Brendan James
-First, can you please introduce yourself?:
Sure, my names Brendan James and I'm a singer songwriter out of Brooklyn, NY. I was born and raised in Derry, NH, went to college in North Carolina, then moved up to New York City to start my music career.
- How would you describe your music style?:
I would say my style is somewhat mellow, but somewhat funky at times.. I play piano and rhodes and my band does a great job of keeping it simple and focused around the lyrics.
- What would you tell people, who have never heard your music, about your album and why they should go buy it?:
I would tell people that I tried to put my heart into every song, that sometimes it took months to finish a lyrics because they're all so important to me, and that I think it would be a great album to play on a mellow day around the house, or on a commute to work- it'll let you zone out but feel good about the world and your place in it.
- What is your favorite song off the album?:
Always a tough question because I have a hard time listening to my own music. But if I had to answer, it would probably be “Hero's Song.” Its one of those songs, and I've heard Marvin Gaye explain a song of his in this mannner, that came out of the sky, and into my head, and out through my fingers onto the piano. I don't know where the lyrics came from, or where clarity to write them came from, I just know it works. The strings, the piano, the guitar, the lyrics- they all just seem to fit I guess.
- Where does most of your inspiration come from for writing your music?:
I wouldn't say it has ever come from anywhere specific. I think everyone has a well inside of them thats constantly being filled with memories, observations, and emotions. I can remember what my grandparents garage smelled like in 1985, and what my ex-girlfriend's face looked like when we said our last goodbye. When I write I just drop the bucket into the well, and can usually find what I'm looking for.
- Who are some of your musical influences and why?:
I found an old mix tape a few months ago that I played the shit out of when I was around 14 years old. It had everyone from John Lennon to James Taylor to Boys to Men and Van Morrison. It even had a song from Les Miserable and one from Sister Act! No matter the genre, I think I always gravitated to good singers and good songs. I guess because I loved singing so much, and because I was always looking for a good song to keep in my head for later.
- If you could perform with anyone who would it be and why?:
It would have to be stevie wonder. He's a living legend, and there aren't many of his kind still walking the streets. Well, lets be honest, there were never really any if his kind walking the streets.
- What are some of your up-coming projects?:
Well, as soon as this album is released I'll be touring the hell of out of it for a few months. But I have a feeling I'll be back in the studio pretty soon to record some stuff stripped down, as well as some crazy new songs I've just written.
- What would you like to say to your fans?:
I would like to say thanks for reading and thanks for checking out my album. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope you're living your lives in the moment- because theres no other way to do it!
Interviewed by Amanda Stephan in May 2008 via e-mail.
Copyright Front Row Fanz 2007.
