Mika James is leaping out from behind the drumkit of Melbourne punk outfit The Vovos to unleash a modern nostalgic solo outing. James’ musical output swerves from cinematic country to punk-infused blues, with songs that heave with intent. Singing, writing and performing tracks that invite listeners into a world of personal poetry and intimate portraits, Mika James weaves melodious tunes sharpened with an edge of life experience. Her music evokes the raw landscapes of Weyes Blood, Sharon Van Etten and Laura Marling, while harking back to the world-building odes of Patti Smith, PJ Harvey and Bobbie Gentry.

Indicative of the challenge in pinpointing the project’s genre, James’ live show exudes a wildness that can’t be boxed in. The amalgamation of her punk roots and folk voice has been personified through recent packed live performances alongside the likes of Alex Lahey, Bones & Jones, Alice Skye and The Slingers.