Today we’d like to introduce you to James Lee.
James, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was in a local metal/hardcore band and joined a kpop band afterward. I moved to Korea and toured Asia, but an accident severed my left hand and five surgeries later I can no longer play bass guitar. My left hand has minimum function, but I can still write and produce music. I worked on a project with a producer I respect and love and who has become my good friend, Erik Lidbom. He goes by Neko, and we have a collaboration project set to drop March 29th.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I write and produce music for artists in Asia as well as release my own personal music. I do it because it is therapeutic for me. I have, and it is the best escape from stress.
As for the message of inspiration, I would say stay moving. I’ve had some very dark moments after my accident. I still deal with random paralyzing pain today. But the difference is I refuse to let my mind stagnate, and atrophy like my hand is. That’s why I did the Light Ep; a project crowdfunded early 2018. We tripled the original target. I just hope people enjoy the music and can connect with it. Music I write for myself is very personal. It’s like opening up my brain for the listener. But the project with Neko was very intentional, not so much of a stream of consciousness. I flew to Sweden with hopes to write something that could make people happy. I wanted to get out of a rut, and I am so grateful for Neko to really helping me heal.
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
Social media is a great way to stay connected, but also make some friends. I worked with Erik when I was in the Kpop industry, but what kept us in touch is he is a great person who also happens to be talented. I feel lucky I’ve got a pal in Scandinavia who I can go visit not just to make music but eat some lingonberries and meatballs with if I’d like.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Spotify! My name is hard to find so you’d probably have to search James Neko or James the light. Also on Instagram at jamesjhl or jerry_thewoolf is my pup. He’s my inspiration these days.
Contact Info:
- Website: jamesleeofficial.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Instagram.com/jamesjhl
- Facebook: Facebook.com/jamesjhl
- Twitter: Twitter.com/jamesjoohyunlee
- Automatic: https://open.spotify.com/
track/1D61c4iGnB7kG2zmJlAe22? si=n2oTW_NPTyestefZM2OcQw - Spotify profile: https://open.spotify.
com/artist/ 4QHci6hVY85I6xSIu0W4k6?si= lPWU7–3S2u91mzIrGu0OQ
Image Credit:
Stefanie Michova
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