Studio Electrophonique - Studio Electrophonique

Studio Electrophonique, the solo project of singer-songwriter James Leesley, is one of the most original musical outfits to emerge from Sheffield's current independent scene. Taking the name 'Studio Electrophonique' from an old analogue recording studio in Sheffield, Leesley has already released two celebrated EPs under this moniker. He will release later this year his eponymous debut album on Paris-based label Valley of Eyes Records. It is produced by Simon Tong (The Verve, The Good, The Bad and The Queen and The Magnetic North).

James Leesley grew up in Handsworth, Sheffield where week-day evenings were spent kicking a football around grassy urban edgelands. At the weekends, the social clubs with their glitter balls, comedians, cockle sellers and sequin-suited cabaret singers brought a touch of glamour to this hilltop suburb on the fringe of an industrial northern city. The stage was not some far-off place. Dreams could be made and broken under bright lights and by the brusk tones of a bingo caller.

The classic songs, slap back echo and house organ sounds of the social club scene are in Leesley’s blood. His work draws inspiration from the heartfelt melodies of songsmiths like Carole King and Burt Bacharach with the smokey tenderness of vocalists such as Dusty Springfield and Elvis. Add to that his enthusiasm for American literature and the surrealism of 60s French cinema.