Nathaniel James Speas, known as Nate James, (born 15 September 1979 in Lakenheath, Suffolk, England) is an English singer-songwriter. James released his debut soul album Set the Tone in 2005 which won him two MOBO Nominations for Best Newcomer and Best R&B Artist, featuring his revered first release "Set The Tone" He released on his Frofunk imprint via Independent Labels around the world and became one of the most successful independent soul recording artists globally. James has sold over 1,000,000 albums and he has had airplay hits in both Europe and Japan. He won the Festivalbar in 2006, which was an Italian summertime singing contest that took place in the most important Italian city squares such as the Piazza del Duomo in Milan. In 2007, James won the Urban Music Awards' Best Album (Kingdom Falls) and Best Neo-Soul Artist. In February 2008, James and his band performed on the BBC show Later... with Jools Holland. Nate was a contestant on the BBC's prime time television show The Voice UK in April 2013. Biography Early life and music career James has joint UK/US citizenship as he was born in 1979 on a U. S. Air Force base in England to an American father and English mother. As a recognised songwriter, he was signed by Universal Publishing in 2004, prior to him releasing any material as a performer. Unlike many young artists he did not sign away the copyright in his recordings in the fast pursuit of fame. He owns his own music videos and does his own A&R, James released on his own Frofunk imprint via various deals with Independent Labels around the world. In so doing James has become one of the most successful independent soul recording artists globally. James sold over 1,000,000 albums and enjoyed sizable airplay hits across mainland Europe and Japan. He made an appearance on The Voice UK on 27 April 2013 with 2 of the judges turning their chairs. Set the Tone (2005–2007) James released his debut album, Set The Tone in 2005 which is heavily influenced by soul artists such as Marvin Gaye, Prince and Stevie Wonder. It subsequently won James widespread critical acclaim and two MOBO nominations for Best Newcomer and Best R&B Artist. His album, written mostly by James, covers a range of music influences; from the bassy R&B of Set The Tone, the upbeat pop of Universal, the retro soul of