Singing guitarist

James McLean

Watch
Booking protection
Secure online payments
Free 48hr cancellations
Support available Mon-Sat
Like James?
Watch & Listen
Watch
Listen

About James

400+ events. 13 years of experience. James McLean brings heartfelt performances that turn your events into unforgettable memories.
Singing guitarist
London
Public liability insurance of £5 million

With 13+ years’ experience and 400+ events, James creates unforgettable live music for weddings and corporate occasions. An award-nominated songwriter, his voice has featured in Netflix trailers (Virgin River), TV shows (Grey’s Anatomy, Love Island, Queer Eye), and the video game The Quarry. From timeless classics to modern hits, James delivers versatile, heartfelt performances tailored to your event.

James' Reviews

From customers:

AH
Alex P
3 years ago

If you are looking for a high quality, acoustic singer who actively engages with your audience, James is the person for you! Couldn't have done more to help us. We will be booking again

RS
Rosie (
6 years ago

Well what can I say! James was absolutely amazing, his music is 1st class, my whole wedding party was commenting on how fabulous he was. I’m so happy that we chose to have a musician and that we chose James, he played at our ceremony and then for the wedding breakfast. I can not recommend him highly enough, thanks James! Kevin and Rosie.

Encore badges
Member of the Encore community forum

James' Song list

Simply The Best - Tina Turna/Noah Reid
Star Gazing - Myles Smith
Stick Season - Noah Kahan
Ben E King - Stand By Me
Bruce Springsteen - I'm On Fire
Bob Marley - Three Little Birds
Bobby Mcferrin - Don’t Worry
Louis Armstrong - What A Wonderful World
Police - Message In A Bottle
The Doors - Light My Fire
Van Morrison - Moondance
Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl
Bob Dylan - Blowin' In The Wind
Frank Sinatra - In The Wee Small Hours Of The
Morning Frank Sinatra - One For My Baby
Fleetwood Mac - Dreams
Jackson C. Frank - Blues Run The Game
Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah
Jimi Hendrix - Hey Joe
Jimi Hendrix - Little Wing
Stevie Wonder - Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Stevie Wonder - Superstitious
Tom Petty - Free Fallin’
Tom Petty - Won’t Back Down
The Temptations - My Girl
Michael Jackson - Man In The Mirror
Michael Jackson - Human Nature (Instrumental)
Robbie Williams/Sammy Davis Jr - Mr Bojangles
Elton John - Your Song
Oasis - Wonderwall
Oasis - Don’t Look Back In Anger
John Mayer - Stop This Train
John Mayer - Something Like Olivia
John Mayer - Neon
John Mayer - In Your Atmosphere
Beyonce - XO
Bon Hiver - Skinny Love
Bruno Mars - Treasure
Bruno Mars - Marry You
Christina Perri - 1000 Years
City And Colour - The Girl
Coldplay - The Scientist
Coldplay - Yellow
Coldplay - Sky Full Of Stars
Daniel Beddingfield - I've Gotta Get Thru This
DaftPunk - Get Lucky
Ed Sheeran - A-Team
Ed Sheeran - Castle On The Hill
Ed Sheeran - Lego House
Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud
Ed Sheeran - Tenerife Sea
Ellie Goulding - How Long Will I Love You George
Ezra - Blame It On Me
George Ezra - Budapest
Green Day - Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)
Jack Johnson - Better Together
James Bay - Hold Back The River
James Bay - Let It Go
James Blunt - Bonfire Heart
James Morrisson - You Give Me Something Jamie
Lawson - Wasn’t Expecting That
Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
Jason Mraz - I Won’t Give Up
John Legend - All Of You
Katy Perry - Roar
The Killers - Mr Brightside
Labyrinth - Beneath Your Beautiful
The Lumineers - Ho Hey
Michael Buble - Everything
Michael Buble - Home
Mumford and Sons - White Blank Page
Newton Faulkner - Dream Catch Me
Omi - Cheerleader
Pharrell Williams - Happy
Pharrell Williams - Get Lucky
The Procaimers - 500 Miles
Ray La Montagne - Trouble
Ray La Montagne - Forever My Friend
Robbie Williams - Angels
Ronan Keating - You Say It Best When You Say
Nothing At All Sam Smith - Stay With Me
Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars
Tenacious D - Tribute
Tom Odell - Grow Old With Me
Vance Joy - Riptide
The Zutons/Amy Winehouse - Valerie

James' Prices

Last updated: 2025

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Standard Prices
DurationPrice
Short performance (up to 15 min)£250
Up to 1 hour£437.50
Up to 2 hours£687.50
Up to 3 hours£937.50
Packages
Wedding ceremony1 hour
This includes music before the service begins, music during the signing of the register, and music as guests leave.
£375
Drinks reception2 hours
Two performances of 45 mins each during your drinks reception
£625
Wedding ceremony + Drinks Reception3 hours
This includes music before the service begins, music during the signing of the register, and music as guests leave and 2 x 45 mins in the drinks reception.
£750
Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

I think that clients enjoy having the real live feel of an acoustic guitar and vocals. I also fit very well into situations where the music is needed to not be too overpowering and rather enhance the atmosphere.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

The Ritz, London The Langham, London The Landmark, London Royal Academy of Arts, London The Natural History Museum, London Grosvenor House Hotel, London Wellington Arch, London Annabel's, London Hotel Café Royal, London The NED, London Trinity House, London Four Seasons, Hampshire Luton Hoo, Hertfordshire Belmont Taormina, Sicily

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

John Mayer Ed Sheeran Bon Iver Leon Bridges Wild Rivers Foy Vance

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

I've been lucky enough to have performed for many exciting clients: billionaires, footballers, rugby players and have been flown to some very nice places.

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

Please do let me know as soon as you can. I am flexible with timings. Before you book, I will let you know if I have other commitments before or after on the day of the event.

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

Yes no problem! This is a common request and I can play music through my system in-between sets.

How much time do you need to set up?

I usually leave 30-40mins to set up however usually it takes a little less.

Can I pick the songs you play from the set list?

Yes you can pick the songs from my repertoire if you like, or pick your favourites and I will fill in the rest. I can also learn a couple of tracks for you if there are 2 that you'd like that aren't on there.

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

Yes, I bring a PA system and microphone. All I'll need on the day is a space to set up in and a plug socket.

Can you learn song requests before the event?

Yes I'm happy to learn 2 songs for you complimentary.
Musicianship
Genres:
Acoustic, Pop, Americana, Covers, Top 40, Indie, Pop rock
See all genres
Instruments:
See all instruments
Event types:
Wedding, Wedding proposal, Funeral / Memorial service, Church service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Private event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Corporate event, Charity event, Recording session, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve
See all event types
Other skills:
Audio engineer, Composer, Lyricist, Sound technician, Songwriter, Producer
See all skills