Alex James (musician)

Alex James (born Steven Alexander James on 21 November 1968) is an English musician, songwriter, and journalist. He is best known as the bassist of the band Blur.

Early Life

James was born in Boscombe, Bournemouth and attended the local grammar school. He moved to London to study French at Goldsmiths University, where he met future bandmates Graham Coxon and Damon Albarn.

Career

Blur

James joined Blur as the bassist in 1989. The band, which also included Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, and Dave Rowntree, went on to become one of the most successful bands of the 1990s, leading the Britpop movement along with bands like Oasis and Pulp. Blur's hits include "Song 2", "Parklife", and "Girls & Boys".

Solo Work and Other Projects

After Blur went on hiatus in 2003, James pursued a number of other musical projects. He formed the band Fat Les with actor Keith Allen and artist Damien Hirst, which had a hit with the song "Vindaloo". He also released a solo album, A Bit of a Blur, in 2007.

Personal Life

James is also known for his work as a journalist and cheese maker. He has written columns for The Independent and The Spectator, and owns a farm in the Cotswolds where he produces award-winning cheese.

Discography

With Blur

• Leisure (1991)
• Modern Life Is Rubbish (1993)
• Parklife (1994)
• The Great Escape (1995)
• Blur (1997)
• 13 (1999)
• Think Tank (2003)
• The Magic Whip (2015)

Solo

• A Bit of a Blur (2007)