James Nye

James Nye is a writer and composer based on the Isle of Wight. He studied music at the University of Surrey, completing dissertations on the music of Thelonious Monk (1987), and Vic Hoyland (1989), and becoming a Master of Music in Analytical Musicology in 1989. 

His work transcribing and analysing the music of Thelonious Sphere Monk was recognised when he became the first recipient of the Peter Whittingham Award.

As a composer and performer, he has been active in many fields. His 1990 composition Always Know was selected by the Society for the Promotion of New Music for workshop performance at Music Nova where he was befriended by John Cage. He co-wrote and performed on a couple of tracks for the Mercury Prize nominated album Sunshine Hit Me by the Bees, and has written music for theatre productions at the National Theatre and Almeida.

As a writer, he has contributed articles to Fortean Times, Gneurosis, the Wire and other magazines and websites.