http://voices.yahoo.com/article/9329209/exclusive-interview-james-mccartney-son-famed-1...Exclusive Interview With James McCartney
James McCartney was born into a life of music. The son of Paul and Linda McCartney, he displayed a natural affinity for the guitar at a young age. After making a 1997 guitar solo appearance on the senior McCartney's "Flaming Pie" album, James spent over a decade out of the spotlight.
In 2011, he made his solo debut a double digital EP ("Close at Hand" and "Available Light") under the New York-based Engine Company label and began touring in the U.K. and U.S.
After his initial guest appearance on "Flaming Pie," McCartney earned fans originally interested in his father's music, and made a connection with younger listeners now exerting consumer influence and buying power in their 20s and 30s.
Following his recent success and news of his Jan. 30 "Late Show With David Letterman" performance, McCartney answered some questions about his recent decisions in the music industry and the inspiration behind his music.
Tara M. Clapper: You've been a talented and polished musician for many years -- since your "Flaming Pie" debut (1997) or before. Why did it take so many years for you to release your own music?
James McCartney: On the simplest level, I really wanted to wait until I had the strongest possible collection of songs before introducing them to everyone. I really believe in this music, and I wanted to do this in the right way. The songs are about many different things, including love and family, but also deeply personal stuff, too. For example the grieving I did over my mother's death, which was challenging. It took me a while to come out of it.
TMC: "Jesus Be My Friend" indicates mixed feelings about religion. How would you describe your own spirituality?
JM: I respect and try to study all of theology. I feel in some ways that I'm a pantheist, but mainly, I'm a Christian. I am also Jewish technically, because my mother was, so I am too.
TMC: Apart from anyone in your family, who are your greatest musical influences?
JM: Kurt Cobain, The Smiths, Radiohead, PJ Harvey, Earth, Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, Bob Dylan, The Stones, Neil Young, Jimi Hendrix, Elvis, Leadbelly, Hank Williams, Woody Guthrie just to mention a few, but all the greats!
TMC: What type of music do you listen to when you want to relax?
JM: To relax, I actually listen to ambient music quite a lot. Also Gregorian chant, Benedictine monks.
TMC: Why did you decide to sign with Engine Company Records?
JM: I wanted to go with Engine Company Records because they're independent and very committed to their artists, each of whom retain ownership of their own music. In addition, Blake Morgan is on both sides of the business, first as a recording artist himself, but also as a record label founder and president. He appreciates the freedom that an artist expects and deserves these days, because he's one himself. The way the music business has and continues to evolve is something he and Engine Company "gets," and they support artists to reach their full potential without all the red tape. My producer David Kahne met Blake and they hit it off. David recommended him and thought it was a good idea.
TMC: Since you've been writing and performing music for some time without releasing anything, are some of the tracks on "The Complete EP Collection" ones you've written years ago?
JM: Yes…"Denial" and parts of "The Sound of My Voice" and "Else and Else But Dead" were older songs that I wrote after my mum died, and then I came back to them and finished them later.
TMC: In the song "Glisten," your voice sounds imitative of the guitar. During the songwriting process, do you rely more heavily on voice or guitar, or is it more of a collaboration?
JM: Well, it's both really…but mainly I suppose I rely more and focus more on my voice. It truly goes back and forth though, and I often try to just let it flow, with whatever method is working or feels good.
TMC: How would you describe your songwriting process?
JM: My technique is music first, then lyrics. Usually I just block the lyrics out or write them in my notebook, almost like poetry. I try and use color, metaphors, and imagery to paint a picture. I also bounce from instrument to instrument to free it all up. An artistic cycle. I read a lot for inspiration, too. Sylvia Plath, Shakespeare, even theological books.
TMC: Being a Beatle's son obviously brings with it tons of pressure and expectation, as well as advantages other musicians don't have. Do you feel like it's hindered you in any way? Have you had to come to peace with the industry's preconceptions about your talent?
JM: Perhaps it helps and hinders at the same time. Again, it's one of the reasons I've waited to get started, until I felt both myself and my music were ready. It's amazing for me to have the chance to meet some of my heroes like Carl Perkins for example, who gave me my blue-and-white Stratocaster. In the end, the only choice is indeed to come to peace with the whole thing, and I both have and continue to do so.
TMC: What is the best piece of advice you've received about succeeding in the music industry and who gave you the advice?
JM: I guess it was when my mum said it's really all about the songwriting. But really all of it has been great. A big melting pot of information.
TMC: What's your advice for musicians, writers, and other creative types who are susceptible to frequent criticism in their careers?
Use it as a learning curve if you can, which is what I'm doing. Don't worry about a thing, 'cause every little thing is going to be all right. Let it wash over you. Let your family and loved ones help you. Have a good support team around you. Ultimately, let your heart and mind guide you, strengthen you, and you'll be peaceful.
