James Young
Mandolin, Vocals & Songwriting
James (Jay, J.) Young
By day, I work as a professional designer. I also make music as a Boston-area Mandolin player, vocalist, and songwriter (I’m also a lifelong art nerd).
Since 2008, I’ve been playing in the band Peter O’Halloran & The Hired Men. In 2019, I also started playing in The Dogmatics. Sometimes, I get the chance to help Rum Bar Records with design & creative direction.
Photo above by Matt Lambert aka Trebmal
Recent Music Projects
Drop That Needle by The Dogmatics EP Pre-release
"Drop That Needle" with The Dogmatics brand new SINGLE of Boston Garage Punk 101 out today!! Brand New EP, CD & Automat Kalashnikov (translucent orange) Flexi Record, Pre-orders, Bundles, Stickers & more!! Check it out on Rum Bar Records
Art Direction for The Dogmatics Single Automat Kalashnikov
I collaborated with the band The Dogmatics on the creative direction and design for a single release titled Automat Kalashnikov. The creative direction focused on repurposing classic B&W concert poster art created by Barry Hall for the band in the '80s. It's a...
Rock n’ Soul Benefit Concert
Come to the Red on Red Records' Rock n Soul Benefit Concert in support of New Beginnings Reentry Services. Friday, December 17, 2021 – Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre. It's quite a lineup of performers. I'll be joining in on The Dogmatics and Berk/Lehane sets....
The Porch – November 13, 2021
On Saturday, November 13, 2021, I’ll be joining in with The Dogmatics at The Porch in Medford, MA. The event is being billed as “Muck & the Mires w/ The Dogmatics and Stop Calling Me Frank”. Get Tickets and Directions
The Magic Room Theatre – Oct 15, 2021
On Friday, October 21, 2021, I’ll be joining in with The Dogmatics at The Magic Room Theatre in Norwood, MA. The event is being billed as "Legends of Rock: Dogmatics, Gypsy Moths, Conor Henry and Kevin Michael". Get Tickets and Directions
The Tinker’s Son – September 18, 2021
The Hired Men play at The Tinker's Son on Saturday 9/18/2021 to celebrate "Half Way to St. Patrick's Day".
The New World Tavern – Aug 21, 2021
On Saturday, Aug 21, 2021, I’ll be joining in with The Dogmatics at The New World Tavern in Plymouth, MA. The Dogmatics The Shang Hi Los The New Frustrations Get tickets in advance and pick up a free compilation CD when you arrive at the venue.
Art Direction for Jerry Lehane’s Drinking Life featuring Dicky Barrett
I worked on the creative direction and design for a new single release by Jerry Lehane. This is a new solo project that follows the 2020 release of his self-titled EP. Jerry continues his songwriting and playing with The Dogmatics, with new things coming 2021/22 so...
ONCE Somerville, Rum Bar Records & Boynton Yards – July 23, 2021
On Friday July 23, 2021, I'll be joining in with The Dogmatics playing their first venue show in quite some time. All thanks to ONCE Somerville, Rum Bar Records, & Boynton Yards. Look at this amazing lineup! Watts The Dogmatics The Dents Stop Calling Me Frank...
The Dogmatics Back Catalogue Artwork
Over the last decade or so, I've had the chance to work with the band The Dogmatics on different illustration and design projects. These have included things like show posters, "merch" graphics (t-shirts, clothing, stickers, pins, etc.), and album artwork. Here's a...
Mandolin & Design: “An Irishman for Christmas” by Berk/Lehane at Red on Red Records
I had the good fortune of being invited to play Mandolin on a new holiday song that is being released as part of the launch of a new Boston-area label called Red on Red Records. The song called "An Irishman for Christmas" is first-time collaboration between Simone...
Band Logo Reboot and CD Label Design for The Lemon Drop Gang
I collaborated with The Lemon Drop Gang on some of the design assets related to their recent full album and single releases on Rum Bar Records. I redesigned their band logo based on some past concepts, did some hand lettering for their single release "Georgie", and...