We recently interviewed with talented & experienced pianist, keyboardist, bassist, producer, composer and music director” Nathaniel W. James “. He has had one constant his whole life, and that is music. At the age of 4 his parents placed him in front of the piano and from that moment it was apparent that he had been given a gift. Like many musicians he began playing at his church. When he turned 17 he took on the leadership role as musical director at his church, began playing for local concerts and intensely developed his craft each day. His love for music has driven him to have his hands on many different projects. His major musical influences are Oscar Peterson, Kendrick Lamar, Judith Christie, Snarky Puppy, Bill Evans and Mike Bereal.
Check out the interview :
Tention Free : Let’s talk a bit about your work and what is the secret behind your success and At what age did you start playing ?
Nathaniel W. James :
I began playing music at the age of 4 performing the popular Hymn “The Old Rugged Cross” at local churches in Toronto. For me success is doing what you were born to do to the best of your ability. Do that everyday despite failures and set backs is what sets apart the successful and the unsuccessful.
Tention Free : Do you write your own songs? & What are you working on now?
Nathaniel W. James :
Although my main focus as a musician is supporting an artist, I have written and performed some of my music. Currently I’m working on my demo which showcase the sound of the 90’s which I was heavily influenced by.
Tention Free : If you could perform anywhere, in the world, where would it have to be?
Nathaniel W. James :
I think the place that would have the greatest impact on my life to perform would be Africa. It’s where my roots are, and if you’ve ever experienced the culture you know how much energy and passion they give to music. I think that would be an amazing show.
Tention Free : Who are your musical inspirations?
Nathaniel W. James :
I take a lot of my influences from my gospel background. Artist’s like Kim Burrell, Tye Tribett, Richard Smallwood, John P. Kee, these are a few of the people that greatly shaped my approach to music.
Tention Free : What hidden talents do you have?
Nathaniel W. James :
I’m actually quite the chef. One of my favorite people in the world is Gordon Ramsey. I also love Framing Houses. Those are two things that will divide my time once I start settling down.
Tention Free : Where would you most like to perform?
Nathaniel W. James :
I would love to play the Molson Canadian Amphitheater in my home town. It would be great to have all my family and friends in attendance.
Tention Free : Do you set goals for yourself and how do you do that?
Nathaniel W. James :
I do have a lot of goals that I am yet to reach yet. I generally start with trying to outdo myself with how big I can dream. Then once it begins to get ridiculous I ask myself 5 questions: When, Where, Why, With Who and is this God’s plan for your life?
Tention Free : What motivates you to do your best work as a musician?
Nathaniel W. James :
Knowing that what I create changes the environment/Atmosphere and everyone in it.
Tention Free : Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to be a professional musician as a career?
Nathaniel W. James :
Be as honest with yourself as you possibly can. Surround yourself with people who are better and more experienced than you. Make mistakes and learn from. And enjoy every moment of it, it’s truly a blessing to be gifted with musical abilities.
Tention Free : How can people find you and follow you online?
Nathaniel W. James : You can search Nathanielwjames to find my Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and SoundCloud accounts.
My website is www.nathanielwjames.com
Tention Free : What was it like being the keyboardist for The Weeknd?
Nathaniel W. James :
That was an amazing experience. I got to see parts of the world I never thought I would ever see. Playing in front of tens of thousands of fans screaming so loud I could barely hear my own keyboard. It was just insane. It was definitely life changing.
