Albums

Basement Songs (2019-2021)

James Dean Cotton

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"Basement Songs (2019-2021)" was recorded in my basement studio. These songs were written during isolation and cover a range of topics, from managing online excess to managing my own emotional state; from sadness to nostalgia to hope. See if they connect for you.
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  1. 1
    My Best Face 3:28
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    The Faraday Cage 6:24
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    Saturated 4:18
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    When The Sun Comes Up 2:44
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    Good Medicine 3:19
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    Praying For Rain 4:13
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    High On The Low Garden Wall 3:12
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    That's War 4:21
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  9. 9
    There Is A Bridge 3:36
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james dean (2020)

James Dean Cotton

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Picking up the pieces of the various single releases, this album has various themes, but maybe the most pervasive is SURVIVAL, and all the extremes we go to to ensure it.
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    Cold Crows 4:46
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    The New Normal 3:20
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    Skinny 3:48
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    Fort de la Chartreuse (feat. Lisette Lowe) 3:39
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  5. 5
    These Ancient Times 3:21
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    One World 3:48
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    Signs 3:34
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  8. 8
    The Final Commute 2:25
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Blue | Green (2018)

James Dean Cotton

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All songs were written while living in the Pacific Northwest, most within the past year, a couple many years ago. I enjoyed making this album so much. I hope you enjoy hearing it.
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  1. 1
    Songs 3:37
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    Goodbye to Love (A Forest Requiem) 5:01
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    As Bad As You 3:57
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    Tiny Houses 4:26
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  5. 5
    Insomnia 5:22
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    Song for Everyone 3:53
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  7. 7
    Faces on the Wall 3:35
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  8. 8
    This Line 4:01
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  9. 9
    Tongue-Tied 3:03
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  10. 10
    Life in Hawaii is a Song 4:28
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Singles

One Way Ticket Home

James Dean Cotton

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I started the lyrics for this song as I was packing to go home to Missouri to be with my dad during his last days. I didn't know how long I would be there, just that I'd be there to the end. And though I'd traveled a lot, I'd never bought a one way ticket. It felt so final.

I stayed two weeks. Saw dad through to the end. This song is dedicated to
I started the lyrics for this song as I was packing to go home to Missouri to be with my dad during his last days. I didn't know how long I would be there, just that I'd be there to the end. And though I'd traveled a lot, I'd never bought a one way ticket. It felt so final.

I stayed two weeks. Saw dad through to the end. This song is dedicated to him.
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  1. One Way Ticket Home

California Burning

James Dean Cotton

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The Camp Fire wildfire of 2018 devastated the California towns of Paradise, Magalia, Concow and several surrounding communities. This song was written in memory of the lives and homes lost, the bravery of the firefighters and front line personnel, and the survivors. Extreme wildfires have become the norm around the world, and demand attention.
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  1. California Burning

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ZuCo

ZUCO

A neo-folk band comprised of James Dean Cotton & Carmen Zullo and sometimes other talented musicians

ZUCO music

About

Aside from a career as a materials scientist, Seattle-based singer/songwriter, James Dean Cotton, is best known for performances at local coffeeshops and participation in the Northwest Folklife Festival. He's also one half of the local neo-folk band, ZuCo. Originally from Missouri, his style draws heavily on the singer-songwriters of the 1970's, such as James Taylor, Neil Young and Paul Simon, fusing native bluegrass with country, rock, jazz and blues elements.  His song, "Still My Little Home Town," recounts the struggles of small town America, and his release, "Praying for Rain", addresses the drought and wildfires of unprecedented proportions seen in the recent years.  JD has six studio albums and is currently writing the next while producing other artists. He's also active in 'Songwriters in Seattle', a Puget Sound-based nonprofit organization of more than 4,000 members that exists to assist songwriters in developing their craft and finding venues to be heard.

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Contact

 For bookings, licensing, sync placement and songwriting projects, contact JD at: jdcottonmusic@gmail.com