 Courtesy of the Artist Peggy James was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin but spent her formative years in the Southwest. This desert “Americana” flavor influences all of her songs allowing her writing style to be unique and eclectic as well as honest and direct. Due June 29th, her fourth album, Nothing In Between, crosses the borders of many genres from pop/rock to country/Bluegrass with Peggy's storytelling, melodies, and lyrics creating captivating journeys. Here, Peggy answers her Essential 8 and talks about the album, musical mentors, favorite concerts, and more! Did you have a musical mentor? If so, who was it and how did they influence you? As a child, my musical inspiration came firstly from my father. When he was young he was a musician in the church band – he could play every instrument in the band. He also played guitar and mandolin and wrote his own songs. Songwriting was just a normal thing in our family. He taught me that you could write a song about anything you wanted to. I use to sing harmony with him in the church meetings. It was my first experience of being on stage in front of an audience. My dad bought me my first guitar at 13 and taught me my first chords and after that it was only natural to start writing songs. My aunt was also an inspiration to me. She was a concert pianist and teacher. She gave me piano lessons for about five years from the time I was five till about 10. Although I didn’t continue playing piano, I believe it gave me an ear for music, formed important connections with notes and melodies and how they come together. With any particular song, was there an “a-ha” moment when you knew the song was completed and perfect? With every song, after I write a rough draft, I play it over and over sometimes 10 to 20 times, and fine tune it where I think it needs it until the rhythm, melody and lyrics come together to convey the emotion and story of the song. That’s when I have an “a-ha” moment and I know it’s complete. Why did you choose to anchor the album with the songs you did? The title of the album “Nothing In Between” is a story is about an artist/musician with a vivid imagination – one who paints, writes songs, sings and dances and the beauty of it being part of their everyday life. It celebrates the value of art and the process of creativity. In making this album with my producer, Jim Eannelli, the goal was to be adventurous and have fun with each song and yet not settle for anything less than where our imagination would take us. We gave it our best in hope that others would enjoy and validate our work and this song expresses that sentiment. When/where do you do your best writing? I do my best writing when I can find solitude - to be alone and in a peaceful place. I usually write in my living room which a nice view and plenty of sunlight. I have several favorite guitars and I know this sounds crazy but I believe they have something to do with giving me a song. Whenever I pick them up a song comes out of them and something magical happens.  Do you write about personal experience, the experience of others, observations, made-up stories, something else or a combination?
Yes - I would say it’s a combination of personal experience, the experience of others, observations, fiction and nonfictional characters and stories. Sometimes, I write about one comment that someone made and build a story around it or an observation may inspire a song. I have also written songs about historical figures such as Joan of Arc and Calamity Jane, people whose lives I find interesting and possess certain characteristics I can identify with. I think that when you are a writer you are constantly taking in the world around you and processing it all into words and this becomes good material for a good story or song. What’s the best advice you have ever gotten from another musician? The best advice another musician gave me was – keep writing and singing. I know that sounds simple but it’s like anything else – you need to practice your craft. Yes a big part of it has to do with natural talent but it also takes a determination to work at it. If you enjoy what you’re doing, you will find it easy to find time for your music because it’s part of who you are. Favorite (or first) concert you have ever attended? I have three favorite concerts that I attended – Bonnie Raitt, Tom Petty and Fleetwood Mac. They were all awesome and unforgettable. Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off? Well one of the items I’d like to check off my professional “bucket list” would be if one of my favorite artists would cover one of my songs. That would be so cool. The other would be hearing my songs on the radio. Hopefully I will see them both happen some day. Facebook/CD Baby
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