Getting to know Naming James
On September 10 last year, acoustic rock act Naming James dropped their album Into The Night on iTunes. The follow up to début The Butcher’s Knife was recorded in Boksburg at B Sharp studios and showcases the band’s latest music showcase, which is far catchier than their début effort.
Fans all over the country would’ve heard the sounds of this band at one point or another since they have cultivated most of their sound from their energetic live shows at every major music festival in SA. We caught up with the band to chat about 2015 and future plans. Here’s what they had to say:
Happy New Year, have you had a busy and fun festive season?
Happy New Year to you! The festive season has been substantially more fun than busy.
Live music seems to bloom during the holidays, what were some of the highlights from playing at different venues this summer?
Well, the two venues I played at length this season were by the pool and in the bedroom. We had such a busy year of performing and travelling in 2014 that we decided to take a break in December.
Describe your first ever gig as a musician?
It was with my high school band at a 16th birthday party in 1998. We were terrible but it was exhilarating and made me realise that this is definitely what I want to do. Also, the girls seemed to chat to us way more than the rugby players.
Into the Night came out last year, how long did it take to put together?
We took a lot of time in pre-production at our faithful producer, Jay Bones’ house, and got the songs ready for the studio and then we took a couple of months laying it down at B Sharp studios in Boksburg.
What was the vision for this particular album?
We wanted to capture our live performance on record.
What did you do differently from The Butchers Knife?
We paid some proper money towards the studio and Jay Bones who produced it. It was also a much more upbeat album that represented us as a band and not so much a solo-ish album as The Butchers Knife was.
What did you set out to achieve musically and sonically on this album?
Great catchy songs for everyone to enjoy and perhaps also help us make back some of the money we put into it.
What have been some of the challenges of putting an album together and making a name for yourself?
Paying for food, drinks and petrol.
Do you believe in the digital age, that music should be given away for free like U2?
I would love to give all my music away for free as it is made for all humans out there to enjoy but unfortunately I have bills to pay and mouths to feed. I think we, as musicians, have no choice but to embrace the digital age and I’m all for it.
How does Naming James navigate his way around the ever changing digital musical landscape?
My brother Chris, who does all our design, web stuff and photography has a great view of the ever changing digital landscape and it’s through him that I keep up with the trends. I am far too busy writing songs in a dark dingy room.
How would you describe your particular influence and sound?
For me and the band it is all about the song and working together to bring that out in the clearest and most accessible way to the fans that love our music. We also like to keep it simple, often just using guitar, drums and bass as the weapons in our sonic arsenal.
What have been the craziest experiences while touring or playing all over the country?
There are many stories that should probably never be told in print but I do remember doing an Eastern Cape tour in 2013 on crutches with a broken foot. That taught me that I have some amazing band mates around me and there was many an awkward and funny moment.
What is the one thing you always have to remind yourself in the music industry?
Let the people who are experts in their particular role in the music industry do their job and don’t try do it all yourself. Favors and friends will help you so far but to do it properly, put some money down and get the results that you want. I’ve always thought music is a very spiritual and beautiful thing to all of us, unfortunately the music business is not so be weary and learn to spot those sharks out there.
What do you look forward to the most when preparing for a tour or a live show?
Testing yourself as a musician on stages and in scenarios that you would never have done before. Meeting new and crazy people is always fantastic but sometimes the best part of a tour is coming home after a job well done.
What can fans expect in 2015?
More of the usual string-breaking, skin thumping, bass grooving, feel-good music that we love to play for all you legends out there.
For more info on Naming James, check out their website: http://www.namingjames.com/
