MakeaStar.com:  Welcome back to the finals! Were you pleasantly surprised to get this far again? 

David James: Yes, I was somewhat surprised.  As you know, a different version of “I Want You” had been in the Arena but did not make it to the coveted Stadium.


MAS: How does your current song “I Want You (Country)” differ from your previous submission with the same title?  

D.J.: This country version was recorded in the “Country” genre by Song Cellar Productions, Nashville, by all live musicians. They did a wonderful job.

MAS: How does the response to this song differ from the last one? What is the response to your sound in general? 

D.J.: The response to this version has been overwhelming. I sent it out to friends all over the country, and received phone calls and e-mail with overwhelmingly positive feedback. Actually, all four of my songs were recently produced in the Country genre, and I have had great feedback.

MAS: Has MakeaStar.com's Industry reviewer critique of this song previously helped you with the current version? 

D.J.: Yes. It actually got me started thinking about re-recording the song in the Country genre.

MAS: How do you feel about the equal voting power being given to Fans and the Industry in the contests? 

D.J.:  I think it is a very fair and equitable way to run the contest.

MAS: In general has MakeaStar.com’s review of your work helped you when writing new songs? 

D.J.: Actually, yes! Recently “I Want You (Country)” was up for a Rascal Flatts opportunity with one of the music publishers. They felt the song would have a better chance to be picked up by Rascal Flatts if I did a re-write of the song. Your review had some comments about the lyrics. With the re-write they were no longer an issue.

MAS: Have you been getting any e-mail from Fans? The Industry?

D.J.: I have been getting e-mail with many positive remarks. I really like to hear what people say. As far as I am concerned, my songs are always a work-in-progress. I had an e-mail from a publisher who asked if I could send him my cd, and of course, I did!

MAS: What/who was the inspiration for this song? 

D.J.:  This song was inspired by my relationship experiences.

MAS: Any influences you care to mention that helped you shape the way you write/sing/perform a particular song? 

D.J.:  Well, my musical influences while growing up were the Eagles, Cat Stevens, Neil Diamond, James Taylor, and many more. I think they were more of an underlying influence for me.

MAS:  This song is obviously a great recorded material with great musicians; but how is the response when you play this live? 

D.J.: Since I wrote the lyrics and music, but did not perform the song this question does not really apply to me.

MAS: Do you feel that you have found or cultivated your musical niche in your genre? 
 
D.J.: Actually, the last song I had written is an environmental song called “Time Has Come.” I was not going to have it recorded in the Country genre but decided to go with it. It is a wonderful production of a good song with a message. Lyrically, I think it is my best one.

MAS: Are you currently working on any new music? ?

D.J.: I am collaborating with someone now on new Country song that will be recorded soon.

MAS: Where and when can your fans see you live?  

D.J.:  Since I do not perform, this question does not apply to me.

MAS: What is the most important reason that you do what you do as an Artist/musician? 

D.J.:  I just love to write songs that have personal feeling and meaning. I do it for the pleasure that it gives me. The most important thing that I always try to remember is not to get hung up on what kind of outcome (i.e. publishing deal, etc.) will happen, but simply enjoy the ride!!