BMA Band Profile

Bossman Sko, here. I have recently had the pleasure to get to know our dear James Cahill, here, and can attest to the fact that he is a tippity-top chap. That he writes and plays life affirming music akin to a cross between Slim Dusty and Thom Yorke… well… count me the fuck in.

Over to you, James…

Describe your sound:

Diverse in range, especially on stage, where I improvise songs. I’ve been described as a cross between Slim Dusty and Thom Yorke if that helps.

How did you start on this magical musical journey?

Ultimately, it could have been playing alto in the school band or my Dad giving me my first guitar in high school. Maybe it was my Year 10 teacher encouraging me to sing, or a colleague at CIT three years ago telling me to pursue art.

Or maybe… it was just magic.

Key tracks people should check out?

Make your way over to Spotify and other platforms. I’ve left a nice little surprise there for you!

Influences?

Boundlessly inspired, especially by those who carve their own path—like Jack Straton, Thom Yorke, Donny Hathaway, and Stavtek.

What are some of your most memorable experiences?

Corrrr… Burning Seed 2023, I reckon. At a jam tent on Saturday night, I picked up the mic and discovered I could improvise one hell of a show.

What is it that you love about the scene?

Undeniably, my scene is the doof and burn community—I love events like Tribe Ascension or the Canberra Winter Solstice Regional Burn. These spaces offer unique opportunities for radical self-expression.

In the default realm, where you’re reading this article, there are too many expectations—how to act and how to live. I’m an absolute weirdo, and everyone who makes the pilgrimage to these events is looking to express themselves freely.

It’s a place to take risks artistically, too. I love the genuine care for each other, wanting nothing but the best. It’s a chance to shed the skin of fear, doubt, and insecurity that this individualistic, extractionist society has painted on us.

It’s only a layer of paint and washes off with a single day of love.

Tell us about one of your proudest moments:

Not long ago, I got recognised at SeaWorld by a French couple, right after I had been wiping away tears from watching the dolphin show. Apparently, I was their favourite part of Rabbits Eat Lettuce. Imagine— paying to see all these big DJ names, and their favourite part of the doof was a guy in lingerie singing about dicks.

Plans for the future?

To just let it unfold. On December 3rd, around midday, I’ll be recording my single “Blue Eyed Raven” down at the Dickson Public Piano near the library—a piece I wrote on that very same piano last year since I didn’t have one at home (still don’t).

So come join me; I might need a hand or two.

What makes you laugh?

Incongruent juxtaposition.

What pisses you off?

Sesquipedalian obfuscation.

Anything else to add?

Oh, I love subtle clues. And I’m looking for a manager, so if there’s anyone out there…

Where can people check you out?

Keep an eye on my journey, and feel free to say hi on Insta @trubluejames. I’ll always have something going on. Don’t miss out on the lore!