Memphis Music Feature: James Anderson

“There are a huge amount of talented folks here in Memphis, each person has their own unique sound and vibe”
- James Anderson, on Memphis musicians.

MH: In one word or phrase, what about Memphis inspires you creatively?

JA:  Authenticity. There is a huge amount of talented folks here in Memphis, each person has their own unique sound and vibe. We love being inspired by every creative medium here in the city.

MH:  Who in Memphis do you love to listen to?

JA: There are so many incredible artists it's really hard to choose just one. I will say I've enjoyed all of the music that's been released during this pandemic with Covid19. It has completely altered our norm and forced us to be even more creative with working and releasing fresh material. 

MH: Which place gives you that Memphis vibe?

JA: There is nothing like coming home to Memphis after playing a gig out of town and being able to have cold sweet tea and BBQ from BB Kings on Beale St. while listening to the Allstar Band play. Also, grabbing a "CakeShake" from Cupcake Cutie. I live downtown so seeing places like Stax, Memphis Slim Collaboratory, The Orpheum Theatre, and Suga Shack on Beale really makes me feel at home.

MH: Can you give advice for a young artist getting started? 

JA: Building great relationships will get you much further than your talent ever will. Be a man or woman of your word and stay consistent. Learn as much as you can about the business, i never stop learning. Finally, be you and have a great time in the process!!

MH: Do you have a quick story that changed you as an artist, a moment in time that moved the needle for you?  

JA: I remember going out with a well known artist as a [substitute musician for their regular band member]. I didn't take the gig too seriously at the time because I was out [touring] a bunch with other artists as well. My lack of preparation and just not taking the opportunity as seriously as I really should have cost me that gig and maybe even future gigs, who knows.

One of the musicians pulled me to the side before my last show with them and basically told me he knew I wasn't really appreciative of the opportunity because it showed in my playing. He wasn't from my city, he only just met me at the gig. He told me "Never get too comfortable out here, because there is always someone else wishing they were in my shoes". Since that moment I've approached every opportunity as if it were my last. James Anderson is the result of diligently pushing to make it happen. And we're just getting started.

MH: Where can we hear you?

JA: We released our self-titled debut EP the summer of 2020 along with a special single dedicated to the Black Lives Matter movement, entitled "BLM". Since then we've released a cover song called "In the Morning" which features our friend and super talented artist KJ Willis. You can find that song on our Soundcloud page. We also released a christmas cover of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" during the holiday season last year. We released a single on Valentine's Day called "Petals", and we're super excited about releasing this for our fans and every little girl, teenage girl, and woman that hears it. The song was written for them.

James Anderson Music Spotify 

James Anderson Music Soundcloud