Song of The Week: “Incoming Call” – Oily James

Released: October 18, 2024

Rate: 8/10

RIYL: Blacktop, One Car Garage, Moo Latte

Oily James, the moniker of UK-born songwriter Ollie James Sandberg, is a British Columbia-based artist known for his introspective and genre-blending music. Residing on the unceded lands of the Lekwungen-speaking nations, James has crafted a distinctive sound that combines alternative, lofi, and funk influences.

In October 2024, he released the EP “Head Phone Music,” a project born from the constraints of apartment living with his partner, a fiber artist. Recording primarily with headphones, James layered drum samples and live instruments to create tracks like WLOY’s Song of the Week: “Incoming Call.” His soft-toned melodies are pure craftsmanship, highlighting his ability to transport listeners into a serene space.