The world of music journalism has lost one of its most fervent voices with the passing of James McMahon at the age of 44. McMahon, who wrote under the pen name James Jam, succumbed to a rare form of cancer known as soft tissue sarcoma, leaving behind a legacy of passionate writing and an indelible impact on the indie music scene.
Born and raised in Doncaster, England, McMahon’s love for music was evident from an early age. He pursued his passion academically, earning a master’s degree in media and cultural studies from Sutherland University in 2002. It was during this time that he also immersed himself in the thriving indie scene, even forming his own band, Mavis, which garnered the attention of legendary BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel.
A Champion of Indie Music
McMahon’s unique voice and fervor for championing emerging artists caught the attention of NME magazine in the early 2000s. As the publication sought to refresh its roster of writers, McMahon’s background in fanzines and his energetic, humorous writing style made him a perfect fit. His contributions, filed under the byline James Jam, quickly became a driving force behind NME‘s renewed focus on breaking new bands, particularly those from the north-east music scene.
Through his writing, McMahon played a pivotal role in propelling bands like the Futureheads, Maxïmo Park, and Field Music into the mainstream. His unwavering support for up-and-coming artists, regardless of their commercial prospects, endeared him to musicians and readers alike.
“James was undoubtedly a complex character. As well as being charismatic, funny and thoughtful, he was useless at timekeeping and could be infuriating,” recalled a close friend and colleague. “But that was James.”
Rising Through the Ranks
McMahon’s passion and keen eye for talent did not go unnoticed. He eventually took on the role of “radar editor” at NME, tasked with identifying and breaking new bands. His tenure as features editor saw him conducting memorable interviews, including a cover story with Beth Ditto of the Gossip, who appeared nude on the magazine’s front page.
In 2011, McMahon left NME to become the editor of Kerrang! magazine, a position he held until 2017. Throughout his career, he remained committed to shining a spotlight on deserving artists and pushing the boundaries of music journalism.
Beyond Music: A Multifaceted Life
While music was undoubtedly McMahon’s greatest passion, his interests extended far beyond the stage. He was an avid supporter of Doncaster Rovers football club, a devotee of zombie movies, and a fervent follower of Wrestlemania. His encyclopedic knowledge and infectious enthusiasm for these seemingly disparate topics were a testament to his curiosity and zest for life.
McMahon’s personal life was not without its challenges. He openly struggled with mental health issues and, in 2019, received a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This revelation proved to be a turning point, as he credited the OCD community with helping him gain a better understanding of the forces that had long held him back. At the time of his death, McMahon was working on a book about his experiences with the condition, aiming to help others facing similar struggles.
“James was working on a book about [OCD] at the time of his death,” shared a close source. “He credited the community around the disorder with changing his life.”
A Legacy That Endures
James McMahon’s impact on the music world and those who knew him is immeasurable. His passion, wit, and unwavering commitment to championing the underdog will be sorely missed. Yet, his legacy lives on through the countless artists he helped to launch, the unforgettable stories he told, and the indelible mark he left on all those who had the privilege of calling him a friend and colleague.
As the music community mourns his loss, it is clear that James McMahon’s voice will continue to resonate, inspiring future generations of journalists and music lovers to approach their passions with the same fervor and authenticity that defined his remarkable life and career.
