Soulful Americana — it evokes images of back porch ballads, foot-stomping anthems and everything in between. It’s also the chosen genre of James Coates, a 15-year traveler of the Northwest’s sprawling music scene who’s spent a career struggling to define himself.

James didn’t choose music — after learning guitar from his father at ten, some would say it chose him. Influences came from everywhere, but the ones that stuck were legendary songwriters like Bob Dylan and Tom Petty as well as the unstoppable backbeat of Motown Records.

Seattle Weekly mused about Coates that he, “sounds like Bob Dylan would if Dylan could actually sing, while lyrically he veers closer to Springsteen territory.” This notion would be confirmed by DJ Greg Vandy through airplay on KEXP’s Roadhouse, a show dedicated to the region’s finest roots music.

After touring across 26 states, including a headlining set at Nashville’s famous Bluebird Cafe, James returned home to perform across the Northwest at venues like the Triple Door, Tractor Tavern, Neumo’s, Spanish Ballroom, Jazzbones and Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, where he opened for 9-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow.

Combining threads of folk, rock, funk and R&B, Coates’s ambitious sonic tapestry is woven together by one singular element — a soulful voice with a hint of rasp singing for anyone who needs to hear a comforting song. Two albums, a nationwide tour and countless shows later, not only is Coates’s voice not slowing down, it’s getting louder and stronger.

James is currently performing throughout the Pacific Northwest in support of his latest singles, “Buy My Mom a House” and “7-Year-Old Summer” and will be releasing more new music in 2026.

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Born and raised in Tacoma, WA, Erina McLaren is a soulful singer, songwriter, composer, and guitarist! She began studying music as a child and took advantage of opportunities to travel the country to share her music while studying at the University of Vermont! Nowadays you can catch her playing with her band "Back Sass" at venues across the greater South Sound - performing both original music and contemporary covers of songs we all know and love! Joining her in Back Sass are some incredibly talented local musicians: Taylor Beidatsch, Rafe Wadleigh and Ian Webb. The amazing Glenn Hummel will be joining them on drums for this show!