A Chat with Peggy James (22.01.21)
If Sarah McLaughlin and Bruce Springsteen were to have a lovechild, then Peggy James would be it. With dynamic instrumentation and silky vocals, the US-based singer-songwriter is breeding a unique form of Americana. We speak with James about her single ‘Guardian Angel’, music videos, future plans and much more.
OSR: What is the backstory to ‘Guardian Angel’?
James: There are times in your life when you may be in a tough spot and you feel helpless and all alone, and then it seems like someone comes along just at that moment and helps you out of it. I have had several real experiences like that and I will never forget them.
One story I can tell you is when I was in LA all alone. All I had was a few bucks to my name, my guitar and a suitcase. I was trying to get to LAX so I could get back home. As I was driving, I got off the wrong exit and ended up totally lost in one big freeway maze. I didn’t have a phone or GPS so I stopped at several gas stations to ask for directions and I couldn’t understand anyone because of their heavy accents. By the third time I stopped, I was at the point of total despair. I stood in line at the next gas station and by that time I started to pray.
When I got to the counter, I asked how I could get back to the freeway I needed to find. Again, I couldn’t understand them and I started to panic. Behind me, I heard a voice ask me: “are you from Wisconson”. I turned and said “yes”. He said “follow me, I’ll take you where you need to go.” He drove me all the way to where I needed to be and then disappeared behind me. I don’t feel like that was just a coincidence.
OSR: Does the single have any significance for you?
James: I wrote this song late one night when I couldn’t sleep. I was deeply troubled by something. I felt a darkness around me and I started to have a conversation with my guardian angel who, by this time, I felt I knew quite well. I felt the darkness lift off me and a warm feeling inside. I knew I had to record the song because it was such a real experience.
OSR: If you could change anything about ‘Guardian Angel’ what would it be?
James: I wouldn’t and couldn’t change anything about ‘Guardian Angel’ because it was given to me. In one way, I paid a price for it.
OSR: You released a video for the song. Can you tell us about it?
James: Goldmine magazine wanted to do an exclusive on the release of the song and they also wanted a video. We only had one week to send them one and my publicist, Gary Tanin, found a videographer, Ross Monagle, who was willing to accommodate our timeline and I think he did a wondergul job highlighting the message and feeling of the song.
OSR: If you could perform with any living artist who would it be and why?
James: This is a hard question, but if I have pick one it would be Linda Ronstadt because she has such an amazing voice and the way she articulates every word with such feeling is amazing.
OSR: What is your favourite season and why?
James: I love the fall when there is a change in the air. The air smells so fresh and clean, the colours are amazing, the animals get ready for winter, the birds migrate and you can feel the energy and excitement. I think it’s the realisation that everything changes and life goes on through all the seasons of our lives and it’s beautiful.
OSR: If you could be a bird what type of bird would you be?
James: Well, I am definitely a bird lover. I feed them, photograph them, watch them and can’t imagine this planet without them. I’ve often thought if I could just be a bird for one day to feel the freedom they have and see the world like they do. This morning I saw two eagles in one tree. They were young and moulting their baby feathers so they didn’t have their white heads yet, but it made my morning. So, if you ask me today, I would want to be an eagle. If you’d ask me in the summer, I would want to be a hummingbird.
OSR: Do you have advice for emerging artists?
James: Sing and write from your heart. Don’t try to be cool, try to be honest and true to who you are and what you feel.
OSR: Do you have any future plans?
James: My future plans are all up to the direction the current circumstances take. I hope for the healing of all the countries of the world concerning health and unrest, and especially the US. I would love to travel again without fear, but for now, may we all be safe. Thank you for this opportunity to talk with you. Peace.
Thanks to Peggy James for speaking with us. For more from Peggy James check out her Facebook and Spotify.
