iAm1 is the sum of 2 people, singer song writer Oli Rose and MC Jamie Wallace. The two met whilst studying music at Westminster University in 2008 when iAm1 was born.
From diverse backgrounds and influences they merge Oli’s traditional song writing roots with Jamie’s original flows and self inflicting lyrics, bursting on to the London scene in 2008 with a set firmly rooted in acoustic/spoken-word, as comfortable in a folk setting as they were with a grime audience.
In 2009 they released their first single, a remix of Night Time Calling, featured on RWD, NME and Grime Daily, followed by their last single ‘The Movement’ produced by Nocturnal (Dizzee Rascal, Tinie Tempah) which was the first track ever created using a PC game, then released worldwide exclusively on EA’s Games title APB. The single was also heavily supported by Kiss FM and RWD.
They quickly established themselves on London’s live circuit during 2009/10 selling out headline shows at many of London’s key venues including Ronnie Scott’s, Camden Barfly and Hoxton Bar and Kitchen whilst also supporting artists such as Tinie Tempah and Jessie J.
This is not music strategised for a ‘pop’ audience now familiar with the blurring of styles thanks to media savvy artists and labels who recognise that a ‘best-of’ genres approach feeds instant gratification and chart success, it’s just the sum of 2 diverse people who share a passion for creating music together without confines, then putting it out there on their own terms.
The new EP “Watching” is set to be released March 19th and we couldn’t be more excited. It features 4 original tracks and an acoustic version of the title track. The EP showcases the duo in such a way that makes me feel like this is just the tip of the iceberg. Each track is a very unique proposition and shows a great deal of versatility from such a promising young band. The lyrics are emotive, real and often cut rather deep and feature two very distinct vocals.
