There really isn’t much that James Johnston can’t sing. Whether it be Jazz, Rock, Country, Acoustic pop, James has versatility that leaves his audience in awe.

James has been singing on stage since the age of four. Some of his earliest performances included singing Lee Kernaghan songs in the nursery rhyme section at the local eisteddfod which caused the Eisteddfod society to create a new category the following year of early childhood country and rock. From guest appearances with local bands he had the desire to back himself on guitar and at ten years started guitar lessons.

Later that year and with a portable amp, he headed to Tamworth for his first taste of busking. Some amazing encounters included being pulled of the street by Kerrie Anne Kennelly and singing live over Sydney radio to singing along side Lee Kernaghan on an Australia day special on National TV.

During James’s teen years he performed as a soloist for seven years at Starstruck, singing everything from rock to country. During this period he performed in a jazz and swing duet performing at corporate functions.

In 2008 James finished his HSC and decided to take on music full time. Leaving for the city he soon developed regular gigs at restaurants and private functions performing modern acoustic covers and his original songs. His passion for song writing during this time, led to several acoustic/pop songs being written mainly based upon the new experiences that were occurring.

James then met his fellow Next Stage performers when chosen as one of the final contenders in 2009’s Australian Idol Series.