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

James, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I am blessed to work in an area where I am constantly learning. As a guitarist I practice and listen to music for new inspiration every day. From that, I get to explore melodies and lyric ideas as a songwriter. The nice thing about music is that you will always have something to practice and always have room to improve and grow at your craft. As far as obstacles in my way, it just takes practice and time. From a guitarist perspective, slow and steady wins the race with practice. From a songwriter perspective, you just need to try and write something everyday. No matter how long, short, good or bad, the important thing is to do it. Consistency is the most important part to continual growth on your craft.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

It has been a challenging path to get to where I am in the music industry and it continues to be. It is certainly not for the faint of heart. At one point, I was homeless while working seven jobs just to still be around the industry and have a presence in it. The best advice I have gotten, which I still treasure to this day, is that no matter how hard it gets to never give up. You may not know the answers or have a clear vision on where you path is going to lead, but as long as you stay strong and keep moving forward that is the most important part. You may not see progress, but if you can make it through another day by not giving up and take a step forward, no matter how big or small, you are evolving and growing. I am most proud of my will power to keep going. I challenged the Guinness Book of World Records in the category of “most shows played in a day”. I played 80 shows in Nashville in under 24 hours. My voice was tired, my hand were swollen and bleeding, I was physically and mentally drained, but I kept going and powered through.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being a songwriter and story teller is one of the most rewarding things about being a creative. To be able to write music and lyrics, put them together, and impact a person is a magical experience. I have written songs that have made people dance, laugh, cry and think about what that songs means to them. Yes, I write from experience, but the most beautiful thing is to see how a complete stranger has gone through something similar or is affected in a way that makes them stop and listen. It makes me feel connected to someone that I do not even know and helps me realize that music and the emotions it brings out is part of a much bigger picture.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I have been able to live many lives while on my musical journey. I have worked jobs I liked and did not like while meeting and connecting with many different people along the way. One of my favorite jobs that I was able to get through music, and still do, it working in artist relations for Roland. I get to learn about amazing gear, meeting incredible people, become inspired by stories and help musicians/artists with gear. It is a wonderful way to support entertainers who inspire the next generation of musicians and artists.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jameshatem.com/
• Instagram: @jameshatemmusic
• Facebook: James Hatem Music
• Linkedin: James Hatem

Image Credits
Kendra Bomar – photographer