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| James Kocian |
James’s recollections of his earlier years are interesting in that he switched instruments from piano to drums and eventually to songwriting. He performed live before President Bush and won the prestigious Edward R. Murrow award. Here’s his story.
When did you first become attracted to music?
I was raised in a very musical family. My Dad formed a men’s singing group called the “Sounds Fantastic.” He then put together a variety show and it was a staple in our community for years. I recall the group over at our home rehearsing, and the fun of going to the shows, seeing thousands of people moved by music.
I then started with the piano as a kid, but my piano teacher was less than enthused with my progress, or lack thereof. After basic scales, my first song was “Fred.” That dang song got the best of me, and she implored my parents that I quit because I would never make it as a piano player. (Years later the piano and I became reacquainted, but this time I was using it as an expressive tool for my own compositions!) After my initial (failed) attempt tickling the ivories, I moved to drums where I excelled.
As an aside, that song still trips me up. Dangit, “Fred”!
What instruments do you play and at what age did you start playing?
I started with the piano, at around age 10. After failing miserably, I moved to the drums. I continued with the drums through out high school and college—doing studio work as a session drummer. I also studied and performed African percussion in college. I returned to the piano senior year of high school, but this time as a songwriter. I spent literally thousands of hours learning chords and inversions, and developing my ear. Now it is my primary instrument! A few years back I was given a gorgeous acoustic guitar, and I use that as another writing tool. I find that for me writing on guitar forces an entirely different approach, melody, structure, etc., because I am more limited in my chording.
Did you do the usual high school/college band thing?
Yes. My first year of high school I was the only freshman in the wind-ensemble (highest level) band, as a percussionist. I found out quickly that other seniors in the group were less than thrilled about a “frosh” in their band! I was also a part of the highest jazz band, and I drummed for the show choir. By my senior year I was excused for part of the day to take private lessons (through the school) at a university about an hour from home (there were other colleges in town, but this particular school had a stellar percussion program). I received a music scholarship to college.
However, when I was 13 I diagnosed myself as a type 1 diabetic. My doctor insisted my illness was allergy-related. At 5’5” and only 69 lbs., it was obvious I was quite sick. I had recalled the warning signs of diabetes from my 7th grade health class, and one day just had an epiphany. Through out my high school years I missed a fair amount of school. After the initial hospital stay, a few months later I went to a children’s hospital because control was elusive. Within another year or so my parents and I were headed to Boston, Massachusetts, to seek expert advice at the Joslin Diabetes Center.
The erratic blood sugar levels continued and my education and focus suffered. However, during college my musical career began to blossom—showcasing for NACA and signing a record deal. I left college to pursue music and have been writing, singing, and performing ever since.
At what point did you feel music could actually become a career?
High School. I thought I would move to Nashville and become a session drummer. Then I started writing, and my focus switched to performing original material.
Do you remember the very first song you wrote? What inspired it? Was it good?
Yes, “Don’t Prove A Thing To Me.” What inspired it was the four or so chords I had figured out at the time! At the time, it was monumental; a sure-fire hit. It retrospect, it was a valiant first effort, but clearly an amateur attempt!
How did you get to perform for President Bush?
President Bush was campaigning regionally and the organizers needed some music for a stadium rally. I was contacted and agreed to perform.
The amount of security was absolutely amazing—I had to arrive hours before the concert to get cleared. The bomb-sniffing dogs gave little attention to my keyboard, although I was moderately concerned one may relieve themselves on the circuitry. Who reimburses that?
Anyway, it was thrilling to perform at the stadium, and to sing the national anthem for the President.
You won the Edward R. Murrow Award. Please tell us what that is and how you won it.
The award is given for exemplary, original ads. The award honors outstanding achievements in electronic journalism. Immediately after 9/11 I was approached to write a song of unification, a song of hope. It was edited and set to video, and it ran for quite some time. The ad was submitted, and the process is much like other awards—various songs in various categories. I was honored and humbled to win.
What made you join TAXI?
In late August 2010 I was a part of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Namely, my wife’s company was the builder for a particular episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. My job was to organize a fundraising concert to accompany the unveiling. My experience in music helped a bit, as I was able to call on some friends who I knew would gladly join me in performing for this event. Upon completion of the concert, one of the other artist managers said he wanted to talk to me. We developed a relationship and it made me take an honest look at what I was (or wasn’t) doing with my career.
I had been given a TAXI membership years ago by Michael Laskow’s original partner, Michael Lederer. Through a friend, he heard my music and he and another TAXI screener at the time (a #1 hit writer) flew me to LA. They both thought I had tremendous potential, but needed some ‘polish.’ The hit writer’s exact words to me were, “You have diamonds, but you pull them out and don’t remove all the blemishes. You need to keep polishing.” It was great advice, and although I nodded in agreement I really had no clue what he was saying. It took YEARS for that to make sense!
Anyway, back then I submitted two songs and had two forwards, but heard nothing further. I chalked it up to a waste of time, and moved on.
But soon I realized I had been making more excuses than good music, and it was time to get serious. I was willing to invest thousands of dollars in pro sports team season tickets (Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Bucks), yet investing in my talent and career seemed difficult to comprehend. But when I realized that my career is far more important than being entertained for a few hours by a team, everything changes.
I immediately took an inventory of past relationships. I then decided to start renewing those industry contacts, and get serious.
How has TAXI helped your career since becoming a member?
TAXI has allowed me to write in genres I was previously unaware even existed! I’ve gotten forwards and received deals in styles I NEVER would have written in without TAXI. The exposure and potential TAXI provides is priceless. The Road Rally is a must-attend, and the forums are phenomenal. TAXI has helped me with deadlines. Like many writers, I can get easily distracted. The looming TAXI deadlines keep me focused and in the zone. Furthermore, I thrive in the 11th hour, and know many other writers whose creativity seems to abound on the edge!
What accomplishment are you most proud of so far in your career?
Writing songs that people with mental disabilities can sing, comprehend, and enjoy. Having a son with Down syndrome has affected my writing (and my life) in all the right ways. I speak and sing at Christian camps for people with disabilities. To be a part of such a pure expression of love and community is life-changing.
I am grateful for any recognition I have received thus far, but I am proud of the fact that I have terrific children, a beautiful wife, and a dynamic church family that supports me. I am blessed to get to do what I love to do every day. What I’m saying is that I am most proud that I have a family and a career.
What goals have you set for the next few years?
Two goals I set for 2011 (after the Road Rally last year):
1. Be a speaker on the “successful member” panel at this year’s rally
2. Double my income through royalties and writing
My plan is to continue to place songs with publishers and libraries. I want to continue writing in the film/TV genre. After that my goal is to write (again) and place songs with artists across multiple genres. Finally, I want to write GREAT songs. HIT songs. I won’t settle for anything less. I’ve written plenty of good songs, but that’s just not good enough any more.
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