Hello, thank youfor your time, please introduce yourself in a few words!
Thanks for having me! I’m Marcus James, I’m from Vancouver, and I make music that – more often than not – pulls inspiration from challenges I’ve faced and my subsequent reflections.
Please give us an update about – new single, new album, tour dates, new videos?!
My new single is out, it’s called The Night We Nearly Threw It All Away. It’s about that late night vibe when you go down the rabbit hole replaying things from the past and wondering if they could have gone differently. It sorta hits a spot that isn’t quite as hard as regret but isn’t as soft as pensiveness either, it’s a melancholy place somewhere between the two.
Name 5 things we all should knowabout youas an artist?!
Making music with my friends is my favourite thing. I’m a visual writer, I like to write songs that make you feel like you’re watching a movie. I’m never gonna stop. My shows go a lot harder than you’d expect. I love my fans.
What fashion style or brand would best describe your music?
All Saints, all day.
Tell us more about your songs! Topics! Message!
I’ve always liked listening to “sad songs” because they make me feel less alone, which actually makes me happier in a roundabout sorta way. With my music I try to be as open and honest as I can and I hope it makes people feel understood and reminds them that it’s okay to feel sadness, or anxiety, or to feel like you’re on the outside looking in. Whatever you’re going through, it gets better and you’re not alone.
Besides music, do youhave any special talents?
I’m really good at making pancakes. Also I like to think I’m okay at dressing myself, although I refuse to believe skinny jeans are out of style.
Being on stage feels like….!
My favourite thing about my shows is that feeling of connectivity with the audience. When you give all the energy you’ve got, and everyone gives it right back to you; you’re both feeding off it and for a brief moment nothing else matters but the music.
How did youlearn to sing/ to write/ to play??
Honestly just from doing it a lot and enjoying the process, even when I had no idea what I was doing. I don’t think I’m particularly talented or gifted, I just love music and love doing it every day. It’s as simple as that. Also shoutout my high school guitar teacher, those lessons were one of the only things I wanted to show up for during a time when I wasn’t doing so good.
A question you’d like to answer but have never been asked in an interview before?! + Answer, please.
What’s something you wish more people told you when you were growing up?
It’s cool if you don’t learn the same way other kids do, or if you struggle with things that other people seem to find easy, or if you have trouble focusing, everyone is different. When you find what you love to do, give that shit everything you’ve got, be kind, and you’ll be alright.
Instagram: @heymarcusjames
Image credit: Matthew Butcher