James Hersey – Right Where I Am

By starrymag | April 12, 2023

By: Dianca Yssel

 

 

Q) You started out by making music from your bedroom in your late teens, and today you are an award-winning artist (with three Gold Record music awards achieved!). To what do you attribute your success?

A) I think my success is a combination of being extremely sensitive and having an insatiable work ethic. Take either of those away and it would’ve been very difficult for me to write meaningful music and find the right people for my team.

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I do my best to write honest songs and pair them with meaningful instrumentation. I’ve always been obsessed with the minimalism of a rock trio, and love to hear the musicians behind each instrument, so besides my voice you’ll hear lots of guitar, live drums and electric bass.

Q) Who are your musical influences?

A) I’m mostly influenced by the golden era of pop music (60s – 90s), and some 2000s rock music. Some of my favorite acts are The Police, The Strokes, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Cream, Prince or Kings Of Leon.

Q) You played percussion and cello in your youth before switching to guitar. Why do you prefer the guitar?

A) The guitar is more convenient and versatile than almost all other instruments. The dynamics range from a whisper to a scream, it can be very percussive, and you can play pretty much anything you want anywhere you are.

Q) Would you consider revisiting your talents with the cello or percussion in future?

A) I still play drums whenever I’m near them, but I know the time it takes to get good at a single instrument, and don’t pretend to have more than that.

Q) You are known as a poignant writer of poetic lyrics, exploring themes such as life as an artist, tales of hope, heartbreak and loss. What inspires your lyrics and what is your creative process when making new music?

A) Generally, I like to create short, unique pieces of music firs and then listen closely for the lyrical associations and images it triggers in me. I’m inspired by the ceaseless stream of thoughts and emotions I have as a conscious being on earth.

Q) Congratulations on the release of the second single from your upcoming album, “Right Where I Am.” Talk about the story behind it.

A) “Right Where I Am” is an expression of contentment and love in the face of adversity, which can happen even in the closest relationships. It’s been historically easier for me to write melancholic music and lyrics, so I wanted to change it up for the vibes.

Q) “Right Where I Am” is described as an antidote to loneliness. What kind of response have you been receiving from fans?

A) My fans love the song and have been writing me direct messages on socials saying that they can’t wait to hear the rest of the album.

Q) You recorded the single at the legendary Toolhouse Studio in Germany. What was that experience like?

A) Working in a studio like Toolhouse is all about capturing the musicians and instruments in their most natural state. The environment is spacious, and I brought a producer and musicians who I knew would be meticulous in every step. Studio time is expensive so there is a lot of pressure, but if everyone is good at their job it’s exciting and fun.

Q) What can you tease about your upcoming album?

A) It’s a very emotionally open album, though there are many hidden messages and meanings. Most of it is recorded at Toolhouse with my band, as honestly and directly as possible, and the title Let It Shine has two meanings. First, it’s an encouragement to myself and my listeners to let their inner light shine. Second, it’s a Daoistic reframing of the “make-it-shine” attitude of our heavily results-oriented industry and society.

Q) One of your most recent releases, “Closer,” features the Canadian funk duo Chromeo. What other artists would you like to collaborate with in future?

A) I’d love to work with HAIM, Phoenix, Rachel Chinouriri, and The 1975.

Q) You have performed at the likes of Bonnaroo, Coachella, Lollapalooza, Reeperbahn, and Frequency. Do you have a particularly memorable event you have played at?

A) Playing at Bonnaroo meant a lot to me because I was performing a solo show and thousands of people showed up in the middle of the day to see me play. I remember singing “Coming Over” and barely hearing my own voice because they were so hyped.

Q) Do you have a song you especially enjoy performing live?

A) I love to play my new song “Fake Love” because there’s these extended instrumental parts that allow my imagination to fly and enjoy the moment.

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of the music that you make?

A) Thank you for appreciating an artist who is doing it for a higher purpose, listen to your heart and pay attention to the real world around you. Happiness is being in the moment.