My Interview with James Robinson, the Singer, Songwriter & Musician

A few years after stepping on the music scene as a part of a jazz band, singer & songwriter James Robinson has decided to release a solo album that is yet untitled. Laced with heartfelt melodies, smooth vocals, and uncompromised soul, this album is sure to entice fans of all genres.

Mr. Robinson's personality shows through on each track that I had the privilege of previewing. He is a pleasant mix of inspiration, humor, and a genuine heart with just a smidgen of mystery. Robinson's many years of musical training and his confidence in his sound translate into powerful music that compels you to feel...good. Really good.

I am pleased to introduce to you (if you haven't already had the pleasure of experiencing his soul-engaging tunes), Mr. James Robinson.

Me: One of the things that I noticed about your music is that it is hard to classify it into one genre. You seem to have a little bit of everything in there. Is there any genre you probably won't try?

JR: [laughing] No. I'm gonna try all of them.

Me: Who encouraged you the most to sing and pursue music?

JR: A combination of people really. My parents, by exposing me to good music at a young age and being okay with the fact that I wanted to be a musician and never making me have to choose between doing music and doing something else. Also, the people that I've come up with. People in the neighborhood or community. They hear something and it's enough for them. I hate when people take music and critique it to the point that they have to find something wrong with it. No, it's that guy at the gas station, the income tax place, or the security guard at the mall, telling you they like your stuff the way it is. It makes you want to keep doing music. It's for those kind of people, that really appreciate it.

Me: What inspired your song "Vivian" that is getting so much playing time right now?

JR: Ah man. That's a weird way how it came to be. Well it's not really weird. Before I went into business for myself, I was working at this bakery in the mall. There was this girl that used to come by and we used to just talk. I think she worked there at the mall. You know how you see somebody and you speak so many times before and you ever know a person's name? She was a nice girl; she just seemed sweet. I learned her name was Vivian. So, I was writing the song and originally it was gonna be called "If It Takes Forever" but it was too unoriginal. I was in the studio talking with a friend and we thought the song needed to be named after a woman. The song is about everything that a good woman stands for, the prototype. Vivian came to mind, so "Vivian" is just a metaphor for what men are looking for.

Me: Interesting, so what is the prototype of a good woman?

JR: A woman that's supportive. Compassionate. Giving. Goal oriented. Has her priorities together. Believes in a man; willing to stand by him. Take chances. Try new things. Good sense of humor. A woman that you know that really loves you. A woman that's peaceful.

Me: Peaceful? You seem to be a man of faith, if so, does your faith influence your music?

JR: Yeah. It does. From a writing standpoint and from a creative standpoint. Human beings should live life with purpose and meaning. I don't sing just for the sake of singing, write for the sake of writing, perform for the sake of performing. There is a purpose behind it. It always comes from a spiritual place.

Me: What's the best piece of advice you've received?

JR: Everything is a seed. You can plant seeds of kindness. You can plant time seeds. You gotta give people some of your time and you gotta speak to everybody.

Me: What do you most want people to know about you and your music?

JR: I want people to experience me. Experience my music. I want them to feel good when they put on my music. I don't want them to do too much thinking. I just want ... every time you hear my music ... it makes you feel differently than when you hear someone else's music. That's the great thing about Anita Baker. She makes me feel differently than listening to another singer's music.

You can listen to some of Mr. Robinson's music, find booking information, and sign up for updates on his website, jamesrobinson83.blogspot.com, or at www.myspace.com/jamesrobinson83.