Out Now Magazine Spotlight series featuring rising star James Maas for an interview
Where are you from?
From Sydney Australia. Living in West Hollywood California.
When did you start making music?
We’ll I thought I was making music. I was about 9 years old and writing really crappy songs and making family members watch me perform. If I shared you the lyrics you’d never take me seriously again.
How do you describe your music?
Pop music that doesn’t compromise lyrically. Although It’s good fun uplifting entertainment. This is entertainment!! I don’t want you to have to be beaten over the head with message, but if you do want that I’m quite proud of the messages i try to disguise as best I can in my songs, if you need what it’s offering you’ll hear it.
Favorite moment from your career?
This right now honestly, I’m on a song with the 12 ranking DJ in the world on something I’ve written and sang on working on my EP with my label (Radikal) that I love.
Who is your biggest musical inspiration?
Bob Dylan, the lyrical content and stream of consciousness writing that he himself confesses might never be as clear for him again (which is what’s so cool about him and all artists feeling like a fraud) is what I hope to tap into more and more. With my sound of course.
What other things do you do besides making music?
Doing whatever my dog wants me to do. I love my little dog Esmerelda . She’s my world. if you saw her you’d get it. I was going through a really dark time a year ago and couldn’t be alone anymore so I got her to keep me company and I’ve never loved harder. She teaches me every day.
What is your favorite track of all time?
I can’t name one !! Earth , wind and fire “fantasy”, Michael Jackson “Thriller” “wanna be starting something” Ooooh Coldplay Paradise !! And Moby “porcelain” or the verve “bittersweet symphony”. Thanks for that ! Made me think.
What is your best-producing tip?
Learn what helps you key in to your stream of conscious. The best songs (that you haven’t heard yet) I’ve written as if I’m reading / listening for the first time along as I’m writing it. It’s not from me. It’s from somewhere else. Subconscious or “music of the spheres” call it what you want, learn to listen to your intuition and tap into a flow state. Write a lot !!! No idea is stupid, it will bring you closer the more you do it (ego and not writing it down is the death of song writing) to these moments of awesome streams of though where you can just feel easy and free. Keep your phone notes handy in every day life and get into the habit of writing things as they come to you. It’s habit forming and it’s awesome.
Why did you start making music?
What else was I going to do.
What are your goals for the future?
My EP and putting together a tour. getting to know myself better without caring so much about what people will think. Which unfortunately for most including myself comes with a bit of love from others and some wins along the way.
What advice can you give for young music producers/DJs?
Try and try again. Everything is an equation that will equal results no matter what. Just like 1 + 1 equals 2 . The results will come from you not getting discouraged and keeping at it . Making tweaks along the way. It may not happen now but it will. The trick is just sticking with it long enough which is why a love for it will help. Try shortcut the ego portion that tells you it’s not working. It’s your ego telling you that you’re failing and what will people think. Oh and you’ll always feel like a fraud at times.
Please write a message to your fans.
I need you more than you need me. So thank you from the bottom of my heart for the love you bring me and allowing me to continue on this journey.
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