James

Artist/Composer James Orton is behind the instruments, vocals and abstract works in his movement known as ViewOfAKind. Born in Elgin, IL in 1980 he was surrounded by a mix of different cultures and Artists. His father was a great appreciator of art and music. A room called the "library" in the 100 plus year old victorian James grew up in, held prints of Alma Tadema, Maxfield Parrish and played the music of Van Morrison which influenced many of the original lyrics and sounds from ViewOfAKind. Other influences have come from early Hip-Hop to Blues, Soul and Jazz. The idea to record was initially for a soundtrack to James’ video making and media outlet called Little Buddy’s Romper Room. There he was accompanied by other original musicians who performed as writers and sometimes comedians on the show. What started as just background music for his video editing turned into the release of his debut album “Plant” in 2010. With the exception of drum tracks James plays every intstrument in his music with very little knowledge of keys or specific notes. He considers these noises and sounds instead, and can be heard in some of his music as actually being “out of tune”. Along with sour notes or “noises”, his vocals are from original lyrics but part “one take” and some improv, which is evident in almost all of the recordings. In the belief that an artists' influence comes from everywhere, from those you talk to, things you hear and things you see. All efforts from ViewOfAKind is for the sole purpose of Inspiring Creative Development. In absolutely anyone. James Orton also produces mixed media art pieces for local area shows and local boutiques, mostly paint on canvas for abstract decor and family gifting. His work was recently invited to celebrate Elgin Illinois' Side Street Studio Arts second Anniversary.