Today we’d like to introduce you to James Isaac.
Hi James, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Ohio, and started playing ukulele when I was 16. When I was 18, I moved to CA to study acting and also picked up guitar. I graduated in 2019, and was living closer to LA as a bartender so I could audition for roles. When Covid hit, I lost my job and moved back with my parents in Virginia. While there I won a song writing contest, and decided to move back to CA. Someone suggested I street perform, so I did. I paid all my bills with it for about four months. In doing so, I learned and memorized enough music that I could start asking restaurants and bars if I could play music for them, and I got my first paid gig. I have been playing out, writing, recording, an releasing music since.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, street performing was very scary for me. Going out and just playing for people who didn’t ask to hear you…its quite humbling. Also, being able to live off it was cool, but very stressful. You have to hope people will be nice and generous, and somehow try to focus on art and performance rather than whether or not you are making enough money to pay for the gas that got you there.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a musician. I suppose I am known for playing cover songs people like. I play bars, breweries, wineries, weddings, corporate events, you name it. The dream is to have people come to hear the songs I’ve written. I am proud of having written and produced all my music, its been a steep learning curve.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Performing and people. I think there’s something lost in this digital age of music. I love my playlists, but nothing is quite as fulfilling for me as being out with loved ones, maybe sharing some good food and drinks, and hearing (or playing) some live music. The more distracting and isolating the world gets, the more I am pulled back to those simple pleasures. Music is also the only thing I’ve ever found that I completely disappear into. Hours go by like minutes, and when I’m stressed, playing just one song can give me the rest and relief of an hour of relaxation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://isaacjoe1998.wixsite.com/jamesisaacmusic
- Instagram: itsjamesisaac
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@isaackiedrowski4884?si=6ZOhig-GasgNfHHH
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6rVscJj2H2mXckciTiEOrx?si=UeTp6QmDTXK87_A3jK2wPA
