"I look in the mirror with the glitter on my face and just say to myself: 'I am James Sebastian"
W: Heather King
Modern rock and roll is waking up from its nap, and James Sebastian is the one holding the megaphone. Alongside guitarist Alex Gloshkin and drummer Jamie Westfold, Sebastian is injecting the modern music scene with a much-needed dose of 70s energy, open shirts, and what he describes as "engrooved" hard rock. Fresh off winning the Best Classic Rock and Blues Act at the Radio Wigwam Awards 2025, the band has built a reputation for high-octane live shows at legendary venues like The Cavern and Crofter's Rights. For James, the stage is a sporting arena where the pre-show ritual involves glitter, stage outfits, and a "coiled spring" tension that explodes the moment the first chord is struck. Despite the growing hype and rapidly expanding social media fanbase, the band remains refreshingly grounded; their only "diva demand" on the road is a local supermarket that does a decent meal deal.
"The boys and I just want a local supermarket that does a good meal deal. That is our only diva demand."
The creative engine behind the music is a "three-dimensional" process that turns raw riffs into polished anthems in a matter of hours. James typically brings the core lyrics and chords to the studio, where the trio whacks up the amps to create tracks designed specifically for the live experience. Their latest single was built entirely around a "big, tasty riff" intended to be a direct call to the audience, reflecting the deep connection James feels with his fans. Influenced by everyone from The Beatles and Led Zeppelin to Harry Styles, the band refuses to play it safe, even setting their sights on an ultimate collaboration with Sir Paul McCartney. It is this relentless work ethic—posting four times a day on TikTok and recording even when the inspiration isn't "clicking"—that has seen their streams and follower counts soar throughout the early months of 2026.
As for the ultimate dream? "Paul McCartney. He’s written the most #1s out of anyone ever, so he knows his way around a song. Gimme a call, Paul."
Looking ahead, 2026 is set to be the year James Sebastian breaks out of the "London bubble" for good. After years of being London-centric, the band is hitting the road to hit Bristol, Brighton, and Southampton, culminating in a massive UK tour this October that stretches all the way to Manchester. Fans can expect a relentless release schedule with a new single every two months, fresh merch drops, and plenty of vinyl giveaways. James is confident that there is a "James Sebastian-shaped hole" in the current musical landscape, and he is more than happy to fill it with passion, energy, and a classic rock aesthetic. As the tour dates approach and the streams continue to climb, the message to the fans is clear: the music is for them, and as James puts it, "Every time we're on that stage, you make us feel."
"We want to bring the energy, aesthetic, and vibes of classic rock to the modern scene. Rock's been having a rest—but it’s coming back."