Keep up with Joseph here:
www.myspace.com/triumphovershipwreck
My name is Joseph James, I was born March 23rd in El Paso, Texas. Coming from a family of musicians, my great grandmothers proved to me that music had the power to heal. I got my start playing for my church choir at the age of 11, nothing serious, had no drums of my own, I played once a week. At the age of 13 I got my own set and took 2 lessons from an awesome teacher, Louie Speaking Eagle. He was the one who planted the seed, "God gave you a gift, so use it." I got serious about drumming when I met my guitarist Eric. Since then I’ve always had someone to push me. My past bands include: Fall Of Sobriety, Bury The Beautiful, and A Basement A Noose A Casket. While in ABANAC I toured the surrounding areas numerous times. I’ve had the pleasure of sharing the stage with many of the top national touring bands. Currently I play in Triumph Over Shipwreck. My favorite and most progressed band so far. Everyone in the band is dedicated and head strong. In December of 2009 we signed with indie label, “Wartime Records.“ We just finished recording our debut album, “A World Called War.” Things have really come together and as we prepare for release things keep getting better and better. Be on the look out for the album this summer!
My style is based on controlled chaos. I try to tie together many different styles while being solid and dynamic. I have been playing for 9years and don’t see myself ever stopping. One day I’d like to make drumming my main source of income, because there is nothing like doing what you love for a living.
Joseph James Interview:
SDM: How old were you when you started playing?
Jay: I started playing when I was 11 years old, but seriously started drumming around the age of 13 when I met my guitarist Eric. I have been jamming and constantly progressing ever since.
SDM: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?
Jay: No, I wish. Haha, but I started off in my church choir. Then took a few lessons from local Jazz instructor, Louie Speaking Eagle.
SDM: Who are your top 5 influences?
Jay: Jon Karel, Navene Koperweis, Alex Rudinger, Chris Pennie, and Eli Litwin
SDM: Assuming that influences doesn’t mean favorites, who are your favorites?
Jay: Cocos UABB, Toast Williams, Metal Marty, Jo Jo Mayer, Benny Greb, Gavin Harrison, Thomas Pridgen, Matthew Gossman, Lyle Cooper, Dan Carle, and Travis Orbin.
SDM: Let us know 5 CD’s that are in your current rotation
Jay:
The #12 Looks Like You – Worse Than Alone
Animals As Leaders – Self Titled
Circle Of Contempt – Artifacts in Motion
Into the Moat – The Campaign
Circa Survive – On Letting Go
SDM: What do you do to warm up before a show?
Jay: I stretch, then I work between singles and doubles at a comfortable pace; switching between German and French grip. For the feet, I play singles heel down. I do this for a good 15 min, and then relax, drinking plenty of water.
SDM: Can you remember a night you think was your best playing ever? If yes, when and where?
Jay: January 24th, 2010 @ Chic’s with Barbarian, Stray From the Path, Despised Icon, For Today, The World We Knew, and Winds Of Plague. Good night, and a few important people in the crowd. Nailed everything! Solid, Dynamic, and Clean.
SDM: Do you have a favorite brand of drums or cymbals?
Jay: I just recently got an endorsement with TRX Cymbals! Amazing cymbals, built to last for sure. I play a Sonor Force birch wood kit, Axis A Long boards, and the Derek Roddy model Vater Drumsticks. Perfect Combo!
SDM: If you could give one piece of advice to young drummers, it would be…
Jay: PRACTICE and DEDICATION is key! If you stick with it you’ll learn all the techniques and tricks of the trade. Study your art, making music should be something beautiful. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
SDM: Who gave the best live performance you’ve ever seen?
Jay: Man, Jon Karel of The # 12 Looks Like You. This dude is super smooth, flawless in my eyes. It was here at Chic’s in El Paso, he played everything with CD quality and still added more to it. Haha, dude is a genius.
SDM: If you had to stop drumming, what would you want to do with your life?
Jay: I pray that day never comes, but if it does, I would try to share the gift of music with everyone…Why lie, I can’t do anything else! Haha. “Wreckedlyfe.“
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