The Musician

 

 

 

 

"You might find me recording while the paint dries"

Singer/Songwriter James Orton is behind the instruments and vocals in his movement known as ViewOfAKind. Born in Elgin, IL in 1980 he was surrounded by a mix of different cultures and listening tastes. His father was a great appreciator of music from Van Morrison which influenced many of the original lyrics and sounds from ViewOfAKind. Other influences have come from early Hip-Hop to Blues and Soul. The idea to record was initially for a soundtrack to James’ video making and media outlet called Little Buddy’s Romper Room. There he was accompanied by other original musicians who performed as writers and sometimes comedians on the show. 

 

What started as just backround music for his video editing turned into the release of his debut album “Plant” in 2010. 
With the exception of drum tracks, James plays every instrument in his music with very little knowledge of keys or specific notes. He considers these noises and sounds instead, and can be heard in some of his music as actually being “out of tune”. Along with sour notes or “noises”, his vocals are from original lyrics but part “one take” and some improv, which is evident in almost all of the recordings.

 

 

In the belief that an artists influence comes from everywhere, from those you talk to, things you hear and things you see. All efforts from ViewOfAKind is for the sole purpose of Inspiring Creative Development. In absolutely anyone.

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With recent works from ViewOfAKind, James sought a beat from Andrew Moore of Moore and Watch City, with whom he met through Side Street studio Arts in his home town of Elgin, IL at the CD Release party for Shop Local. 

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The latest release from ViewOfAKind, Tender Memory is available on all streaming platforms, with current projects in collaborations and recordings set to be released Fall 2021, with talents from Watch City artists, such as Angrous, Aaron Kasz, Andrew Moore, called WE SPEAK. You can hear ViewOfAKind's original catalog of music on Spotify .