Singer-Songwriter James Tonic Prepares to Release Epiphanic Pop-Rock Album, Stuck In LA

Despite the title of his fifth album, Stuck In LA, singer-songwriter James Tonic isn’t stuck in any sense of the word. Tonic’s latest full-length release—out on November 8 on Drummer Records—makes an artistically bold statement. The 17-song album is chock full of self-revelation and ear-worm melodies, and documents Tonic’s evolution into a consummate pop-rock artist from his hip-hop roots. He will embark on a 14-date Northwest and Southwest tour starting October 18th.

“This album, and these songs, came through a process of self-discovery and openness. The more you get out of your comfort zone, the more you realize who you really are as an artist,” Tonic said. “Once these songs and sounds started coming together, I realized that this is the music that I’ve been destined to make.”

Stuck In LA is a deep dive into the psyche of an accomplished artist in the throes of self-discovery. It is an epiphanic outpouring of creativity inspired by legends like John Lennon, The Beatles, and Michael Jackson, and boasts lush instrumentation, including a 40-piece orchestra.

Conceptually, Stuck In LA has almost a meta quality—as if, on some level, it’s an album about making an album. The title reflects the unrest of the creative process. The breezy folk-pop of “One More Change” speaks to having the courage to evolve personally and artistically. The ethereal and emotive pop of “La La La La La” poetically frames the loneliness of the focused artist. The evocatively-titled “The Devil” exudes a haunting musicality perfectly suited to its biting commentary on the entertainment industry, likening its pressures to a battle for one’s soul. 

Stuck In LA was produced by veteran London-based producer Chris Peden. Peden has worked with many major label artists, and he has had music featured with BBC Radio1, Beats Radio, Netflix, iTunes top 100, and placed on many highly-coveted Spotify and Apple Music playlists. 

Tonic has released 4 albums since 2020, and he has had many features with international hip-hop artists. Previous releases include I Feel Better Alone, break & tell, Ostrogoth Pt. 1, and No Sorrow, and they lean heavily into hip-hop and R&B. Beyond making music, Tonic is also passionate about technology. In 2025, he will release a groundbreaking artistic platform which centralizes metrics and information from Spotify, YouTube, and other social media sites. 

On his upcoming 14-city Stuck In LA tour, Tonic invites fans and friends to experience his revelatory journey with his infectiously catchy and earnestly emotive pop-rock. Find out more about the tour, the album, and all things James Tonic here.

Tour Date City Venue

October 18 Seattle, Washington - The Backyard

October 19 Bend, Oregon - Immersion Brewing 

October 24 Salem, Oregon - Santiam Brewing

October 25 Portland, Oregon - Upper Room 

November 8  San Francisco, California - Paris 75

November 9  San Jose, California - Little Green A Plant Bar

November 15 Long Beach, California - Supply & Demand

November 16 Los Angeles, California - The Association

November 22 San Diego, California - Imperial Ave Co-Lab

November 23 Las Vegas, Nevada - Classic Jewel

November 29 Denver, Colorado - Sterling Event Space

November 30 Albuquerque, New Mexico - Q-Staff Theatre/The Matchbox Theater

December 6 Austin, Texas - Retail Therapy Cocktail & Sushi Bar

December 7 Houston, Texas - Passion's Lounge Event Space

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