We recently connected with James Garland and have shared our conversation below.
James, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I started out buying a cheap Fender laminate top guitar because I had always wanted to learn how to play guitar. I had no real ambition to do anything with it outside of that. I started writing songs and realized it was a solid outlet for emotions and thoughts I had been holding onto for years and was content just doing that. It wasn’t until I met my recently departed Lead Player David “Dagan” Gann and he pushed me into the industry that it really took hold. Six months after meeting we performed our first show in Livingston, Tx and to say the hooks set deep would be an understatement. That night I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life and have given it everything I’ve got since then.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I grew up in a small town of Texas called Coldspring. I can remember the population sign on FM 2025 saying 823 people. I joined the Army when I turned 19, deployed to Iraq when I was 20, and ended up stationed in Fairbanks, AK at some point. When my time was ending with the Army is when I finally found a guitar in my hands. It’s crazy to look back and see the string of events that led to where I am today really. From some kid with no direction to opening up for names like Sammy Kershaw, Marty Haggard, John Conlee, Diamond Rio, and more with a burning purpose in my chest. Through the years I made long lasting relationships with artists, fans, radio directors, and many more that have filled my life with unbelievable joy. I stay driven to consistantly put out and write the best possible music I can produce and continue to grow as an artist for as long as everyone will let me.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I think the most rewarding feeling is when you’re standing on stage, driving down the road, walk into a venue or bar and see people singing your music. There’s no greater feeling than seeing the joy someone gets from something you created.
Have you ever had to pivot?
The biggest pivot point for me was when I lost my lead player David “Dagan” Gann. He was the driving force behind a lot of what I did and was the biggest supporter of my career. I had to hit the fork in the road and say do I end the journey here or find a way to drive on. Ultimately I knew he would beat me down once I met up with him when my time is done if I threw the towel in and walked away. So I found a way to keep going knowing he is with me now and will be with me when it’s over.
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