Singer-songwriter Jeffrey James chatted with Digital Journal’s Markos Papadatos about his new single “Small Talk.”
On his new single, he said, “Late last year I had had multiple conversations with single friends about how impossible dating was in 2020. It made me think about how difficult dating can be in general and how awkward first dates usually are. That was on my mind when I went into my writing session with producer, Jackson Dimiglio-Wood.”
“I wanted to write a song based on my own first couple dates with my now partner and how once we got past all the polite, but kind of pointless small talk, she and I were able to find a real connection,” he added.
Regarding his future plans, he shared, “More music is on the way! I was able to stay pretty busy last year in my home studio, writing and recording with people all over the world (through my computer screen). Live shows coming later in the year, along with a little travel, and I’ve always got a few projects moving forward with other artists who I write songs for.”
On life during the quarantine, he said, “I was extremely lucky that I hit March 2020 in stride with co-writing new songs over Zoom and an EP that I released that I was able to actively promote with live stream performances and all that. I was also featured on NBC’s Songland season 2 in mid-May, so I had plenty to work on while stuck at home.”
“Being forced to slow down gave me the space to learn things about myself that it would have taken me much longer to realize,” he said. “Especially when it comes to social interactions. I’m much more of an introvert than I was. In some ways, my mental health was better in quarantine than in regular years. Now, I’m taking that knowledge and figuring out what that means for me once things open up again. It obviously helped that I wasn’t fully secluded. I got to see my partner every day for over a year. She’s an amazing woman and my best friend.”
Regarding the title of the current chapter of his life, he said, “2021: Let’s Go!”
When asked about his career-defining moments, he responded, “I’m not sure there was just one. Though, if I ever want a biopic made about my life, I guess I’ll need to fabricate one! But living and working in Nashville has been extremely defining. I’m constantly surrounded by insanely talented songwriters and performers who are a reminder that I can always get better and that I need to always be working on my craft if I wanted to succeed in this industry.”
On his definition of success, he said, “The idea of success has changed a lot for me over the years. Currently, it’s: Am I happily making a living making music, and have I progressed artistically and professionally from the year(s) before? Right now, the answer to that question is yes.”
He concluded about the single “I wanted ‘Small Talk’ to sonically feel lighter and brighter than the dark, emo year that it was created in. However, its simple idea is a message for all of us. If we can get past the polite BS and robotic pleasantries, maybe we would actually make a connection and grow to understand each other better.”
“Small Talk” is available on digital service providers by clicking here.
