First off, What’s up with your name? Is there a story behind it?
I had heard the song ‘London Calling’ by the Clash and I just thought, Hello London. Thats pretty much it.
Tell us about your musical past, would you tell us about your early years?
I’ve been playing guitar since I was eight and I started my first band when I was nine. Then i was in one band after another pretty much up until I started Hello London. I’ve played guitar, drums, bass and sang in bands. I also got to play in the orchestra and sing in chorus in school.
How would you describe your sound?
It’s probably somewhere between emo and indie alternative rock. The recordings are somewhat raw at times as i usually self produce. I’m a huge fan of 80’s bands like The Smiths but I also love early emo stuff like The Promise Ring and Mayday Parade so it’s kind of a mashup of the two vibes.
Which artists have the biggest influence on your sound?
I listen to a lot of emo bands but I also love indie rock artists like Ryan Adams and Manchester Orchestra.
What’s the last song you listened to?
I can’t remember to be honest but i currently have a song by Punchline stuck in my head called ‘For The Second Time’.
What’s your source for hearing new music?
I find some new bands on youtube but mostly it’s word of mouth or internet recommendations.
Who is your dream producer?
I would like to work with Ariel Rechtshaid.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
Any of the guys from Mayday Parade.
What led you to music, and what motivates you to keep making it?
I was around music a lot growing up and starting a band was just kind of what kids did. I keep doing it because I enjoy it and I want to keep getting better at it and see if it goes somewhere.
Tell us about the songwriting process. How does it all come together?
I start with a chorus melody or a guitar riff and then I build around that. I usually add more instruments and layers as I record the song.
How do you connect with your audience? What is the easiest way for them to
connect with you?
Instagram or the occasional live show in the Buffalo area. I have yet to play a Hello London show elsewhere. Bandcamp is also a good place too.
https://hellolondon.bandcamp.com
https://instagram.com/hellolondonmusic
What’s next for you?
Working on my next album which will hopefully be out in 2026.
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
I just released my new single, ‘Crowns’. Check it out wherever you stream music!
Bio:
Hello London is the solo project of Buffalo based songwriter James Froese. Since 2021, Hello London has released 3 EP’s and 3 full length albums. He has opened for acts such as Sincere Engineer, Fred Mascherino, and Tough Old Bird. In 2025, Hello London released ‘The Shoreline Sessions’, a mostly acoustic album that draws influence from early emo bands
