Interview: Marc James
As the front man in rock band Verra Cruz and a solo singer in his own right, Marc James has been on the music scene for some time. We caught up with the singer and guitarist to find out what's in store for him over the coming months.
Last year you released your latest solo album 'Surrender', can you tell us a little bit about the album and what the inspiration behind it was?
Most of the songs were written with this project in mind (Surrender was written nearly 10 years before) and they chronically the journey of faith that I have been on. Probably the most profound influence on this batch of songs has been the birth of my son Lemuel. I think that beyond almost anything that has happened to me that event has changed and challenged my perception of God. So this album is really heavy on the Grace and acceptance of God the Father.
Which is your favourite track on the album and why?
Hmm I'm not sure which song I like the most, one of the stand out tracks for me is blessed rain. I wrote the song in a shopping centre in Luton whilst Lemmy was asleep in his buggy. I was thinking about the blessing of God, what it means to be blessed, and I started to look around at peoples face and was overwhelmed with compassion for a people who looked anything but blessed. It is really a prayer for Luton, for healing for transformation.
What's your song writing process?
Usually i start with a musical idea, either a chord sequence, a riff, a melody or rhythm. Then I will record myself with the song in it's roughest form. Sometimes without words and then hone the song from there. I am usually still writing lyrics in the studio!!
If you could work with any song writer, who would it be and why?
I guess it would have to be Paul M from the Beatles. because he is such a great songwriter and seems like he would be a great guy to write with!!
Your band Verra Cruz is busy touring at the moment, will we see a new Verra Cruz album anytime soon?
We have had a bit of a quiet year (if kids weddings etc can be described as quiet!) we have a bunch of songs finished and a load more in process, we are just looking for the perfect moment to hit the studio again. We are aware that album three needs to be a real cracker.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
I am defiantly from the rock side of things. The Blues has also played a massive part in my life, and now i love listening to gospel especially the older stuff. I love Bob Marley for his passion for justice and uncompromising lyrics. I love the genius of Hendrix. the raw power and guts of blind Willy Johnson, i love Ben Harper for sitting down with a lap steel! Paul Simon's songs moved me as a child, so did Stevie Wonder, sting and the Beatles. Later I got into metal, thrash and then grunge. often i traced back the music that influenced the music I love, and found that I loved that stuff too!
In your opinion, what makes the perfect song?
No formula, but honesty. something that moves the soul.
What advice would you give to any aspiring singers or bands out there?
Wow there is so much I could say. "Be yourself, there is only one of you", I would recommend learning some business skills along with learning your craft. There are now great opportunities for those who can move in both worlds. I respect anyone who can carve out a living as a muso! Also don't be afraid to collaborate with others, sometimes I have shot myself in the foot by being to attached to stuff, not taking criticism well etc. Much of this comes from insecurity. The older I get I can recognise this in me and avoid knee jerk reactions.
Music is a gift from God to be enjoyed, and also given as a release for us, a way of expressing pain, grief, questions, It is a means of connecting to god and to others. We can learn to be comfortable with our voices and talents when we realise that they are gifts of grace, we didn't choose them or earn them they were given to us by God. Give thanks, hone your skills and offer them back to him for his glory!
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your mp3 player. What track is it?
Not sure, maybe all along the watchtower the Jimmy Hendrix version... or message in a bottle!
What does the next year hold for Marc James?
Well there are lots of possibilities to shoot for. I am hoping to travel to Brazil and Argentina, continue to write, record and perform as much as I can. I am really interested in communicating and using music to connect with people. I am also involved in a project called Fly Worship which is really exiting... we will have to see.
Find out more at verracruz.com or myspace.com/marcjamesmusic
