James Lee Baker Interview by Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

James Lee
Baker Interview by Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

Lamitschka:  Music has many new fans throughout
Europe who may be hearing about you for the first time. How would you describe
yourself and the music you play to someone who has never seen or heard you?

Answer:  I like to consider myself a storyteller
first. My songs have developed characters and plots that bring the listener into
the story. I use fingerstyle guitar playing to create an intimate sound
reminiscent of James Taylor or Cat Stevens.

Lamitschka:  What is your latest CD and how’s it
doing?

Answer:  I released the album Home Again in
2017. So far, it has done very well by exceeding over 300k combined streams,
charting on multiple charts, and receiving some cool write-ups in the industry.

Lamitschka:  How did you choose the title for the
CD?  Is there a story behind the name?

Answer:  I had recently moved back to my hometown in
Texas when the album was wrapping up. I got the idea from my sister-in-law who
suggested Home Again to compliment the life change.

Lamitschka:  Do you write the songs yourself? If not,
how do you go about finding the songs for your CD?

Answer:  Yes, I write most of my songs alone. I do co-writes
but often just to get unstuck or to help others finish their unfinished works.

Lamitschka:  What will your next single be?

Answer:  I will release on more single in the fall
called If I Stay here With You. This will also have a killer music video
recorded by Arcadian Pictures in Colorado.

Lamitschka:  How much creative control do you have
over your music?

Answer:  As much as I want. I do run my songs through
several reputable folks for their honest critique on the writing. They help me
understand the gaps in the story or music, which helps elevate the songs but
may result in changes that I didn’t expect.

Lamitschka:  What drives you?

Answer:  The gift of free agency and my ability to
impact others with my choices is very compelling. We have life in us and it is
entirely up to us how we choose to use it.

Lamitschka:  What’s unique about you that will
differentiate you from other artists?

Answer:  I like to paint a crystal-clear story in the
songs. I use contrast, irony, deep metaphor, and hidden meaning to give the listener
space to fill in the story.

Lamitschka:  What has been your greatest challenge in
music business?

Answer: Exposure. There are so many artists out there that
it is hard to stand out. Many resort to exotic things or to pandering to the
trends of the time. Personally, I think being true to yourself and finding
exposure is difficult but the necessary path for an artist.

Lamitschka:  Who is your biggest critic, yourself or
others?

Answer:  Definitely myself. I tend to be
over-critical of myself in life. I’ve gotten better at it though! I think it is
a process and one thing to remember – most people aren’t thinking about you. They’re
too busy being concerned about themselves.