James Berkeley Announces Debut Solo Album Lost Boy, Golden Hour

British multi-instrumentalist, producer, and singer-songwriter James Berkeley—best known as the former frontman of UK neo-soul outfit Yakul—boldly steps into solo territory with his debut album Lost Boy, Golden Hour. The highly anticipated record is set to arrive with its heartfelt lead single, “Giving Me Love,” releasing on July 4, 2025.

Blending rich elements of soul, jazz, dream pop, indie, and electronica, Berkeley crafts a sound that feels both distinctive and warmly familiar—think Thundercat meets Japanese Breakfast with soft shades of Washed Out. His new chapter builds on the critical acclaim he’s previously received from tastemakers such as Gilles Peterson (BBC 6 Music), Complex, and Earmilk, now channeling even greater vulnerability and artistry.

“My new single ‘Giving Me Love’ is a reminder that even at your lowest, the people closest to you can still see your best self. And through them, you can rediscover it for yourself,”.

says Berkeley

The idea for Lost Boy, Golden Hour emerged from a spontaneous decision at the end of summer 2024. “F**k it, I’m writing an album and I’m doing it now,” James shared with his modest Instagram following at the time. Since then, his fan base has skyrocketed—now surpassing 30,000 followers—while he wrote, produced, performed, and mixed the entire album himself.

A familiar name within the UK jazz, R&B, and soul circles, Berkeley first made waves with Yakul, selling out Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club three times and collaborating with notable artists like Mereba and Incognito (co-writing on Tomorrow’s New Dream). He’s also toured globally with Incognito, performing residencies at Blue Note Tokyo and Blue Note Milan.

Outside the limelight, Berkeley has been steadily prolific—releasing two solo EPs and collaborating with his long-time creative partner edbl. Their joint 2022 EP has since garnered over 2 million streams. He has also supported acts such as Cosmo Pyke and continues to earn recognition for his dynamic live shows and studio craft.

With his signature falsetto, jazz-tinged piano chords, and a deep love for analog synth textures, James Berkeley has carved out a space that defies genre labels. Lost Boy, Golden Hour is not just a debut—it’s a bold declaration of creative freedom.

Follow James Berkeley:
Instagram @jamesberkeleymusic