So you haven’t heard of Jarryd James? That’s not real surprising, but it’s still pretty unfortunate for you. See, James is an Australian singer-songwriter putting out some of the most spellbinding R&B/indie/alternative music (yeah, it’s a little bit of everything) with enough soul to make even the most uptight white folks dance.

These days, he’s doing world tours and promoting his first big album, so he won’t be a secret for long. Before everyone else hears about him, here are 10 things you need to know about your new favorite crooner.

He Was Inspired By German Street Performers 

When James was only a kid, his parents took him to Germany where he saw a band playing in the street. From that point on, he knew he wanted to play music for a living. Sure, it took him a while to figure out exactly what he wanted to do with his music, but everybody has to start somewhere.

He Started Off Playing Trumpet (And He Wanted To Stop)

After seeing the German street band, James’ first interest in music was the trumpet. “I thought it was dope,” he says. Over the next several years, James wanted to quit his trumpet playing, but his parents (who’d paid for the instrument) forced him to continue playing. In the end, it probably worked out for the best. 

He’s A Star Internationally 

Just because he hasn’t become a household name yet in the States doesn’t mean people across the planet aren’t listening to his music. His first single “Do You Remember” went double platinum in Australia, as well as hitting the charts in Germany and New Zealand. His debut album, Thirty One, peaked at #2 on the Australian chart and #28 in New Zealand.

He Plays By Ear 

Once he learned to play trumpet, James was entirely self-taught in music. While others spend time learning the most complex music-creating processes in college and grad school, James still plays by ear to this day. Sometimes you just can’t beat natural feel and songwriting ability. 

He Started Performing When He Was 19

Although James has only made a name for himself around the world within the last year or so, he’s been creating music for quite some time. At 19, he began playing for an audience, but he dabbled in all sorts of music before settling on his current sound.

He Just Released His Debut Album, But Not In America

Although Thirty One won’t be out in the States until early next year, it just came out in Australia (and is doing quite well, as was already mentioned). Of course, America should be looking forward to it, because the US loves sad music (Adele, Drake, emo, etc.) and James is definitely not interested in fitting into the happiest of genres. “I don’t know exactly how to define it, but it’s mostly emotional music. It’s not necessarily for when you’re feeling upbeat.”

He Loves To Travel But Never Gets To See Everything He Wants On Tour

As an International musician, James now spends a lot of time traveling instead of partaking in his old hobbies (like reading). While he’d love to stay and explore every city he plays in, the Australian singer is mostly confined to seeing the world through car and plane windows. “I see the world from this weird angle because I don’t get to settle anywhere for very long.” James says. “I try to take in as much as I can when I’m playing different parts of the world.” The most surreal part of traveling for him is “visiting airports in crazy parts of the world.”

He Played One Of Australia’s Biggest Music Festivals

One of James’ favorite moments of his career to this point was playing Splendour in the Grass this July. James says it was one of the biggest crowds he’s ever performed in front of and described the homecoming experience as “amazing. It really blew my mind.”

He Spent A Bit Of Time Away From Music Trying To Find Himself

After trying to maintain a music career for several years in various genres, James realized that he needed some time away from the industry a couple of years ago. It was the first time since he was a teenager that James wasn’t primarily focused on music, and he believes it singlehandedly changed his career into what it is today. “I wasn’t necessarily being honest with myself about the music I was making,” James says. “I learned from a lot of other people, and it was liberating to really come to terms with myself. I can throw myself into the music a lot more now.”

He’s On Tour With Meg Myers This Fall

Before his music even hits the States, James will be touring the country with fellow songwriter Meg Myers. For about four weeks beginning at the end of September, he’ll be all over America.