i am james: Charelvoix Public Library Presents i.am.james. in Concert

i.am.james. is the project of Leelanau County-born singer-songwriter Sierra Cassidy, blending contemporary folk and indie rock. A graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy and Berklee College of Music drop-out, Cassidy spent her early twenties performing across Nashville and Northern Michigan. Her debut album, The Garden, was released last year. She performs on the stages of major Michigan festivals with a full band as well as more intimate venues as a solo artist.

i.am.james. is the project of Michigan grown singer-songwriter, Sierra Cassidy. An Interlochen Arts Academy graduate and Berklee College of Music drop-out, Sierra spent her early twenties splitting time between Nashville, TN and her home state of Michigan, touring both as a solo act and fronting a trio.

In 2022 she released a string of singles written and recorded in Nashville that earned several big playlist placements and features in indie music blogs, being noted as “heart-ache to dance to.” Swirling around the edge of all things alternative, the first releases of i.am.james. are an usual cocktail of captivating melodies and heart-bearing lyrics tied together in a sonically lush vibe and sitting comfortably in the intimate pop vein. i.am.james. embarked on a lengthy summer tour in 2022 reaching crowds both large and small across the midwest with acoustic versions of these releases.

After returning to her Northern Michigan roots in 2023, Sierra began recording her first full length project with the help of Michael Dause of TreeTone Studios. Recorded in a cottage deep in the snow covered woods of Northern Michigan, the project reflects this scene; intimate and transformative, drawing sonic influence from artists like Pinegrove, KT Tunstall, and boygenius. The project is reflective of the contemporary folk and indie rock sound i.am.james. delivered while on a 2024 summer tour, with performances at major Michigan music festivals like Bliss Festival and Wheatland Music Festival. The project is set to release in 2025 and be accompanied by a midwest summer tour.