Shawn James "Flew Too Close To The Sun Tour" with special guest Evan Bartels at Turntable in Indianapolis on Friday, October 23, 2026!

Shawn James

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Hey there, this is Shawn James.

I’ve had way too many writers think they could sum me up and relay what I’m about from an hour-long conversation so they could write my “bio,” but I’ve had it. Screw that. I’ll tell it in my own words.

I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. I grew up on the south side of the city where I attended a gospel church. I was always around a lot of heartfelt, soulful music and hardworking, real, down-to-earth people. Although I no longer abide by any religion, I value the times I had and how they shaped me to be what I am now.

I’ve moved around quite a bit, living in all different parts of the US. While absorbing all sorts of different cultures from here and around the world, I’ve developed my own sound.

I started releasing my own music in 2012 and haven’t stopped since. I play a wide range of music from folk to blues, R&B, gospel to rock, metal, and a lot of things in between. The main constant amongst all the genres would be that it’s all done with emotion, feeling, heart, and a lot of soul. I mean what I say and deeply feel what I play.

I play covers of songs I dig sometimes, and although some people may only know me because of those, I’m hardly just a cover artist.

If you come see me play live and expect just one style or aspect of what I do, you may be disappointed to learn that our shows are a roller coaster of emotions, musical styles, intensity, and energy. I get bored easily and love to mix things up. Be ready, and bring your ear plugs just in case.

I’ve always been the underdog, so to speak, since I’ve never had the backing of a large record label, big marketing firm, or massive PR company, and I truly like it that way. I feel as though I’ve earned what I have through hard work, determination, a good bit of luck, and the great relationships with people I’ve made along the way. I’ve learned a lot of lessons the hard way being in this “music business industry,” and that’s alright by me. I’ve seen that with your support (the listeners out there), I can make my wildest dreams come true.

If you want to listen to an artist that’s authentic, genuine, and original, then you’ve come to the right place.

I hope you enjoy the music and will join me on this journey that I’m so extremely grateful to be on. Thank you all so very much.

Love,

Shawn James

Evan Bartels

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Evan Bartels is a Nebraska-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter whose powerful baritone and deeply human storytelling have made him a distinctive voice in contemporary Americana. Raised in the tiny prairie town of Tobias, Nebraska, a community of just over 100 people, Bartels draws inspiration from rural life, faith, longing, and redemption. Telling stories about ordinary people with extraordinary depth and compassion, he crafts songs that are intimate, emotionally resonant, and unflinchingly honest. Bartels began writing songs, playing guitar, and performing at age 13, honing his craft in a backyard recording space his father built, affectionately known as Coop Studio.

Bartels earned national recognition with his 2017 debut album, *The Devil, God & Me*, and has since grown a devoted audience through *Promised Land* (2019), *Lonesome* (2021), and his 2025 EP, *To Make You Cry*. Recorded live with little more than acoustic guitar and vocals in his handmade cabin outside Nashville, the EP captures the stripped-down honesty and vulnerability that define his work.

Known for his compelling live performances and poetic songwriting, Bartels has toured with Charles Wesley Godwin, Brothers Osborne, and Paul Cauthen. He has appeared at major festivals including AmericanaFest, Mile of Music, C2C: Country to Country, BST Hyde Park, and The Long Road Festival. Bartels recently signed with Joan of Arc Records and will release his first single, “Thunder,” on August 14.