James Pratley Watson is a Brooklyn-based composer and songwriter. His wide-ranging output includes classical piano compositions, indie rock, ambient music and orchestral works. This diverse body of work is united by his interest in minimalism, melodicism and the blending of acoustic and electronic textures. He has been commissioned by The Museum of Modern Art for various music projects and releases music under the monikers Pratley (a collaboration with Sam Wilkes), juicer and his own name.
Recent film score credits include the feature narrative Valentina (directed by Tatti Ribeiro, starring Keyla Monterroso Mejia, and executive produced by Jessica Alba), which won Best Feature Film at LAIFF 2026, Best Narrative Feature at the Atlanta Film Festival 2026, the Film Independent Spirit Awards 2026 Someone to Watch Award, and Audience Awards at the Austin Film Festival 2025 and Mill Valley Film Festival 2025. Other recent projects include Shadow Daddy (Official Selection LAFM 2026, RSFFLA 2026), a dark comedy short film by Andrew Theodore Balasia starring Blu Hunt and Kimball Farley; Chi Mangia Solo (Official Selection Provincetown Film Festival, HollyShorts, RIIFF 2026), a short drama directed by Francesco Zenati and starring Victoria Pedretti and Philip Ettinger; and The Feeling Remains (2024), a feature documentary by Sophie Rose.
Commercial work includes music for clients such as J.Crew, Amazon, Revery, Gitman Bros., and more.
You can hear James’ songs in film and television projects such as Shameless, the feature comedy Goodrich (starring Michael Keaton and Mila Kunis), and the docuseries POLY.
Please inquire at jpratleyw@gmail.com