Growing up as the son of two music teachers, music has been a constant influence throughout my life. As an unborn baby, through headphones my mother played the music of Mozart and other writers such as Bob Dylan. I attribute much of my creative poetic style to this early exposure to great music.
I spent many hours attending concerts conducted by my parents as a young child; once again expanding my musical palette. My father, in addition to being a conductor and public school band director, also has been a song writer for many years. I can remember playing his melodies by ear on the piano as a young child, before I had any formal training.
I studied piano at age 11 for three years. As a member of the school instrumental music program, I studied percussion for four years, during which time, I was selected as a regional 1st chair all star player three times. My music education continued as I became a member of an extremely accomplished high school choir, ever broadening my musical...
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Growing up as the son of two music teachers, music has been a constant influence throughout my life. As an unborn baby, through headphones my mother played the music of Mozart and other writers such as Bob Dylan. I attribute much of my creative poetic style to this early exposure to great music.
I spent many hours attending concerts conducted by my parents as a young child; once again expanding my musical palette. My father, in addition to being a conductor and public school band director, also has been a song writer for many years. I can remember playing his melodies by ear on the piano as a young child, before I had any formal training.
I studied piano at age 11 for three years. As a member of the school instrumental music program, I studied percussion for four years, during which time, I was selected as a regional 1st chair all star player three times. My music education continued as I became a member of an extremely accomplished high school choir, ever broadening my musical experience. I soon became student conductor of the choir. As a senior, making Gladwin High School history, I composed what would be voted the Class of 2007, class song. Accompanied by the elite, Wings of Harmony, I performed a live rendition of my original song at commencement.
My choral experience carried me through my junior year in college as a member of the highly acclaimed Alma College A Cappella Choir. I was soon selected to perform with the Alma College,“Scots On the Rocks,” a men’s a cappella variety group for whom I did considerable arranging.
Although performing in those groups brought me much joy and musical fulfillment, crafting my first song as a tenth grader was a shining moment that illuminated a pathway that I have since been compelled to follow. From that moment on, I knew I was meant to compose music.
Over the last ten years I have composed and produced over 100 songs. Initially writing in an acoustic/indie style, I have made a point of exploring many styles, incorporating diverse rhythmic treatments and evolving toward an electro-pop sound. Recently I have completed several rap/hip hop projects in a collaborative effort put out by my new group we call “The Snapbacks.” All of my music is completely original with lyrics and music performed, produced, and recorded by James Hawkins. I find myself composing more than ever, always working toward mastering my craft.
My devotion to music is unconditional. I'll forever be a writer and composer; this much is certain. As primarily a studio artist, I am discovering the importance of live performance to better provide awareness of my music. Every day, the evolution of my sound brings me closer to an originality that separates me from every other artist. I've been blessed with tremendous support and appreciate every listen I'm given.
