about
James Gales is a songwriter, music producer, composer and pianist living in Sydney/Eora, Australia.
From an initial background in classical & jazz piano, he is now active in the diverse worlds of pop, experimental music, and music for screen & stage. He is usually enthusiastic about: video games, cartoons, horror, memory, time, worldbuilding, synthesisers, etc.
Quasi-mentored by Nick Littlemore (Empire of the Sun, PNAU), James co-wrote and co-produced 5 songs on Jessica Mauboy’s album “Yours Forever”, which reached #1 on the Australian Albums chart and is nominated for Best Pop Release at the 2024 ARIA Awards. He has continued this streak with recent songwriting & music production work for Kita Alexander (Warner Music Australia), Phebe Starr (AntiFragile Music) and more.
His experimental music as Jim Nopédie has received attention from KEXP, Triple J, Double J & FBi Radio, as well as a ‘cult’ YouTube following exceeding half a million views. Jim’s most recent album “Keep It Rolling” was released in 2023 on Infloresce Records, inspired by early 2000s ambient & glitch music, and an attitude of lightness towards the present moment. He releases his own pop music as Lighthouser, which has appeared in Liminal Magazine.
James has also collaborated extensively with Lou Wall, Jean Tong & other wonderful theatre-makers on multiple award-winning musicals, comedy shows, cabarets & plays over the years, including Flat Earthers: The Musical (2024), which sold out its original run at Sydney’s Griffin & Hayes Theatre, Romeo Is Not The Only Fruit (2017), nominated for 2 Green Room Awards, and ABC TV’s “WTFAQ” (2023).