Band Name: The intriguing name "Who Killed James" was inspired by a line from the band’s first song, Who Killed James. It sparked a lighthearted moment when bassist Alessandro “Rocco” Garcia suggested it as the band’s name, and the idea stuck instantly. The name has since become a talking point in interviews, often leading to humorous responses!
Formation and Origins: Who Killed James officially came together in Berlin in 2021, but its roots trace back to Brazil, where each member hails from different regions. Emanuel Fernandes, the band’s singer and guitarist, comes from Palotina in Paraná. Drummer Pedro Ramos grew up in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, after being born in Rio de Janeiro, while bassist/backing vocalist Rocco Garcia is a native of Rio de Janeiro.
Emanuel, inspired during the global lockdown, wrote much of the band’s debut album Let It Change. Driven to bring these songs to life, he searched for musicians within Berlin’s vibrant Brazilian community. Connections blossomed through friends and even a football WhatsApp group, leading to the formation of Who Killed James. Their chemistry was instant, paving the way for their unique take on modern blues rock.
Musical Style and Influences: Drawing inspiration from modern blues rock powerhouses like The Cold Stares, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, and Larkin Poe, along with legends like Thin Lizzy and Jimi Hendrix, Who Killed James crafts music that feels both timeless and innovative. Their sound is characterized by soulful riffs, heartfelt lyrics, and a drive to push the boundaries of the blues rock genre. Tracks like Drive Me showcase their signature sound, which blends raw emotion and precise musicianship.
First Album and Performances: Emanuel composed the majority of Let It Change during lockdown, with the rest of the band adding their unique flair to elevate the songs. Their debut gig on September 29, 2022, was organized by another local band, Outlyer, and marked a special moment in their journey.
Milestones and Achievements: From producing their debut album at G7 Studio with Matthias Schilling to reaching the finals of the Emergenza festival band competition, Who Killed James has quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with. One of their proudest moments was opening for The Cold Stares in Berlin, a personal dream come true for Emanuel.
Future Plans: Looking ahead, the band is working on expanding their presence across Germany and neighboring countries, with plans to produce a music video and merchandise including CDs, t-shirts, and stickers. Emanuel will represent the band at a rock festival in Brazil in February 2025, and the band has already begun collaborating on new material for their next album, aiming for release by the end of 2025.
Anecdotes: Who Killed James celebrates two years of milestones, camaraderie, and memorable gigs. From their serendipitous formation to sharing laughs about their band’s name, they continue to thank their supporters and remain committed to keeping the rock spirit alive.
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