About

James Spaite

James Spaite writes alternative-folk about questions that used to have easy answers. He recently coined a name for it: "Death of God Alt-Folk". He grew up in Visalia, in California's San Joaquin Valley, in a house where his father, grandmother, and grandfather all played. Arguing with his piano teacher over playing by ear versus "just read the page" came first, then drums and percussion at church, and finally percussive fingerstyle guitar delivering melodies he was afraid his voice just couldn't do. A gap year taught him about lyrics. Studying psychology, seven months in Argentina, and a decade of US and Europe touring through venues, coffee shops, orchards and living rooms have brought you the songs you know from him today.

His third album, Separated, took six years and a string quintet. A concept record about the Death of God, not as middle fingers to the big man, but as the loss of both a lifelong best friend and structure of making meaning. Lost You, the EP that followed in 2026, was written after he and his spouse lost a pregnancy; one track is left as an instrumental for listeners to write their own words over.

People reach for Bon Iver, Iron & Wine, and Sufjan Stevens when they describe the sound, and Novo Amor for the moments where the strings, guitar, and synths all meet. Ask him, though, and you get Natalia Lafourcade, Maro, and Bela Fleck, the ones on repeat at home.  

He lives in Los Angeles, takes the train when he can, and teaches guitar and songwriting online.

Press and booking: james@jamesspaite.com. Photos and a one-sheet on request.