James Nicholas Righton is an English musician best known for his role in shaping the sound of the late-2000s UK indie and electronic scene.
Righton rose to prominence as the vocalist and keyboard player for the London-based new rave band Klaxons, whose energetic fusion of indie rock, electronic music, and rave culture helped define an era. The band achieved critical and commercial success before officially disbanding in 2015.
Following the group’s split, Righton launched a new creative chapter. In March 2016, he unveiled Shock Machine, a solo project that explored darker, more politically charged electronic sounds. The project was introduced with a visually striking video directed by Saam Farahmand, signaling a deliberate artistic reinvention.
Righton continued to evolve as a solo artist with the release of his debut solo album, The Performer, in March 2020. Issued on Deewee, the label founded by electronic duo Soulwax, the album showcased a more personal and reflective side of his songwriting, blending synth-driven textures with introspective lyrics.
Across his career, Righton has been recognised for his willingness to experiment and reinvent himself, moving fluidly between band dynamics, conceptual projects, and solo artistry.
