Music is an amazing thing but not everyone gets it. For some of us music hots a spot deep in our souls that will always give us the motivation to thrive. Our recent discovery James Roan is one of those. Now he creates music to share his life experiences and connect with his fans.
We caught up with the multi-talented artist to get a little deeper behind the scenes. Enjoy the interview below:
First off, what is it that draws you to create music?
The sounds, instruments and emotions. When I listen to music I hear more than just lyrics and beats, I visualize stories and each note as well as the voice takes me to a different place. What keeps people coming back to certain artists and songs is because they’ve made some kind of connection with the audience. It’s the same for me as a musician listening to other musicians. We definitely understand each other and the work that it takes to create quality music.
How would you describe the James Roan sound?
My sound is one timeless to put it in the most simplest of terms. For those who appreciate music that’s not overly materialistic, then I would say James Roan is the right artist to become a fan of. It’s a bridging on the gap between the past and present bringing the elements of soul from the previous generation, while modernizing it for the new school listeners.
Which artists have had the biggest influence on you?
There would be too many to name but various musicians all across the genres of music. However, there are a few that comes to mind right off the bat like 2Pac, Nas, Jay- Z, Biggie Smalls, DMX, Ice Cube, 50 Cent, Outkast, Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes, LL Cool J, Eminem, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, J. Cole, Big K.R.I.T, Lady Of Rage, Common, Mobb Deep, A Tribe Called Quest, Snoop Dogg, T.I, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, Slum Village, Little Brother, Lupe Fiasco, Rapsody and Dom Kennedy from the hip-hop side. There’s also a few singers from the Soul and R&B side as well like Jill Scott, Erkyah Badu, Sade, Patrice Rushen, Alicia Keys, Brandy, Ari Lennox, Summer Walker, SZA, The Isley Brothers, R. Kelly, Keith Sweat, Boyz II Men, Dru Hill, Trey Songz, The Beatles and so many more. As you can see I’m a student of music.
What do you hope your listeners take away from a James Roan track?
I’m hoping that listeners would be able to grasp the stories I’m painting in my writing, hoping they can take their own experiences and learn how to over their hardships, also becoming one with the song through the emotion and pure authenticity of myself as an artist. I want my music to make a difference in many people’s lives.
Check out ‘Time Shows’ by James Roan and Richy B
Tell us about your latest single “Time Shows” with Richy B.
The latest song titled “Time Shows” is a very intuitive and heartfelt track about wanting to become more in life over time. Richy B produced the song from scratch once night we were in the studio. The lyrics and recording were all done in the same session. The message behind the song is ‘Time Shows’ is: “In life, nothing is permanent, nor is anything guaranteed, until you realize that’s it’s all on you, only then can you accept your flaws, and make changes in order to succeed. Time reveals all, Time Shows”.
We hear you referred to as a “Future Leader of the Next Generation.”
What is that about? It’s pretty much self-explanatory, I see myself being one of the leading faces in music from now well into the 2030’s. One of the leaders in the music/entertainment business using my voice, image and visual ideas.
Share some tips for other artists navigating the changing hip hop scene.
Always work no matter what; never take your foot off the grass because people will move on if you’re not consistent. Take time to master your craft and hone your skills as an artist. Connect with the audience and keep your mind open to trying new things.
What is next in the plan for James Roan?
The plan is to continue working on my craft, getting better every day and change the game. First by bringing true hip-hop back to the forefront while also being the leader of a generation. Doing guest speaking, hosting public events, activist work in the communities, developing a few businesses as an entrepreneur before ultimately going into film as an actor, writer and director. These are the plans for James Roan, but I know these things take a lot of time, hard work and dedication. Little by little, slowly but surely.
Follow James Roan and producer Richy B on Instagram
