Published: August 31, 2009 6:24 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight September 2009 Edition
James D Ingram
James D Ingram
James D Ingram has one of the voices that are not easily forgotten. What makes James a pleasure to listen to is his soulful rugged style that incorporates elements of Acoustic and Blues into his music. After previewing some of Ingram's music, I was amazed and thrilled over what I heard. Fans will enjoy the diversity of Ingram's music and his vocal range of emotions throughout his songs. Check out this ultra chic spotlight with the Singer/Songwriter that our Webzine completed recently. Enjoy!
Isaac: We'd love to know about your inspirations growing up. I hear so many influences in your music. How old were you when you first discovered music? Is there any kind of musical history in your family?
James: I was five years old and we were at a family do. My father stood up and sang 'Bring In The Clowns' it was wonderful and I still remember it vividly. From there on in my dad had a lot to do with my influences; every Sunday morning he would put our radio at the bottom of the stairs blaring out one of his favorite songs. We got Big Band Jazz, Opera and of course the Crooners.
Overall, when I think about it, it's real life and the people that I have met who are my biggest influences. There isn't a song on my album that isn't about a real person or event. Some music and memories just seems to soak into your bones.
Isaac: What drew you to pick up an instrument in the first place?
James: Punk Rock with out a doubt. Me and my friends saw the Stranglers, Rich Kids, Billy Idol, Boomtown Rats, The damned and many more great bands in the late 70's and onwards. My best mate Tim & a friend used to wait outside the back of a club called Top Of The World in Stafford town and as the trucks would turn up we would ask the roadies if we could help. Most of the time they were cool and we would sometimes get in for free. It was a great time and I leant a lot. We couldn't wait to get our band together it was called Renegade and we thought we were so cool.
Isaac: As you hit your teenage years, did you know that this was what you would be doing for the rest of your life?
James: Didn't have a clue to be honest. When I was 19, I didn't know my arse from my Elbow. I was young and having a great time, seeing great bands and doing things I shouldn't have been be doing. We were gigging and it all seemed to be just fun. I can honestly say I never had a conscious thought that we or I would do it for a living one day.
Isaac: Is there a performer in any genre of pop culture that you would like to work with?
James: My choice would have to be the likes of David Bowie & Prince. It would be hard to find two better artists who completely ennoble the concept of Writer/Performer/producer to a higher level. Time and quality are there benchmark. It's something to aspire to and In My opinion they are peerless.
Isaac: Who are some musicians that you really like, present or past?
James: This could take a while! So apart from the ones I mentioned earlier, most of the people I really admired were people who worked around and were involved with The Motown and Stax scene & Atlantic Records or the rock and singer/songwriters of Muscle Shoals these would be what I spent most of my time listening to. And of course great British Rock like Led Zep, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Pink Floyd. Now days I still find myself listening to music of all sorts on the radio, country, rock, Blues, and I really like Ray La Montagna and Jack Jones has a great vibe but the list when it comes to new artists doesn't grow as fast as it used to.
Isaac: What is your ultimate goal with your music career?
James I'd be satisfied being good at what I do, and one-day maybe write a classic. (I bet you've never read that before) Money... well hell yeah, I would love some of that. I sometimes think I'd like the recognition and at other times I honestly don't know if I could handle it. Ultimately, with good grace and hard work, I will become a competent musician and hopefully be in a position one day to give up all the other jobs and concentrate full time on writing & performing better songs. It would also be an honor to have someone who I admired covers one of my songs I think that would be great.
Isaac: What has been some of the obstacles it has taken to get this far in your career?
James: When I was younger, the only obstacles were self-inflicted actually. Let be honest here guys when your young you really don't think too much about tomorrow do you? And I didn't even think what I'd be doing in the next few hours half the time. I tried my hand at lots of other things and funnily enough even managed to build up a decent career in the theatre and music world as a Technical Stage Manager, don't ask me how that happened by the way I still keep wondering when they are going to work out I haven't got a clue, (but keep that to yourself OK!). The thing that did happen was when I was 43 years of age I got my first real record contract and I now have an Album and Video just released on Motivation Records so I suppose you could say if I hadn't done this or if that hadn't happened to me it could of happened 20 years ago, but it did happen. And that's good enough for me.
Isaac: Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians like you?
James: Absolutely my friend! One thing that I've picked up over the years is that products help to sell. So get as many different forms of media and marketing outlets as possible to get your name and music out there. Don't be shy, the more you have to show the more chance you have of being seen.
Isaac: Describe one piece of advice you've have been given to by others in the music industry.
James: Don't be late.
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider most of your music?
James: Something for everyone/everything for someone I never categorize my music.
Isaac: What has been your favorite piece of work?
James: My favorites on the album are" Smile" which was written for a very dear friend who was going through a bad time at the time, I also like" Thinking Of You" as it shows the quirky and Sardonic side to my nature. And "Factory Floor" which was written for my daughter Emily Rose shortly after she was born. Oh and "Stones On the Ground" just for the groove man.
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
James: I have a personnel website at www.Jamesdingram.com where there is info and all my recorded music available, I also have a MySpace site www.myspace.com/Jamesdingram where you can get details of gigs etc. My album " I'll Be The Judge Of That" is available from both these sites and also www.Motivationrecords.co.uk and for download on sites like Crybaby and iTunes.
Isaac: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
James: All the people who have come out in the pouring rain to one of my gigs...love and respect. To my Producer Dave Loughran. Big thanks and to my woman Sharon who has been my friend and good council for many years. Love you darling.
Isaac: Any last words?
James: Fame is not the only form of success. Acceptance of your limitations & the support of your friends and peers are just as important. Choose your words well when you are being questioned, keep your mind on the goal ahead. Always practice you art and keep good council. What ever your faith may they have faith in you. Peace.
