“...a mournfully ambient and somewhat ethereal score by James Pickering helps elevate this above mere social realism, finding unexpected shards of beauty in even the most dismal circumstances.” - Mark Kermode
— Observer
“Nothing gives me more excitement, more thrill, than seeing a message in my inbox from James with ideas and sketches. His score in 'County Lines' revolutionised the film. Anyone who can do that for a filmmaker is an extremely special talent. James is that and then some. I love working with him.” - Henry Blake - Director
“James always provides my programmes with inspirational, high-quality music. He is a real talent and his ideas are fantastic. I am more than happy to recommend his skills to anyone seeking a soundtrack composer.” - Gavin Ahern - Series Producer/Director BBC
About James
James is happiest involved in meaningful work that has depth and the courage to experiment. He has a keen interest that spans Film, Songwriting, Music Production, Concert Music, Poetry, as well as branches of Music Technology, Experimental Music and creative coding.
Mark Kermode described his 2020 score to Henry Blake’s twice BAFTA nominated 'County Lines' as “Majestic!”. His score was released on Lakeshore Records.
James is currently working on a few projects which include sketching out ideas for a beautifully dark and powerful feature in development, starting an orchestral work and finishing off a choral work ‘The Gentle Hand’ in memory of his mother. In 2024, he started an indie guitar passionate project, with an old band mate from back in the day, channeling their love of 70's-90's indie from Television, The Cure, The Flaming Lips, Interpol, Mercury Rev, The Beta Band through to folk/alt. folk artists such as Sparklehorse, Smog and Leonard Cohen.
Shortly after moving to London in his early twenties James’s band were signed to BMG Publishing and Manchester Indie label Faith & Hope.
After the band ran its course – reaching back to his love of classical music – James decided to build on his untapped musical interests, which took him into Film and Concert Music (this motivated him to successfully apply as an Associate of the London Symphony Orchestra’s Soundhub for new and emerging composers).
Influenced by this mixed musical background, James often blends found sounds with synths and acoustic instruments.
James can often be seen around East Kent, sampling the environment and creating his own sample-based instruments.
He also restarted his interest in poetry two years ago and was longlisted in the prestigious Bridport Prize.