We caught up with the brilliant and insightful James Watson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

James, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

You know, the whole Media by Semaj thing didn’t just happen overnight. It goes back to when I was just 13, and I got my first guitar and a camcorder. That was the kickstart for this lifelong connection I have with both music and telling stories through videos.

So, fast forward a dozen years, where I basically dedicated a huge chunk of my life to chasing a music career. My band did pretty well, we sold out places like the Glass House in Pomona, CA, and even made it to the semi-finals of Ernie Ball’s Battle of the Bands for Warped Tour. But, you know, the shadow of addiction started creeping in, and it messed things up for us.

Then, out of the blue, a close friend threw me a lifeline. He offered me a room in Texas, far away from all the bad influences. A year of sobriety during that time gave me some much-needed clarity. When I was heading back to California, cruising through the Midwest, I rekindled my love for making videos. The world just looked different, and I felt this urge to capture its beauty.

Back with the band, things were getting a bit stagnant on the music front. That’s when I decided to take a leap and start Media by Semaj. Going from a musician to running a business wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. I had to figure out how to blend my artistic side with the nitty-gritty of running things.

Starting out was tough; the first three months felt like a desert with no jobs or clients. But, you know, I made the most of family events to show off my video skills. Then, things took a turn when I caught the attention of my brother’s boss, a big shot at a mortgage company. For six months, I was jet-setting from Orange County to Temecula, filming and recording podcasts. It was hard work, but it set the stage for what was coming.

In 2019, my dedication paid off, and I landed a full-time marketing gig with the mortgage company. That meant moving my family, including my wife and daughter, for a fresh start. Three years in the marketing game taught me a lot. I built relationships, shared my two cents at events, and teamed up with some cool creatives in the area.

But life threw a curveball in 2022 when the company I was working for closed shop. It was a tough spot, especially with a new baby in the house. That’s when David, a videographer from Fresh Scoop Media, stepped in. He became a mentor, offering me space in his studio and guiding me toward focusing on working with musicians.

Since then, it’s been all about running my YouTube channel, being a go-to place for musicians wanting to learn and grow. Filming artists like Smash Mouth and Spin Doctors has been a blast, and it’s proof that building a business isn’t just about surviving challenges but thriving on them. It’s a journey that keeps evolving, all fueled by this drive to empower musicians through videos and smart marketing.

Media by Semaj wasn’t just about making videos; it was also about sharing my marketing know-how from the past five years. Three shows on my YouTube channel, MBS Live, became the heart of what I wanted to do for musicians. I wanted to give them a platform to showcase their talent, tell their stories, and pick up some useful marketing tips.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I basically answered that in the last question. I guess the best way i can answer this is Media by Semaj extends its services far and wide. For corporate clients, small businesses, and even churches, I specialize in crafting compelling event videos and executing strategic social media marketing campaigns. Whether it’s capturing the essence of a corporate event, showcasing the spirit of a small business, or resonating with the community within a church, my approach is rooted in creating content that leaves a lasting impression.

To complement these services, Fresh Scoop Studio, a visionary space crafted by David, where creatives from all walks of life can rent and immerse themselves. Beyond serving as a versatile studio, it’s also a podcasting haven—a place for aspiring podcasters to kickstart or elevate their audio journey.

A key facet of my work revolves around providing musicians and artists with promo videos that serve as a dynamic showcase of their talent. These videos act as invaluable assets when reaching out to venues and labels, offering high-quality examples that can significantly enhance their chances of landing paying gigs. It’s not just about capturing a performance; it’s about curating a visual narrative that speaks volumes about an artist’s craft.

One of the flagship offerings, the MBS Live show, goes beyond a mere performance recording. It’s a comprehensive marketing package where musicians receive not only two high-quality recordings and videos of their songs but also a 20-minute podcast. This holistic approach is designed to not just showcase musical prowess but to delve into the artist’s story, creating a multi-dimensional promotional tool.

Diving into the realm of documentaries, I’m currently working on a captivating piece for an artist, highlighting the release of their new song. This documentary doesn’t just capture moments; it weaves a narrative that adds depth and context to the artist’s creative journey.

Recognizing the paramount role of social media in today’s landscape, every piece of content I create undergoes a meticulous process of adaptation. From Instagram reels to TikToks, I carve up each creation to fit seamlessly into the dynamic world of social media. It’s about not just creating content but ensuring that it resonates across platforms, engaging and captivating audiences wherever they are.

So, what sets Media by Semaj apart? It’s not just about crafting videos; it’s about fostering a community for musicians and creatives to learn and flourish. What’s a source of pride for me? Filming incredible acts like Smash Mouth and Spin Doctors is undoubtedly a highlight. But more than that, it’s the journey—from those challenging first three months to becoming a trusted resource for musicians.

I’ve ridden the highs and navigated the lows, learning marketing from the ground up and deciphering the complex landscape of the music industry. That’s the kind of seasoned experience I bring to the table. Whether you’re an artist looking to elevate your game or a fan hungry for a backstage pass into the inner workings of the music world, Media by Semaj is the destination.

So, what do I want you to know about me? I’m not just creating videos; I’m building a community fueled by a passion for empowering musicians, amplifying their voices, and unveiling the raw, unfiltered layers of the music industry. If you’re on a similar journey, let’s connect and craft something extraordinary together!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The goal is two-fold: firstly, to provide musicians and artists with a platform to showcase their talent authentically and meaningfully, and secondly, to offer businesses, both small and corporate, the tools they need to tell their stories effectively in the digital age.

For musicians, the mission is to go beyond merely capturing performances. It’s about crafting narratives that delve into the artist’s journey, personality, and unique story. By providing high-quality promo videos, event recordings, and comprehensive marketing packages like MBS Live, the aim is to equip artists with the resources they need to not only land gigs but to connect with their audience on a deeper level.

On the business front, whether it’s a small local enterprise or a corporate entity, the mission is to translate their stories into captivating visual content. This involves creating event videos that encapsulate the essence of their brand, delivering social media marketing strategies that resonate with their audience, and offering a versatile space like Fresh Scoop Studio for creative endeavors.

Moreover, there’s a commitment to education and community building. Through my YouTube channel and various initiatives, I aim to share insights into marketing, the music industry, and the creative process. It’s about fostering a space where creatives can learn, grow, and collaborate.

Ultimately, the overarching mission is to be a catalyst for positive change and growth. Whether it’s helping artists get noticed, supporting businesses in reaching their audience, or fostering a community of creatives, the goal is to leave a positive impact through the transformative power of storytelling and visual content.

How did you build your audience on social media?

So, right from the start, I wanted to keep things real. I shared the whole journey—the good, the bad, and all the behind-the-scenes stuff. You know, people like genuine stories. And I made sure to be consistent, sticking to a schedule so folks knew when to expect fresh content.

I was all about giving value. Whether it was tips on marketing for musicians or insights into video production, I wanted to share stuff that people could actually use. And I didn’t just post and vanish—I engaged with my audience. Responded to comments, asked for their thoughts, built a bit of a community vibe.

Collaboration was key too. Working with other musicians, creatives, or businesses meant I could tap into their audiences while giving them some exposure in return.

Storytelling was another trick up my sleeve. People love stories, so I weaved narratives into my content to make it more interesting. Quality was non-negotiable for me. I always aimed for top-notch visuals and well-thought-out content.

I kept an eye on analytics to see what was working and what wasn’t. If something flopped, I adjusted my approach. Sometimes, I threw in a bit of paid promotion to reach a broader audience. Gotta say, patience and persistence were crucial. Building up a social media following doesn’t happen overnight.

And if I could give some advice to someone starting out? Find your niche, listen to your audience, and always prioritize quality over quantity. Oh, and be yourself. Authenticity goes a long way. And hey, enjoy the journey—social media is always changing, so keep learning and adapting.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/media_by_semaj/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mediabysemaj
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@videos_by_semaj