Kristopher James – this name is familiar to many, it is associated with deep emotions and vibrant musical works. His brand new single “Just Breathe” has just been released, and we have a unique opportunity to chat with this incredibly talented artist. About the music, life in general, everyday things, and what inspires him daily—this and much more in our exclusive interview.

photo by @kristopherjamesmusic

V. Hello, Kristopher! We’re excited to welcome you on Voxwave. How are you? We’re looking forward to discussing your new single “Just Breathe” and other exciting projects you’ve been working on in recent years. Let’s start with how your day is going today.

The days is going SO well, honestly. A decent night’s sleep, made some coffee and breakfast for my family. Dropped the kids off at their summer camps and headed to the 9-5. Feeling very privileged to be able to balance it all, in grace.

V. Tell us about your new single “Just Breathe”. What’s the story behind this song?

Absolutely! So “Just Breathe” came around after confronting my own bout of anxiety and depression. My own anxiety would manifest as a “double breath”. People would often confuse it for a yawn or sneeze and I would just laugh or joke it away, but it became a very difficult thing to manage in silence. After a gift from a friend, a bracelet that said “Breathe”, it became a mantra of sorts – a reminder that I’m ok, that I only need to take a moment, step back and just breathe.

V. How was the process of creating this song? Were there any particular challenges or inspirations?

The only challenges for this song were that it was in my head for YEARS, and felt like a TOTALLY different song. It started out as a waltz, 3⁄4 time, but eventually I felt that this needed an energy to it – a STAX/Motown vibe. The inspiration really was the whole recording process with the band and my friend David Brimer at OMNI Pop Studios. I roughly put together some demos for the band, David was feeling the vibe and the lot of us went in, recorded it live and dialed it in. It was a genuinely lovely experience.

V. “Just Breathe” touches on severe mental health struggles. How did you ensure that your portrayal was both authentic and sensitive to those who may be experiencing similar issues?

I love this question. I’m a firm believe that talking about our own experiences in mental health, help build bridges to understand ourselves individually and dismantles the stigma that we should somehow keep the proverbial wall up, about our wrestling. So, my portrayal of HAS to be authentic, because it has been my lived experience – but mindful enough to leave room for others to see themselves in the story and song.

V. Do you have any special ideas for a music video or live shows?

Oh goodness, I have so many ideas I feel I overwhelm myself haha! But the reality is, for the most part, aside from the incredibly talented band I play with, it’s just me behind the curtain. So all of the plans, contacts, bookings, creative avenues, has to be done by me through me – and as someone with a family and a supporting job, that can be quite the juggle. BUT, that doesn’t mean there isn’t something. I always do a video of some sort for every single released, but I’m hoping to capture more live performances of this song, and stories about how other people might relate to it.

photo by @kristopherjamesmusic

V. How have your musical influences from childhood and youth influenced your current work?

Growing up, we didn’t have a lot of money, so the music I was shown was the music of my mother and father – Led Zeppelin, Queen, Journey, Boston, Little River Band haha But when I got older, and my mother married my step-father, I was able to do chores around the house for an allowance. EVERY SINGLE Saturday afternoon, finishing the lawn, I would take that allowance money, get on my bike and ride to the corner music store and buy a CD. Very first one ever was BoyzIIMen, and hell yes they still influence me to this very day!

V. How has your musical style changed or evolved since the beginning of your career?

Great question … When I first started, I didn’t really have a musical language. I used to play in churches, so I knew how to write in a frame of CCM music, but I was also influenced NOT to sing out like I do now … So writing my first songs, they sounded rather different. They were true and heartfelt and about topics I was working through at the time, but they were simple chords in more of an Americana style, with a flat voice. It wasn’t until I started playing out, experimenting with my voice and leaning into those R&B influences that my step-dad showed me, The Otis Reddings and Bill Withers, that I really started to find my sound and style. It takes time, but it takes patience with yourself as an artist sometimes.

V. Rumor has it you can transition from ethereal falsetto to piercing baritone faster than we can switch to the next track on a playlist. How do you accomplish this seamless transition? And overall, what has been your approach to achieving such a high level of vocal mastery?

HAHA that is quite the rumor! To be honest, I didn’t know I could sing until later in my life. But there’s a passion in me for connecting what I do live, to anyone giving the songs their attention. So, as I’m singing, I’ll hear a part in my mind, or I’ll think of an idea to connect with someone, to emphasize a phrase, and try it. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t, BUT, I keep trying … and I work continuously to make that connection, in the instrument that I have. I LOVE my falsetto, it allows me to do so much but there’s something supremely raw about a baritone, low down, let’s-get-get-real-for-a-moment kind of note, that draws people in.

V. When you’re not on stage or in the studio, what tricks do you use to stay fresh and inspired? Perhaps you have a secret weapon against creative block?

I sing all the time. Making dinner for the family, I’m singing. In the car driving every which way, I’m singing. In the shower? …. You best know I’m singing. But ty stay inspired, that’s totally different … for me, I cast my net wide. I listen to a broad range of music, listening for lyrical content, musical ideas, compositions and structure and then, I go running. I allow myself as much space as possible, when I run, to formulate ideas. I’m constantly writing lyrics in my notes section of my phone, and referencing songs for progressions.

V. Your music inspires many. But confess, which famous personality would you like to see singing your song at karaoke, and why?

What a fun question. Ok, a famous personality that I would like to see singing my songs … I think it would be Kelly Clarkson haha Literally the top of my mind answer – but she’s SO fun and SO inviting and SO wonderfully talented, that if we were just hanging out in a bar, doing karaoke, she would not only CRUSH it and humble me, but she would be a good hang.

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