Jeffrey James, a soon-to-be graduate from Belmont University, has become a fixture in the Nashville music scene. When he is not performing around town, he might be touring college campuses throughout the Midwest. Jeffrey James recently released his self-titled debut EP filled with undeniable hooks of pop and rock.
Nashville, TN
United States
Genre: Pop / Rock
Album(s): Jeffrey James EP
Website: http://www.myspace.com/JeffreyJamesMuzak
MATTHEW: You are a singer/songwriter originally from Indianapolis, IN. What influenced you to move to Nashville? How did you meet the musicians you work with today?
JEFFREY JAMES: Belmont was the first thing that prompted the move to Nashville. I came here four years ago to study music business. However, I quickly switched over to vocal performance because all I wanted to do was play and perform music. It was a great outlet for me and the musicians around Nashville and Belmont have had a tremendous influence on my life.
The musicians that I play with I have met many different ways. A couple of them were former Belmont students who I came across at school. My drummer is actually a friend of mine from High school who drives down here anytime I have a show. Others I met through friends and different gigs I have played.
MATTHEW: Your self-titled debut EP was released this April. How did this EP collectively come together? What was it like seeing these songs come to life in the studio (Recording Process; Techniques, etc.)?
JEFFREY JAMES: These songs were some of the first I wrote when I started to seriously want to be an artist. I had been playing them around town for a while. Although there isn’t a sound that ties them all together, they definitely show off many sides of me. It was great hearing the EP slowly come together. I am very proud of the album. I got to record in Oceanway Studios as well as on Belmont’s campus studios.
MATTHEW: In the last few years you have performed numerous shows at colleges and universities. Why do you think this is important as a singer/songwriter?
JEFFREY JAMES: Playing shows at colleges is one of the best learning experiences you can get. College students are tough crowds because you have to earn there attention. They are usually more concerned with what boy or girl is there that night than who is performing. When I get and keep a crowds attention and I can tell that they are moving with the music, then I know that I have done my job.
MATTHEW: You have played shows with many artists and bands from Belmont. What have you gained from these experiences?
JEFFREY JAMES: As I said before, Belmont has been a huge influence on my growing as an artist. So many students come to Belmont as already well groomed musicians. I, on the other hand didn’t really start playing out until I got to Belmont. Being able to see so many performances just on campus and being able to study other performers my age was a great help to my growth musically.
MATTHEW: What’s next for Jeffrey James and the music?
JEFFREY JAMES: I am about to graduate this August from Belmont and am going to stay living in Nashville. I am currently working with a producer to put out a full length album of new material. I am really excited to see this through and feel very confident about my new songs. We should start recording sometime early August. However, if people want a preview of some of my new stuff I will, and do already have videos of me performing some of the songs acoustically on YouTube.
Also I will be constantly looking for ways to expand my fan base through the college market and through high school crowds as well.
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