Exclusive Interview: JAMES BLACK on Shaping the Indie Pop/Rock Soundscape with 'Dancin Round the Room' and Advocating for Mental Health

Emerging from the vibrant tapestry of Austin’s music scene, JAMES BLACK stands as a beacon of innovation in the indie pop/rock realm. With his latest single, “Dancin Round the Room,” James, alongside co-producer Gordon Raphael, introduces listeners to a sound that’s both raw and refined, signaling a new epoch in his musical journey. This collaboration, drawing on inspirations from the likes of David Bowie to The Strokes, marks James as a maverick in a genre that thrives on authenticity and dynamic energy. His journey from Dallas to Austin encapsulates a transformative path from high school bands to solo performances, showcasing a dedication to evolving his sound and presence both on stage and online. In this interview, James opens up about the inspirations behind his music, his approach to songwriting, and the deep-rooted connection between his art and mental health advocacy.

JAMES BLACK‘s musical narrative is not just a collection of songs but a deeply personal exploration of emotion and experience. Through his collaborations and solo work, he has navigated various musical landscapes, from hip-hop to indie rock, each genre bending endeavor adding layers to his sonic identity. His recently released ‘Dancin Round the Room – EP‘, produced in collaboration with Gordon Raphael, is a culmination of years of experimentation and growth. James discusses the creative process behind “Dancin Round the Room,” the evolution of his sound engineering skills, and the impact of living and performing in one of America’s most musically diverse cities. His dedication to mental health awareness through music emerges as a testament to his belief in the healing power of creative expression, a theme that resonates throughout his work.

INFRARED MAG: First and foremost, thank you, James, for taking the time to sit down with us today. With your new single “I Like This” captivating listeners and marking a new chapter in your career, could you share the inspiration behind this track and what it signifies for you as an artist?

JAMES BLACK: Absolutely, thank you so much for the opportunity to share! “I Like This”, is a story about choosing yourself over a potential relationship with someone else. It’s a fun song to sing and dance along to, and the joy behind the song stems from the liberation I felt when placing great value on my relationship with myself. While working with Gordon Raphael on this song I learned so much about systematically approaching my music production, and as an artist his feedback was critical at times and very inspiring.

INFRARED MAG: Your collaboration with Gordon Raphael is quite notable. How has working with him influenced the sound and direction of your upcoming EP?

JAMES BLACK: Gordon took a very hands-off approach to our mentorship. He was really able to encourage me to value my own unique sound and helped me to tweak what I already had. After working with Gordon, I feel like my artistry and professionalism has been elevated to a stage where I’m self-sufficient from song conception through to final mixing.

INFRARED MAG: Drawing from a diverse range of influences like David Bowie, Dominic Fike, and The Strokes, how do you integrate these inspirations into your unique indie pop/rock sound?

JAMES BLACK: There are always turning points within the songwriting process, it’s at these times when we, as artists, are forced to make stylistic choices. I like good music, and songs that make me feel something. Often these feelings are brought on by the dynamics of a song transitioning from loud to quiet, and back to loud, coupled with lyrical content. My influences are Musicians who know how to tell a story with more than just words. Every instrument tells a piece of the tale, and in the production process I make these choices to decide how to emphasis my message.

INFRARED MAG: You’ve transitioned from being part of a high school band in Dallas to becoming a prominent solo act in Austin’s bustling music scene. How has this journey shaped your musical identity?

JAMES BLACK: I developed most as an artist by having the juxtaposition of jamming with friends, and periods of solitude where I integrate what I’ve learned and express what I want to say in my music. If I hadn’t been in bands from high school through college, I wouldn’t have understood what it meant to be part of the community of talented artists and musicians. Here in Austin, there are so many amazing musicians and bands and I’ve been so grateful to get to play alongside some of them. While I may be a solo act these days, I always have the support of my fellow musicians and the incredible show-goers who inspire me to continue to create and put myself out there.

INFRARED MAG: Your experience spans various genres, from fronting Jamal & The Squids to dabbling in hip-hop with Homephone and Suspect. How do these diverse musical backgrounds converge in your current work?

JAMES BLACK: Being a rapper, I was always writing new rhymes and memorizing my best bars to jump on a beat whenever the opportunity presented itself. I started off in hip-hop by putting out a craigslist ad back in 2018. I started collaborating with several artists and formulating my own unique style, and voice. Once I transitioned to singing, screaming, and integrating more instruments in my music, I found so many new sources for inspiration to spring up. Rap will often show up in my lyrical performance when I want to squeeze an extra syllable or two into a line. I still include more melodic, rhythmic spoken word in my music, but, because of the overall genre of my music, its often accepted as part of my own unique style and take on Indie Pop/Rock.

INFRARED MAG: Mental health advocacy is a significant theme in your music. Can you discuss how personal experiences or observations have led you to champion this cause through your art?

JAMES BLACK: Music, movies, and nature have been some of my greatest healers. I struggled with Major Depressive disorder with paranoid features and general anxiety for far longer than I knew. I only began to heal once I had acknowledged these diagnoses. I lost one of my parents when I was young and had a really hard time wanting to participate in life. When I would listen to music or watch a movie, I often found themes in these stories that I could translate into my own life to teach myself how to cope with reality. I realized that because I hadn’t been taught the mental health practices that I needed, that I would have to seek them out and potentially teach myself. I don’t want anyone to have to do that alone. Although this is an ongoing journey, I want to share everything I’ve learned about existing in this world and the steps I took to thrive as the best version of myself.

INFRARED MAG: “Fever Baby” is a track you wrote five years ago and performed live while opening for Brandon Flowers. How has this song evolved over time, and what does it mean to finally share it with a wider audience?

JAMES BLACK: Mostly the song stayed the same. I think that after I opened for Brandon flowers in front of hundreds of people with this brand-new song and got lots of positive feedback, I decided to keep the bones of the song the same. I tried to record it several times, but couldn’t do it the justice it deserved. After working with Gordon Raphael on “I Like This”, I felt confident enough to try again, and I ended up with something I’m very happy with. My singing ability has become stronger since the song’s first conception, and I felt it was in line with the energy of the song to include a screaming section to back the second verse.

INFRARED MAG: With seven years of sound engineering experience and collaborations with acclaimed producers in the DFW area, how has your technical background influenced your approach to music production?

JAMES BLACK: Honestly, I’m learning as I go. The most experienced sound engineers will tell you that mixing is mostly just listening to what sounds good. I think that because I play all the instruments, I’m less attached to any one sound. One of my first great collaborations was with a Producer in Dallas named Marcus Baxley, and he is the one who built me my first computer outfitted with Logic, Final Cut, and Adobe Premier. This was back in 2017 and spending countless hours making projects on that computer is what got me to where I am today.

INFRARED MAG: Your live performances in Austin and your digital presence on platforms like TikTok have significantly broadened your reach. How do you balance your online and onstage personas, and how do they inform each other?

JAMES BLACK: My digital presence is pretty similar to who I am in real life. It may be little snippets that I’ve either written and edited, or pulled from a recording session, but I’ve always presented myself authentically. I love incorporating my funny side into both my online presence and onstage performance. When you come see me play, you’re guaranteed that I’m going to work the crowd and understand who I’m playing to. I remember at a house show I was playing; the cops were called by one of the neighbors. When I was onstage, I took full advantage of this, and the result was a really fun, and interactive performance.

INFRARED MAG: The Austin music scene is known for its vibrancy and diversity. How has immersing yourself in this community influenced your sound and collaborations with local and regional bands?

JAMES BLACK: Living in Austin I’ve gotten the chance to perform with and collaborate with countless artists in the last 3 years. There are always so many shows going on at any given moment in Austin. However, having an online presence has given me the platform to collaborate with Musicians around the world.

INFRARED MAG: You’ve mentioned practicing various healing mediums like diet, yoga, and sound healing. How do these practices integrate into your music-making process?

JAMES BLACK: I loved learning about life sciences, astrology and sound healing while I lived over in India/Nepal. I wanted to include some themes and tools from these things into my Artist Profile to spread the knowledge and joy of using these things in your life. I will record some of my music in different tunings to benefit the body and mind, and I sing about my soul and from my soul. This in itself finds its way into the psyche of the record, I love to smile while I sing, and that affects the way I pronounce my words, little things like that.

INFRARED MAG: With a commitment to authenticity and innovation, how do you navigate the challenges of staying true to your artistic vision in the ever-evolving music industry?

JAMES BLACK: I live my life the way I want to, I don’t worry too much about things working out and I trust the process. It’s been a journey finding my people who welcome the true James, while some of them have been there all along. There is a James McManus behind the James Black, and both believe in the power of the message in the music.

INFRARED MAG: Looking ahead, what themes or experiences are you eager to explore in your future projects, and how do you plan to continue evolving your sound?

JAMES BLACK: Inspiration comes in many forms and although quite a few of the songs for the next project have been written, the best song will always be the next song. I’m looking forward to opening up a verse on “I Like This” and sharing an invitation to artists across all forms of music to fill in the blank.

INFRARED MAG: Your ability to craft catchy tunes that resonate on a deeper level is remarkable. Can you share your process for creating melodies and lyrics that connect with listeners?

JAMES BLACK: Thank you so much, and I have to say that although I am not in control of the inspiration that comes my way, I like to think I do a really great job of being open and making it make sense. Music and feelings are very much the same. You can be listening to music and feeling something, or you can be feeling an emotion, the rollercoaster, the serenity, the excited-ness of your own life. Once you can map out and paint the picture of that rollercoaster, that serenity or whatever it is, then you have a song. I paint with my words… and my voice, and my guitars and pianos and with Logic Pro X. Catchiness is largely about song structure, and a good structure with strong transitions will always be enjoyable to its audience.

INFRARED MAG: Given your multi-faceted career, from playing bass for local groups to now leading your solo project, how has each role informed your understanding of music and performance?

JAMES BLACK: I’ve always had my solo career up and moving, always writing and practicing. I fronted one band in college with two of my friends and we played a few of my songs like Fever Baby, and some more unreleased stuff. The act of practicing a song when its still in its early stages can really affect the final product. When you start experimenting with the rhythm and try different bass styles and various drums a song can start to change or take shape. It’s great when its a shared process with others, but since I play all the instruments I spend time going between vibes and mixing to bring the song to life.

INFRARED MAG: What has been the most rewarding aspect of building a community around your music, and how do you foster that connection with your audience?

JAMES BLACK: It’s what I’ve always dreamed of, having a loyal audience and network of entreprenuers around me to share the music and love around. I’m always partnering with artist of all mediums to make album art and other things, sharing these different collaborations is great pairing with my music. As I grow as an artist I will always be creating and sharing, I think that’s the most rewarding part is the act of creating, and getting to work with more and more amazing artists.

INFRARED MAG: As an artist who thrives on creativity across various mediums, are there any other forms of artistic expression you’re currently exploring or wish to dive into?

JAMES BLACK: I’m writing a screenplay for a longford music video/ series, I’ve drawn out plans for a themed MMORPG videogame, and I’d love to start collaborating with more Directors to work with film and scoring. I have enough writing for a book or two, so I’d love to publish something. Eventually I’d love to go back to school and get an advanced degree in something. I’m currently starting my own label headquartered in Austin, Tx along with the House show venue I’ve already established to help showcase other events and exhibitions for local artists. I will immediately turn around with my success and establish ways to give back to the community here because artists deserve so much better and if I can give them that then I will.

INFRARED MAG: How do you measure success for yourself as an artist, and what milestones are you aiming for with the release of ‘Dancin Round the Room – EP’?

JAMES BLACK: As an artist my goal is to keep making music that surpasses my previous work. With this E.P. I’m hoping to reach new audiences in the U.S. and internationally. This E.P. was about laying the groundwork for my catalog and building a body of work up to compliment my style and showcase my abilities as a singer and producer. Each song is a milestone in my technical ability and talent as a musician. I feel successful being able to put on big events and employ my creative friends. It’s all a part of the journey, so I constantly take time to acknowledge my accomplishments and success.

INFRARED MAG: Reflecting on your musical journey thus far, what advice would you give to emerging artists who are navigating the complexities of the music scene?

JAMES BLACK: Give yourself the time to develop and love your music. If you’re a writer, keep writing and when a song comes along that truly moves you, stick to it and give it the time, money, and attention it needs. Invest in yourself and the payoff will be 10x what you put in.

INFRARED MAG: The indie pop/rock genre is incredibly vast. How do you ensure that your music stands out, and what do you believe is the key to creating a lasting impact within this genre?

JAMES BLACK: I didn’t choose to be within this genre necessarily, it’s just what came out of me. The fusion between my experiences and musical upbringing got me hooked on both great guitar/bass lines and tight drums. I know that my music will stand out because I write about real life experiences and focus on the feelings I had during those experiences. It’s all authentic and people recognize and relate to those kinds of songs.

INFRARED MAG: Can fans expect any live performances or tours following the EP release, and how do you envision these shows bringing your new music to life?

JAMES BLACK: Following the E.P. release I will be doing a few showcases in March for SXSW in Austin and hopefully some shows on the west coast in L.A. as well. The best way to know when I’m performing near you is by checking my website and Instagram.

INFRARED MAG: Finally, for those just discovering your music, how would you describe the essence of James Black’s sound and the experience you aim to deliver through your songs?

JAMES BLACK: I like to tell people my music is fun, and authentic. I like getting loud and making sweet guitar licks and bass-lines to tell stories. Most of my songs compliment a beach day, they go great with coffee playlists, and enjoying nature. I try to infuse a positive message in all of my songs to help people better themselves and feel reinforced while they listen. You’ll see some numbers like 555 and 222 on the perch and on my socials. It’s because I’m sending out love to my audience so that they themselves can live their best lives.

As JAMES BLACK recently released his highly anticipated EP, his journey from the stages of Dallas to the studios of Austin reflects a relentless pursuit of musical authenticity. With “Dancin Round the Room” setting the stage for what promises to be a groundbreaking addition to the indie pop/rock genre, James invites listeners to join him in a movement that celebrates innovation, emotion, and the unyielding power of music to connect and heal. His story is one of constant evolution, a reminder that in the world of music, the only limit is the breadth of one’s imagination. Through his dedication to his craft and his community, JAMES BLACK is not just making music; he’s forging a legacy that will resonate with fans and fellow artists alike, inviting all to explore the depths of their own stories through the universal language of song.