Biography

Alyssa Anjelica James was born in NYC and grew up in the lush surrounding of upstate NY. Both the mountains and the city pulse though this artists veins as evident in her eclectic sound. On her song “Laughter In The Distance” a folk, R&B inflected ballad she sings with a sincere intimacy about brighter days to come. Then she takes another turn and writes “Warm Day” a modern day jazz standard that has an old timey sound both earthy and moody.

Alyssa began performing in musical theater in Manhattan at the age of thirteen playing a runaway teen in Elizabeth Swados’ musical, “Runaways”. She began doing stand-up in New York City in 1995 which led her to spots on TV shows for TV Guide Network, Discovery Channel and most recently landing the role of news anchor Kimberly Porter in the new Independent film called ‘The Instant Messenger’.

Alyssa has been honored by Billboard numerous times for her songs ‘Subway Gospel’ and “Feel The Softness” as being in the top 500 best new songwriters in the world..

A self-proclaimed tree hugger, Alyssa became passionate about living an eco-friendly and holistic lifestyle after being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease at age 19. After twelve years of hospitalizations and medications, she set out to heal herself naturally. ‘Creating music and comedy became therapeutic for me,’ James says.



A personal note from Alyssa…



My new album “within” was written over many years. Melodies and lyrics would come over time in pieces-some of the songs were born as poems like “Firefly” and “Feel The Softness” and later I found that they would rhythmically fit a melody in my head perfectly. To me these songs have a bittersweet sound that breaks my heart a bittersweet chocolate sound so full and rich it, breaks your heart. I love this music. It takes me away. It is my meditation in song.

My determination to keep the music candid and authentic is manifest throughout “within”. The album opens with “Earth Child”, inspired by chanting of OM in a yoga class one night -and by my love of nature. “Subway Gospel” draws its inspiration from a reaction I had to a homeless man trying to survive on a New York City subway, he was filthy, had bare feet and tattered clothes – he sat right in front of me and I watched him pick up a cigarette butt from the floor, light it, and then put it in his mouth and swallow it in defiance of his life giving body. I was deeply saddened by this and wrote this song that night.

I have lived a full life for a person my age having had experiences with UFOs, spirits, and near death experiences, too many to count. I am filled with wonder about the human condition. I love Animals, Nature, acting, stand-up, and Music. These are my passions and deepest truths. Thank you for coming here, checking out my work, and supporting independent music.