About Me

My name is James Harrison, I produce backing tracks for theatre/musicals and general performance. Although I specialise in "showtunes" I do produce other styles when needed. I have been playing piano/keyboard ever since I can remember and have always wanted to be involved in musical theatre. I've always had a real passion for theatre, and jazz. 

When producing backing tracks I listen to the original track and pick out each layer/instrument by ear and re-produce it to the highest standards using top quality sounds.

I started making backing tracks when I was about 12 years old (not that they were any good!) but that's when I started. I was involved in performances, both at school and theatre group, where the backing tracks they used were a disgrace to music! This was what got me into producing my own.

I wanted to see how good a job I could do myself, however back then I had no professional recording equipment, so I just made do with my old Casio keyboards recorder and played about sequencing, getting used to arranging music etc. I then started to purchase professional hardware and software, and learnt how to work with sampling, among the many other things involved in producing a track.

I now use industry standard recording software/hardware and use the best samples/sounds available, and also use real instruments when available. 

When I was 15 years old I was given my first professional job by Paris Music in which I was commissioned to produce a track from the Sound of Music, this resulted in getting more work, and I have since worked for many other online professional backing track companies, and also many theatre companies and individuals.

In June 2009 I started a partnership with the company TraxVault in which I produce full shows, and they have been very pleased with my work so far.

High quality backing tracks for musical theatre seem to be very hard to come by, and there is such a high standard in the performing arts industry now that performers deserve 100% consistency in these sort of backing tracks. Therefore, I have made it my mission to provide the very best quality backing tracks I can, so that performers and audiences alike can enjoy the music within a show!

To find out about my live playing, please click here. If you have any questions/queries or just want some more info please contact me.

Many thanks,

James