Reuben James

Reuben James is the kind of musician whose path seems to echo the notes he plays: unpredictable yet undeniably vibrant. Growing up in Bromford, Birmingham, with a musical backdrop of diverse vinyl records—Frank Sinatra and reggae among them—he took to the piano at just three years old, having little awareness of the journey ahead. It’s telling that he found himself at odds with the traditional path, dropping out of music school for the uncertain promise of touring with a then-unknown artist named Sam Smith. “I just had a gut feeling they were going to be big,” he says, as though recalling an old friend rather than a significant career choice.

Within a few years, Reuben was performing at the Grammy Awards, seated next to none other than Stevie Wonder, a moment likely tinged with disbelief. It’s curious how life twists in unpredictable ways; one gets the impression that beneath his polished exterior lies a person who risks much yet feels the stakes acutely. He speaks fondly of Birmingham, where his musical journey started; the same city where he now champions B:Music, a charity that supported his early performances. The sense of gratitude laces his words, as if he were seeking to repay an old debt while simultaneously awash in nostalgia.

His music, he insists, is not just about talent but is intricately tied to personality and narrative. He practiced fervently, sometimes six hours daily, and seems to grapple with the concept of talent—a fine artist hesitant to call himself a “natural”. It’s unclear, perhaps deliberately so, how much is bravado and how much is self-deprecation in his reflections. He openly shares that he finds inspiration in personal stories and emotional depth, valuing experience not just as a musician but as a storyteller.

Reuben’s current pursuits paint a dynamic picture: running his own label, Rufio Records; collaborating on the music for “Ted Lasso”; and even auditioning for acting roles. He pauses and, with a hint of levity, mentions his collection of hats—about seventy, but acknowledging that around forty of them must be lost. With more music on the horizon, including his latest single “Closer,” Reuben embodies an artist who balances the chaos of creation with the comforting familiarity of home. He reminds us that music, while ever-changing, remains anchored in the self, a lifelong commitment that often navigates both the highs and lows of life.