Life & Work with James Cramer of San Diego

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Cramer.

Hi James, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up listening to my grandpa play with a bunch of pickers for retirement homes in Texas. I had two basic jobs, turn down the banjo player (he was a bit on the deaf side) and singing any Hank Williams requests. Always loved to sing, did choir for years, but never anything serious.

I got to do live band karaoke once and bam, I was hooked on wanting to play with a live band. So I got a guitar at 29 and started playing with anyone who would have me. While I was in the Navy I finally got to put together a band, Barbwire, here California. We’ve been together 18 or so years playing the bars and honkytonks as often and as hard as we can.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I suppose nothing is as smooth as you’d like. The struggle for us is mostly in trying to balance life and the band. There is a lot to running a band, especially when live music venues for country music can be in short supply unless you are willing to travel. In the end all the challenges just make the part where we see the dance floor full feel that much better.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Well to pay the bills I work for the Navy. After I retired I picked up work helping modernize ships, and while not much in the way of excitement, it certainly feels important indeed helps pay those pesky bills.

I am really proud of the life me and my wife Lacy have built. Great kids, great jobs, great house, we’ve really made a good life.

Not sure I am much different than all the other’s out doing what they love on stage. I like to think I have done a good job building a solid band that is blessed to be included in some of the best shows and stages around. Most would probably find we are fun, play a great mix of dances, and because of my love of Texas we delve into some songs you wouldn’t likely find on the mainstream radio.

How do you define success?
I think success is being able to do work you appreciate, make enough to pay the bills and have some fun, and have good friends and family to share it with. As for the band, I think we are successful if we all feel like we put on the best show we can and people enjoy it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.barbwirecountry.com
• Instagram: @barbwirecountry
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Barbwire.Country/

Image Credits
Lacy Cramer Photography