James Dean

Solo, James Dean builds songs live with looping, layering parts until it's hard to believe one person is playing. He calls the approach a producer meeting a one-man band. You can also build your own band around him, anything between two players and six, adding drums, percussion, bass, piano, a second guitar, female vocals, saxophone or trumpet, and the six-piece often brings in horns. He knows upwards of 1,500 songs and is open to learning extra ones for you. He reads the room and shifts the set as things unfold. The booking covers production, lighting, backline and a speech mic. Your side of it is simple: power no more than 30 metres from where he plays, and a backup plan for rain if it's outdoors. He's insured for public liability, lives in Brisbane and will travel 500 km.