theaussieword.com catches up with UK based artist James Sayer.
Tell us how it all started. What had you first interested in music?
I’m from a very musical family. My Dad is a piano/vocalist, his two brothers are, my brother, too! And my grandad was a saxophone
player (the sax solo I play on the track is on his saxophone!). But I guess my Dad’s influence from an early age was what got me into music. We always had so much music on in the car and at home, stuff like The Beatles, Rod Stewart, Elton John, Tina Turner and right back to stuff like Muddy Waters. I was hooked from day one!
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
I’m a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to making music (well I like to think so, anyway!) but ultimately it’s what I love to do and in all honestly I don’t know what else I would do without making music!
What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
I think just being able to play live and record albums and make a living from it is my dream. I’ve never craved fame, just being able to play my own music to audiences all round the world would be my dream!
Success, what is the secret to it?
Working very hard, staying focused and always stay true to yourself.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
I spent some time doing session stuff for a couple of guys called ‘Ruen Brothers’ who are now really good mates and I was lucky enough to record with them in Malibu with Rick Rubin – it’s something I’ll never forget! And earlier this year I did my first headline London show which sold out, so I was really proud of that!
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
I’m a big fan of people like Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Van Morrison, Michael McDonald and Paul McCartney. The fact they are still doing it after all these years is so, so inspiring! I hope I’m still performing in my 60’s and 70’s!
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?
I hope I’m playing live and recording my second or third album! I just want to reach as many music lovers as possible!
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
Yes, it is a lot different and I’ve seen it change drastically since being a teenager. I guess it’s a lot easier to reach the public, with the use of social media but there’s so many people doing it, so it does become tricky! There’s so many artists I love who just don’t get the recognition they deserve. I was lucky to have both singles picked up by BBC Introducing and made ‘Track of the week’ and I think things like that are brilliant for getting your music heard within the music industry.
Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists.
I’m a big fan of Empire Of The Sun and Crowded House.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
I have two shows next week, one in London and one in Birmingham. After that I’ll be back in the studio working on a full album for release next year.
Tell us a bit about your latest record, how would you best describe your music?
It’s feel good music! I love listening to happy music and I grew up with all that kind of music, so once I started writing, this stuff just seemed to come out!
Do you have any new projects in the pipeline?
Right now I’m focused on doing shows this year and recording my album but no doubt I’ll get involved with other projects in the near future.
Thanks for the interview! What final message do you have for us today?
Thank you for listening to my music! I hope that people can get some enjoyment out of my new song and I hope to see you at a live show, soon!
Website: www.jamessayermusic.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jamessayermusic
Twitter: @jamessayermusic
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