Published: May 24, 2009 1:24 AM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight May 2009 Edition
James Hand
James Hand
James Hand is a good old Texas boy with a heart of gold. He also happens to be an amazing Country Singer/Songwriter that is going to entertain country music fans young and old. With major influences such as Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Chuck Berry to name a few, James Hand is continuing the tradition of making country music from the heart and soul. In this recent interview with our Webzine, James talks music and what his band, James Hand Band is hoping to achieve in the music industry.
Isaac: How do you sum up 2008 for James Hand Band?
James Hand: Busy, diversified, enlightening. I finished recording on my new album-- coming out on Rounder Records in the fall of 2009.
Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?
James Hand: Besides making it to NYE 2009 and finishing recording on my new album, I performed at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC and at the Kennedy Center.
Isaac: Elaborate on the concept behind James Hand Band.
James Hand: I play music I was born to play without making a big statement about it. Just bringing the music and being honorable. My music makes me happy and I hope I never lose sight of the fact that I'm more blessed by being a part of the music industry than I could ever hope to be doing anything else.
Isaac: Describe the music scene in Waco, Texas.
James Hand: I mostly play in Austin and surrounding cities. The music scene in Austin is a great equalizer. It's very diversified and new acts are given the opportunity to perform at many different venues. You can see seasoned performers on one street, and some band that is brand new on the next street in Austin.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
James Hand: When I was a child, I heard music in my head all the time. My grandmother had a Victrola and I remember the big band sounds coming out of it and soaking up every note. I remember listening to Dean Martin on my mother's radio. I thought he had the most beautiful voice I'd ever heard.
I remember hearing the song "Monday, Monday" from the Mamas and Papas and thinking that singing on the radio would be the greatest thing in the world. All my childhood and most of my adulthood, I dreamed of one day hearing my songs and my voice on the radio. At least that dream has come true for me.
Lefty Frizzel, Hank Williams, Ray Price and many others - anyone who sang with emotion was a big influence on me.
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
James Hand: I feel I bring a personal depth to my music that can touch people's lives. My music tells of an honest heartache, a straightforward story, a longing desire to love and be loved. I write songs that you don't have to have a Master's Degree from Julliard to play.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
James Hand: Everyone who's ever stood on the stage with me or had a kind word to say about my music. That might be a large group, but it would be the one I wanted to work with.
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
James Hand: Entertaining as hell if you can get past the misery of some of my songs. I speak of only one man's attempt to explain one heart's point of view with too many reasons to change.
Isaac: What is your definition for Country Music?
James Hand: Anything that's forthright and honest.
Isaac: What type of feedback have your received from your album titled Shadow on the Ground - 2009?
James Hand: The album hasn't been released yet, but I am playing songs from it at my shows and the fans are anxiously awaiting its release. Everyone that has heard the compilation of songs on the new album say it's my best effort to date.
Isaac: What can fans expect from James Hand Band in 2009?
James Hand: The new album, a possible tour around the U.S. to promote it, and hopefully a tour in Europe, Japan and Australia.
Thanks to the efforts of old friends and my new manager, I am blessed to have a TV show coming soon on BLUE HIGHWAY TV which will be broadcast on cable networks nationwide, at least 4 times weekly. We are filming the pilot episode on May 31st with guest star Heather Myles, and will be filming another 25 episodes over the next few months with many guest stars including the Quebe Sisters Band, Leonna Williams, the Soul Invaders and many, many more. We look forward to reaching out to new fans across the country and sharing our music in the way of Ernest Tubb and many others who came after him. Look for us soon on Blue Highway TV!!
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans?
James Hand: Thanks for your support over the years. You're always in my thoughts and prayers. For my family - if you can't find the key, you know which window to crawl through!! My family and friends are one in the same, and to them, I humbly offer all of anything I'll ever be - ever own - or ever love. To my fans - just cause you don't see me, doesn't mean I'm not there.
Isaac: Final words from James Hand Band…
James Hand: I would like to personally thank Isaac and Junior's Cave Online Magazine for having enough interest in me to make me think so hard in answering all these questions!!
