I recently featured James’ new single Disappear For The Weekend. In this interview spotlight, we chat about the new release, challenges, listening preferences and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep
going?
Creativity. It’s a characteristic of who I am and something I find I need to express regularly. It’s a strange thing but it is the source that led me here and what motivates me to keep going. I find that if I stop being creative, I get restless.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
I was experimenting with the Texas Americana sound and wanted to see how the songs would feel in this style.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this
over saturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
Exposure is the hardest challenge we face as independent musicians. Technology has become a hindrance to exposure because anyone can release content now and that over saturation makes it difficult to be noticed. I know many amazing writers who lives, for the most part, in some obscurity. Ultimately, the best we can do is roll with the punches, use technology to our advantage, and think outside of the box and innovate new revenue streams as musicians.
What was the last song you listened to?
The Last American by Ryan Culwell
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
MP3s – they’re better for the environment and don’t need upkeep
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I am a Spotify user presently but with recent developments on political movements for songwriter royalties, I am less inclined to continue. Spotify has joined forces with other companies to repeal legislation that would give songwriters a better portion of streaming sales.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more
music?
I’m also on Facebook and Instagram. You can also download my music or stream it pretty much anywhere. Just search for James Lee Baker
Anything else before we sign off?
Thanks for the opportunity and for hearing my story!
