James Paul White

James Paul White is a boundary-pushing contemporary classical composer and conceptual visual artist known for blending raw emotion with a sharp sense of irony. Originally from Swansea, he moved to London in 1987 and has been creating ever since — across sound, image, and performance.

Rooted in the DIY spirit of new wave and electronic music, James first made noise in bands like Run CND, before turning his focus towards solo composition. Since 2011, he’s studied piano under concert pianist Stefania Passamonte and then John - Paul Muir and composition with Luis Mota (Royal College of Music), culminating in the release of his debut album, From The Library (2020). After his 1st album release, the next album “Seven Basic Plots” gestated slowly over the pandemic with the writing and rehearsal completed in 2024, with recording and release in 2025. This 2nd album brings a more pianistic flavour to the seven plots and six interludes.

Currently, James is deep into writing for solo piano — drawn to the instrument’s raw clarity and its ability to expose the emotional architecture of a piece. His music is influenced by the likes of Hauschka, Nils Frahm, Ólafur Arnalds, and Chilly Gonzales, alongside classical icons like Stravinsky — all filtered through his own new wave and electronic heritage. His work is cinematic and narrative-driven, shaped by a fascination with emotional arcs, conflict, and resolution.

James also studied fine art at St. Martins (2005–2006) and Chelsea College of Art (2006–2011), building a multi-disciplinary practice that spans sculpture, video, performance, digital art, and installation. His standout works include If Only, Only If — an endless tug of war between driverless full-sized cars — and Tragedy of the Repeated Image, a visual deconstruction of iconic images that explores the tension between recognition and distortion. His art has been exhibited in multiple galleries and is held in private collections.

Whether composing or building, James is always looking for the unexpected — moments of friction, beauty, and disruption that challenge the way we see and hear the world.

EDUCATION

2006 Foundation: St. Martin’s College / 2011 Bachelors of Fine Art: Chelsea College of Fine Art

ART & MUSIC BIOGRAPHY

MUSIC DISCOGRAPHY - ALBUM

Seven Basic Plots - Released July 2025

From The Library - Released January 2020

MUSIC PERFORMANCE

The Works - 1901 Arts Club - July 2025

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

"Children" @ Crayon London, London, 2011 / "Everything is Arranged for Your Ultimate Dissatisfaction" @ Maverik Showroom, London, 2009

GROUP SHOWS

2011 "The Wasteland", Terrace 6th Annual Open, Terrace, London /"OPEN", Millington Marriott, New Gallery, London / "OPEN", Millington Marriott, New Gallery, London / "Magpie", Brixton Village, London / "Islington Exhibits", Rowan Art Centre, London / "Chelsea Degree Show", Chelsea College of Fine Art, London / "Translations", Chelsea College of Fine Art, London . 2010. "Interim Show", Chelsea College of Fine Art, London / 2009. "Monumental Masons", East End, London / "Deep Cover", Chelsea College of Fine Art, London 2008 "It’s Over Again", Chelsea College of Fine Art, London / "It’s Over", Chelsea College of Fine Art, London / "Blackout", Chelsea College of Fine Art, London / "Da! Gallery", Knightsbridge, London 2006 "Foundation Show", St Martins Art College, Back Hill, London