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Hello I'm James Merlin a wedding singer and guitarist based in York who has performed at many iconic venues including Merchant Adventurers’ Hall and Middleton Lodge. I've even played a surprise proposals in the Yorkshire Museum Gardens.
A former member of Beatles tribute band The Threetles, I bring both timeless classics and modern hits to create the perfect soundtrack for your wedding day.
🎶 Repertoire spanning 50s classics to modern hits
💍 Weddings, proposals & special occasions
⭐️ Over 10 years experience

From walking down the aisle to raising a glass with your guests, I provide live acoustic music that makes every moment unforgettable.
Walk down the aisle to a song that’s uniquely yours. A romantic atmosphere that’s personal and memorable.
Keep the celebration flowing with a mix of acoustic songs, from classics to modern favourites.
Whether you’d like lively sets or intimate acoustic performances, James tailors the music to suit your day
Every couple has their own soundtrack — and my repertoire covers it all. From timeless 50s and 60s favourites to modern chart-toppers, his setlist is designed to create the perfect mood at each stage of your wedding day.
Sample Repertoire
All My Loving – The Beatles
Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
God Only Knows - The Beach Boys
I Saw Her Standing There - The Beatles
Stand By Me – Ben E. King
Dancing in the Dark – Bruce Springsteen
Jolene - Dolly Parton
Proud Mary – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Summer of ’69 – Bryan Adams
Take It Easy – The Eagles
Don’t Look Back in Anger – Oasis
Hey There Delilah – Plain White T’s
I’ll Be There For You – The Rembrandts
She’s Electric – Oasis
Time of Your Life – Green Day
Budapest – George Ezra
Castle on the Hill – Ed Sheeran
Perfect – Ed Sheeran
Until I Found You – Stephen Sanchez
Valerie – Amy Winehouse
" I hired James to play one song for a private gig in York, where I was visiting and had planned to propose to my girlfriend.Having not visited York before, James was really helpful, providing information and suggestions which helped me with planning.
When it came to the performance, James’ playing was fantastic, it fitted the brief perfectly and really made the moment special. I would definitely hire James again and would recommend him to others who are looking to hire a musician."
Matt Kings
James came to play at my birthday party held in the garden. There were 60 people from 18 months to 80 and they all commented how good he was. Great song selection, great voice, lovely bloke. Looked like he was also having fun. Highly recommend.
(10 / 10)
Ruth Horner
"6 weeks out from our wedding we realised we needed a band for the end of the night and The Footnotes (James & Ellen his partner) came to the rescue. They responded promptly and were so easy to correspond with. On the night they made the whole process so seamless and agreed to start at 11.30pm!
They were absolutely perfect for what we were after and my husband and I both said wow, that was the best last minute decision we made for this wedding without a doubt! They were such amazing singers and crowd entertainers and I couldn’t recommend them enough. Thank you so so much for making our day at Middleton Lodge so special!"
(10 / 10)
Ayesha Witherick
Let's plan the sound to your perfect day. Fill in the form below and I'll get back to you in the next 24 hours.