Getting to Know…Q and A with Adam James
What’s your favorite kind of sandwich?
I’m going to have to go with a reuben. Extra Thousand Island please!
The Beatles or Elvis? Why?
Both. Elvis was the first rock star and paved the way for the Beatles, who, in return paved the way for a lot of the way rock, country, and most other kinds of music are made. You can’t have one without the other!
Lyrics to live by?
“They may say those were the days, but in a way, you know, for us, THESE are the days.” -Jane’s Addiction Don’t get so mired in the past that you forget to make the most of the present.
What country music artists do you listen to the most?
Probably Ryan Adams, Eric Church, and Roger Miller, at least as of right now.
How do you see country music evolving within 10 years?
I think it’ll either stay kind of where it is and the sound will update itself in minor ways, or it’ll go traditional again. But the way the industry works, I don’t know that going traditional could really happen.
Are there any instruments you don’t play but wish you did? Why?
I play a lot of different instruments, I guess I just wish I was better at drums.
When writing songs where do you find your inspiration?
One of the weirdest places I find interesting phrases is on church signs. There’s one in my neighborhood that reads, “Forbidden fruit makes many jams.” I want to write a song about THAT!
Is there anyone that inspires you or who gave great advice?
My friend Kent Maxson, who wrote Gary Allan’s hit “From Where I’m Sitting” and wrote a lot of stuff with Garth Brooks told me in a period when I was down about my career that “music is what you do, it’s not who you are.” I think it’s easy to forget that especially when you put a lot of yourself into your music.
What do you consider to be your first big break in your career so far?
Probably the first song deal I got when I was in Nashville. It got my parents off my back with the “When are you going to go back to school” shit. Haha!
Are there any opportunities that living in Nashville brings you?
Being around like-minded and talented people at every turn. It’s so inspiring to live here and being around so many talented singers, songwriters, and musicians really pushed me to get better, and still does.
What’s on the horizon for you that you would like to share?
I’m doing a lot of production work right now and am really excited about that, but I just started working on a new record too, and I’m getting together a track list as we speak. I’m hoping to have it finished in December or January, but I’ll keep y’all posted!
You can purchase Adam’s EP on iTunes now. The single “Miss America” is awesome. Thank you Adam James for taking the time to answer our silly and serious questions!
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