We were lucky to catch up with JAMES recently and have shared our conversation below.
JAMES, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
In college I studied finance and data analytics. I worked in data analytics during school and quickly found out I didn’t enjoy it. Shortly after graduating I started work as a financial adviser. I quickly found out I didn’t enjoy that either. Music, though, had always been a passion of mine. Feeling a bit lost with my career choice, I decided to finally pick up music production on the side, after work. I quickly found out I enjoyed the hell out of it – more than any work I had ever done. At the start I was by no means good, but I sure enjoyed doing it.
I plugged away after work, as much as I could, and finally started to feel like I was getting somewhere. During this time I solidified the idea that music was what I REALLY, REALLY wanted to do with my life. But with work obligations it was hard to dedicate the time and effort I wanted to. I started to think about part time job opportunities and how to sustain myself if I did pursue music seriously. Ubering was an option, so I tried it on the side to see if it was financially feasible. I realized I could make it work part time, giving me the ability to really devote myself to music.
So I made that decision to quit my finance job. I had no guarantees, just a passion for music I had since I was a kid. I finally made the decision to take the risk and chase it!
Since quitting, it has not been easy, and I’ve had to work harder than I ever have. But I’ve found real meaning in my life. Today, I am the happiest I’ve ever been, and I look forward to the day where I can make a name for myself in the music scene.
JAMES, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I make dreamy future bass and melodic bass music. With my project I want to connect to people through emotional music, helping others through hard and confusing times. I also strive to inspire, and always encourage people to follow their passions. If something makes you happy, follow it!
One part I love about this project is my shows. Playing music for a crowd gets me real jazzed up, and is one of my favorite things to do (2nd to sleeping). Through a combination of emotional music and high energy tracks, I try to make people really FEEL, but also have a damn good time!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
From time to time I’ll get messages from random people telling me how important my music is to them. It’s one of the best feelings in the world knowing my music is ACTUALLY making an impact on people. (It’s also good to know it’s not just my friends listening to my music)
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Not a specific resource here – more the idea of reaching out to other artists and creatives for advice and feedback. There is no set playbook for artists, so you often can’t find your answers online or in a textbook. A lot of the answers I’ve found have come simply from asking others for their own two cents. Everyone has a different journey, and has learned different things along the way. You’re not going to learn until you ask.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jamesmusic.us
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james__music/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JAMESmusic24
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/james___music
- Other: Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/7BEGkUsN5twIV4IXuwr6xu?si=n3yGpicoRRan-KiJxyKQKQ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@james__music
Image Credits
Tyler Monastero Max Gold Z Saldana