I am incredibly honored to have had the chance to interview Jason James. In 2019 he released the album “Seems Like Tears Ago”, one of my favorite albums of the year. I judge an album by how many songs I like of the collection and if I can listen to it all the way through. Do yourself a favor and give the album a listen. You can also read my review of the album on this website!
What’s your favorite kind of sandwich?
I’m a ham on rye guy myself. Also a sucker for a good peanut butter and jelly sandwich too.
The Beatles or Elvis? Why?
I love the Beatles. They wrote great songs all around. I really love “in my life”, “for no one“ and “yesterday”. I love Elvis for his gospel songs. I think he’s hard to beat when it comes to the emotional delivery in his religious songs.
Lyrics to live by?
No matter how I struggle and strive I’ll never get out of this world alive.
“Desert Island” album?
Hmmm… some tropical music, a bungalow and a lot of rum would get me by. That sounds quite pleasant actually. Haha
What country music artists do you listen to the most?
It depends really. I listen to a lot of early Willie Nelson. I love the Instrumentation on those early records. I know Willie wasn’t exactly happy with the Nashville sound but I really like it.
How would you describe your “sound”?
I’m heavily influenced by the Nashville sound of the 60’s and 70’s. You can listen to my records and know that. It’s not that I don’t like new music but this speaks to me the most. Seems organic to me and not so robotic.
Where do you see your musical career in 5 years?
I hope on a steady incline.
Are there any instruments you don’t play but wish you did? Why?
I would like to play fiddle and I love bass… or steel. Those are my favorite instruments in a country band.
What was the best advice you have received?
Work harder. Don’t wait around for a label or anyone. And do not compromise your music for ANYONE. When it’s all said and done and I go out- I did it my way.
What advice would you give to yourself at the start of your musical career?
See above statement lol
Where does most of your inspiration come from?
I honestly don’t know. Songwriting is mysterious to me but not anymore than singing I suppose. It’s like when you build a birdhouse you are attracting the bird. The birdhouse for me is learning to play an instrument and the birds are the muse… so to speak. I don’t know where it comes from but I’m possessed by music. It’s driven me insane because it’s constantly playing in my head. I’ve learned to deal with it and accept that it’s a gift… of some sort.
What do you consider to be your biggest achievement in your career so far?
I dunno if it’s my biggest achievement but it was my biggest reach to people and that would be when I was featured on the Super Bowl commercial.
What’s on the horizon for you that you would like to share?
I’m gonna keep playin’ and performing my own brand of country music until I can’t anymore.
Meet Country 