Surfacing

Each week, the spotlight will be on buzzworthy, little-known or still-emerging musicians. This week: James Blunt.

James Blunt

“Back to Bedlam”

Custard Records

Artist info: The British singer-songwriter built a sizable word-of-mouth following as an acoustic troubadour, and his single, “You’re Beautiful,” spent five weeks at No. 1 on the British singles chart.

Back story: Blunt spent four years in the British army that included a stint on guard duty as the queen’s “sovereign escort.” In 2003, Blunt signed with platinum-selling musician-producer Linda Perry’s Custard label.

Influences: Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Paul Simon

Trivia: A demo for “Bedlam” was recorded in the L.A. home of Carrie Fisher. The only music that Blunt, who is often compared to David Gray and Damien Rice, was allowed to listen to while growing up was “Happy Birthday” and “Silent Night.”