A Chat with Peggy James (28.12.21)
Using her sweet, clear vocals and engaging guitar, US native Peggy James captivates the masses with her folk-rock meets rock ‘n’ roll sound. We speak to this singer-songwriter about her album The Parade, discovering new music and being on a desert island.
OSR: What drew you to music?
James: Music was always present in my home as a child. I was always hearing gospel music, rock ‘n’ roll and country music. I also took piano lessons when I was young and then guitar as a teen. It has always been a part of me.
OSR: What can you tell us about your album The Parade?
James: The album is a compilation of new songs written in 2021 and some of my favourite songs that we reproduced with better resolution, better delivery of vocals on my part and also some tweaking of arrangements. I’m happy with the choice of songs and how the album came together cohesively with the old and new.
OSR: We interviewed you a while back about your single ‘Guardian Angel’. Do you feel the tracks on The Parade are similar to this single or does the album showcase several genres?
James: Well, I think ‘Guardian Angel’ stands out on its own. Each song is quite different from the others. For instance, the first song ‘I Go With Me’ is in the genre of folk-rock and the second song ‘Willow’ is straight country and so throughout the album. Yes, it showcases different genres.
OSR: What was the recording and writing process like?
James: The writing process is always what takes the most time because, for me, it never works to force songwriting. It has to be by inspiration and sometimes it comes in waves and sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes you’re lucky to write a good song that is worthy of recording and then some wind up in the “notebook” which I’m sure every songwriter has. The recording part for me is the most fun because it makes it all come together and you get to listen to something you have created.
OSR: Do you have a favourite track?
James: No, I like them all equally because each one is special to me.
OSR: What do you hope people take from The Parade?
James: I hope that everyone will enjoy the experience of hearing original music and the variety of music that The Parade provides, and escape for a little while into the imagery and music.
OSR: If you were stuck on a desert island and could take only three things, what would they be?
James: My dog, a sleeping bag and a helicopter.
OSR: What do you think is the best way to discover music in this digital age?
James: Surfin’ USA.
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
James: Be kind, have fun, explore and enjoy every day. You’ll live longer.
Many thanks to Peggy James for speaking with us. For more from Peggy James check out her Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
