We recently connected with James Harker and have shared our conversation below.
Hi James, thanks for joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
I absolutely love my work and am always so grateful that I’ve managed to make a living with only music-related work. I definitely find myself struggling with the idea of getting a “normal job,” though. I’m always joking that if anything ever happened and I needed to give up music, I’d want to be a mailman, haha. Seems like a nice time, walking around delivering mail, running from the neighborhood dogs. Plus they give you a cool outfit.
Seriously though, whenever I get into that mindset I just have to step back and think about all the amazing projects I’ve been lucky enough to work on in the past few years, whether that be producing, mixing, or performing.
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’ve been a professional creative/musician for around 3 years now – mostly doing music production/engineering work (including mixing). I also perform with my bands Spirit of the Bear & Ghost Soul, and did a decent amount of touring in the past year.
In 2020 I helped start Moonlight Audio, a boutique recording studio for indie/alternative artists, along with one of my best friends & musical partners Joe Amadio. We’re located in Olde Towne East and have had the pleasure of working on so many amazing projects since we’ve opened – local, regional, and beyond!
Education-wise, I attended and got a degree in Music Technology from Capital University, as well as studying for a couple of months at the Recording Workshop in Chillicothe.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I’m Columbus specifically, the GCAC (Greater Columbus Arts Council) grant resources for artists has been huge for us, especially while trying to build us a recording business. Highly recommend any creative living in the city to look into this!
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Honestly, the biggest goal for my self-fulfillment in this career is just to continue working on music that excites and interests me. Just to keep making sounds that I love with good people and to just let the idea of success be flexible and to keep myself grounded. As long as I’m able to make a living and continue to do the things I love in addition to music, I consider myself successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: moonlightaudiocbus.com/james
- Instagram: @jamesharkeraudio
Image Credits
Joey Allen Martelli Graves Jamie Vitullo Nick Davenport