The journey to his new album began in 2015, when Calleo traveled to India, volunteering to teach children in a rural village English and music. He traveled on from there and formed a band, playing gigs around India, earning just enough to cover room and board. Upon returning to the U.S., Calleo decided he had to pursue his music. His friend and yoga instructor is none other than Grammy Award-winner Ben Wisch, who’s worked with artists such as Cyndi Lauper and Marc Cohn, so it was naturally for Calleo to reach out to Wisch, who agreed to produce the album, and Calleo set up a GoFundMe page to pay for recording time.

A native of Ramsey, New Jersey, Calleo left the state after graduating high school and spent some time traveling around, seeking inspiration. His travels somehow brought him right back to Jersey—to Hoboken, specifically, where he’s established himself as a fixture in both the burgeoning local yoga scene and the local music scene. Over the last few years Calleo has been a familiar figure at Maxwell’s, Finnegan’s Pub, Departed Soles, Turtle Club and Grand Vin to name a few, while also performing at Triumph Brewery New Hope and Princeton. He puts new life into cover tunes, as well as original songs, building up a dedicated following.

Most recently he graced the stage of White Eagle Hall in Jersey City which has featured acts like The Felice Brothers, the Mountain Goats and New Found Glory.

In March James will set out to the Treefort Music Festival where he has been invited to perform music at the Yoga Fort.

James plays bi-weekly for yoga studios, private parties, wedding cocktail hours and original shows.

"You need to hire this guy. He did a 2+ hour acoustic set and wowed every person."

-Brook, Private Party Client, Review on Yelp!

"James Calleo, a local singer/songwriter, opened up for Long. From the first song to his last Calleo  had the crowd enamored and wanting more."

-Stitched Sound