw, emotional, and captivating performance, reflecting on his decade-long struggle to navigate the music industry. “It’s been a tough road, but we finally got there,” he admitted.
Armed with just his guitar and undeniable charm, Smith’s set blended original songs, unreleased tracks, and covers - including a beautiful rendition of The Beatles’ 'Blackbird' and Al Green’s 'Let’s Stay Together'.
Kicking things off with 'Sunshine' - a clear fan favourite - the crowd grooved to its infectious melody. From the moment he stepped on stage, it was clear James was here to have a good time. Manchester was captivated by his energy and angelic vocals, singing every word of his hits 'Tell Me You Love Me' and 'Molly' right back at him.
Smith’s vocal control and flexibility were nothing short of mesmerising. His ability to glide seamlessly between head and chest voice added an ethereal quality to ballads like 'Over and Over Again' and 'Why Don’t You Love Me' - we may have wiped away a tear or two.
The crowd adored him - not just for his talent but for his authenticity. His Southern ‘cheeky-chappy’ humour enabled an intimate atmosphere, as if we were old friends catching up. He shared the struggles behind his music, opening up about the loneliness of the pandemic, record labels, and the financial strain of touring.
“People think artists go on tour to make money, but that’s not the case,” he revealed. “When I was doing the first budget, I was down ten grand.”
James Smith’s Manchester debut was a testament to his dedication and artistry. Despite the hurdles, his dream is becoming a reality, and with his vocal prowess, effective lyricism, and effortless stage presence, this is just the beginning.
For fans of James TW, Rhys Lewis, and Niall Horan - consider this your sign to dive into James Smith’s discography. You won’t regret it.
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