In this interview spotlight, we chat with Christian James about influences, the latest project, the digital music world and more.

Full Q&A along with links and the video for Fall below.

Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?

It is definitely the energy of the music that attracted me to this genre. The combination of the lyrics with the strong beats create a different space in the music. You expect to connect to the lyrics, but the music drops also create an emotion all on there own. It is the synergy between those two elements that attracts me to this style.

What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?

I have always been obsessed with how music made me feel. I connect with music in a different way then other things. Now that I am able to finally create my own music I can not help but push it out for others to hear. I love inspiring people. If I connect with them emotionally on a song that is amazing, but even if I just inspire them to dance and have a great time I’m good with that too. Life is about energy and connecting with people on all kinds of different levels.

Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?

One of my biggest influences right now is Ed Sheeran. What he is able to do with his guitar is unreal. Not to mention he is a genius at telling a story through his lyrics. I find myself studying all of his music, and that is certainly influencing my newest stuff that will be coming out later this year. The other major factor the influences my creativity is my emotions. I am an emotional person, and that drives me to feel things stronger and more intense then other people sometimes. Music gives me an outlet to pour those thoughts and experiences in.

As far as my Music taste changing…. the answer is simple; they are changing all the time. The further I go into music the more I see art everywhere, in all genres. There are so many music geniuses out there and it is so cool to watch people create there art. My music taste buds are forever growing and evolving.

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific with your video for “Fall”? Creatively or otherwise?

I really wanted to create a juxtaposition between an urban environment and the studio to represent two very different aspects of this song. I literally saw two videos in my head and I decided to merge the two into a “dance-off of style” video. Fall has so much energy in it but I still felt like it needed to explore both avenues of being a big dance piece with your crew and a personal moment between you and someone else. The beat drops but the lyrics are still a love note that deserved to be shown as a stripped down raw intimate moment. I wanted that moment to be represent being free from all the other distractions in life. By switching hard back and forth I tried to show the struggle in my own mind when it comes to relationships.

What was the last song you listened to?

Castle On The Hill by Ed Sheeran. (It’s insane)

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

MP3’s. I’m more of a music junkie rather then a music purist. I want as much music as I can get. I’m going to upset my audiophile friends on that one.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

Hmm thats tough. I have both Spotify and Apple music and I use them constantly. I love both of them. However, I going to give Spotify some extra love since I have more streams on there.

Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?

I think the biggest challenge is that you have to constantly be on. Finding the balance between creating the music you love and spending time with your fans who you also love can be tricky. At times is can feel like a jealous girlfriend. You have to find the balance between the two, both sides need love. I love being in the studio and working on music, but I also love spending time connecting with my fans. Its good problem to have I guess. Music without fans has no impact and fans without real music is not really art.

Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?

Instagram is my favorite social media platform to interact with my fans. However, for more real time updates on my new music and where to find it you got to stick with me on twitter.

Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?

Thanks for reaching out to me! I can not wait to let you guys hear my new EP that I am working on. Love you guys.