February 15, 2005

Interview with James Christian

After knowing the music of James Christian for some time I have quite enjoyed getting to “Meet The Man” through this interview. As with so many of today’s great artists I found James to be a humble, well spoken and kind man. His new album “Meet The Man” is a chapter in a life committed to music and an expression of self that I feel is a wonderful addition to my collection and one that will get quite a bit of play time in my changer!

I hope that you enjoy this interview and take a moment to re-introduce yourself to the music of James Christian, and if you have any comments please stop by the Bulletin Board and let us know what you think!

1.  When I first heard of what the title of your latest album was a smile crossed my face because I like to start out each interview with a self-introduction.  So in keeping with tradition I would like to give all the readers the chance to “Meet The Man” behind the music – James Christian.
Meet the Man is not as bold of a statement as some suggest.  To me, it means,  "meet the man” who has been out of the spotlight for 10 years.  Meet the man who is now a father and a Husband.  Meet the man that really loves his life’s choices. 

2.  You are an artist who receives a lot of press on your releases and projects, but as fans we always have one never ending question – What are you up to now and what is on the horizon? 
Right now I am finishing up with my wife’s project "Robin Beck".  Also Robin and I are managing and producing a 14 year-old singer who is on the verge of a major record contract.  Her name is "Krissy" and she is awesome.

3.  You are known to most as a powerhouse vocalist and extremely talented songwriter.  Is there one role that you enjoy more than the other? 
I love singing.  This is where I started long before I became a songwriter.  I love to sings songs.  It does not matter if I wrote them.

4.  When it comes to songwriting is there a formula you follow regularly, for example a lyric first then build the song around it or music first and lyrics last?
First to me is always a melody.  I can always build from there.  Some people start with lyrics - I like to have a good melody first.

5.  Your voice has carried you around the world and given a musical soundtrack to millions around the world.  Have you always been a singer, and what sort of exercises do you do to keep your voice in shape? 
I have been a singer since I was 5 years old.  It was something that always came natural to me.  As I grew up, I listened to a lot of great singers and took the best they had to offer and tried to develop my own style.  It is very funny as I knew exactly when I had my own style.  It was when I sang for a band called LA Rocks.  It was then I realized, I really do have my own thing.  It made me very proud and also reassured me that I would make it as a singer.

6. Speaking of staying in shape, I wonder what sort of activities outside of the music you enjoy that help balance out the stresses of a music career?
I have a 7 year-old daughter.  She keeps me active all day.

7.  Your solo efforts have gained a lot of respect around the world and have a lot of people talking, but there is also House Of Lords.  What is happening on that front and what can the fans expect from the band in future? 
I hope that House Of Lords will do another project.  I know I will keep recording CD's as long as people will listen.

8.  Things have changed a great deal since a few years ago, technology has increased but budgets have shrunk.  What do you think are the greatest advantages of the recording world of today and the drawbacks? 
The budgets have shrunk but, it cost a lot less to record a CD today because the great sound of home studios.  I have one in my home and I can get great sounds.

9.  As a musician that has put in many years and has seen the way the industry really works - What advice would you offer to an artist or group just starting out and entering talks with the record labels? 
My advice is simple.  You have to be a musician 24 hours a day.  This is not a part time career.  The reason I say this is because there are musicians out there honing their crafts continually.  They give it all up for the chance of making it.  When I left for California, I burned all my bridges behind me.  I made sure there was no turning back.  To all of you aspiring musicians - Please read this passage from a well known author:
"A long while ago, a great warrior faced a situation which made it necessary for him to make a decision which insured his success on the battlefield.  He was to send his armies against a powerful foe, whose men outnumbered his own.  He loaded his soldiers into boats, sailed to the enemy's country unloaded soldiers and equipment, then gave the order to burn the ships that carried them.  Addressing his men before the first battle, he said, "You see the boats going up in smoke.  That means that we cannot leave these shores alive unless we win!  We have no choice --We win -- or we perish!   "They Won"

10.  I feel one of the biggest challenges to artists like yourself who have years of experience to their name is the tendency of fans to want to hear the same style of music from the artist that they remember from years ago.  As an artist what would you like to say to the fans before they play a new album … Perhaps to clear their mind and listen to it just for what it is?
Sometimes it is hard for fans to hear you going in a different direction or trying something different.  I can understand that, but when you are a songwriter and singer, I can't help but try new things and experiment with new sounds.  I can only hope that the fans will appreciate it.

11.  And last, but never least is there anything you would like to say as a closing message to your fans? 
I would like to say, Thank You for hanging in all these years.  The music industry is very fickle, but the fans are strong and when they like what you do, they are always there to support you.

James Christian

Posted by Kathy at February 15, 2005 08:55 PM