We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful David Steffan aka David Jame$. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with David below.
Alright, David thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?
David Jame$ is making music that is driven by a desire to motivate, inspire, and tell his story. Born with mild cerebral palsy which limits the range of motion in his left arm and leg. He grew up being bullied and facing all forms of challenges in life. However, he overcame adversity and trauma from his past and he will use his story to reshape future generations. He hopes to spread awareness on mental health and vulnerability through his music to change the lives of listeners one set of ears at a time.
David , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Img 0646 David Jame$ is making music that is driven by a desire to motivate, inspire, and tell his story his way
Born with mild cerebral palsy which limits the range of motion in his left arm and leg. He grew up being bullied and facing all forms of challenges in life. However, he overcame adversity and trauma from his past and he will use his story to reshape future generations. Music is the vehicle by which he expresses himself, he began making music in 2006 writes lyrics that draw from his experiences and by using his musical acumen he articulates stories and shared perspectives that will connect with audiences across the spectrum. David Jame$ cites icons such as Nelly, MGK, and Michael Jackson, as pivotal influences in his music. Having been bullied most of his life for having a disability, David Jame$’s overarching ambition is to empower people through his gift and to give hope to those who have been bullied for being different. He is driven by the desire to share emotion through music and to impact lives positively. He hopes to spread awareness on mental health and vulnerability through his music to change the lives of listeners one set of ears at a time teaching everyone that it is okay to be different.
His upcoming projects will highlight his passion and love for authenticity and vulnerability in his writing and explore various themes by delving deeper into the emotions that encompass the human psyche.
In 2006 I wrote my very first song “Let Me” for the Special Olympics organization. That same year I performed for the first time on stage that song in front of ten thousand people for the first ever Special Olympics USA National Games in Ames IA which was headlined by “Hootie And The Blowish” (Darius Rucker’s old band). From there the last sixteen years my career has been a journey.
2010: I performed my second Single ever “Let Me Anthem” at the 2nd Special Olympics USA National Games Closing Ceremonies in front of seventeen thousand people at the Devaney Center in Lincoln NE. The event was headlined by Multi- Grammy Award winning band “Jars Of Clay”. It also featured Grammy Award winner Sandi Patty, music artists FeFe Dobson and Kristinia DeBarge.
2011-2015: I toured around multiple states performing for their state games opening ceremonies
2015: I performed at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games. Other Performers at these games included the Legend Stevie Wonder, Avril Lavigne, Nicole Scherzinger, O.A.R, Cody Simpson, J Balvin and Becky G.
2016-2019: I did tours and shows with Nappy Roots, Scarface, Rittz, Jadakiss, Ginuwine, Paul Wall, Bone Thugs, Hakim from Empire, 8ball & MJG and many more. I also put out my first 2 EP’s Party Planning 101: The Guest List and Party Planning 101: Party Supplies. I also had the chance to perform at the 1st ever Fight for Autism Spectrum of Sound event.
2020: I put out my first album Changes: A Lion To Mufasa. The album received a lot of support and even had one of the tracks “ Roller Coaster” on The top 300 emerging artists charts as high as #10 out of 300.
2021: I performed at multiple Music Festivals and Started working with artist from Arizona SJ
2022 and after starting the year with the Drippin and Diamonds Tour with my boys SJ, Yung Steez, DJ Metronome and Rocky Cimina and doing the Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival, I put out 2 albums on the same day and I was invited to perform were it all began sixteen years ago at the 2022 USA National Games on Disney World in Orlando Florida. Seeing the joy and happiness on the athletes faces was priceless.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
To be the voice for anyone who feels they can’t achieve a dream or feel they have no voice.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Helping inspire the world and showing a disability is only one if you let it be!
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.outlawdavidjames.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outlawdavidjames?igsh=aWhsenl2Yjg0cm8x&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/4YepqsR1ySHfdUmf/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@outlawdavidjames?si=KO5gHhX45MWCjXHj
- Other: https://linktr.ee/outlawdavidjames?utm_source=linktree_admin_share&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZljN-kVBmmMOROOupYOyybff2Msr9MKjshKNDRSOFWHNuxof7bRmAT9wM_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw
Image Credits
Paradise Studios