Check Out Ernest James’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ernest James.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I am an accordionist and lead singer with a healthy respect for the Louisiana Creole culture. Ernest James Zydeco is my band. I am a composer, multi-instrumentalist, band leader, and producer. I utilize all the tools I can get my hands on to deliver Zydeco music in live performances and critically acclaimed albums. I’m equally influenced by the rock soundscapes of Jane’s Addiction and Prince that I grew up listening to, as I am the chugging Louisiana zydeco accordion of Clifton Chenier and the gospel stylings of Mahalia Jackson. This broad scope of genres garners high praise from international publications and critics. Ernest James Zydeco’s album “Automatic Harvester” was highlighted in Downbeat Magazine as one of the “Best Albums of 2016.” In 2023 I plan for the world’s first-ever Zydeco concept album, which will accompany a dramatic storyline video and an ambient Dobro slide guitar album inspired by True Crime storytelling. I’m a husband and father of two teenagers, and I am a radio DJ at KKFI 90.1fm Kansas City, hosting the “Ernest James’ Zydeco Hour.”

Ernest James can be reached at [email protected] or by phone (816) 830-6797

You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
When I moved to KC, I had been searching. Previously I had a band in Taos, New Mexico, but my wife and I knew it differed from where we wanted to settle down. So we grabbed our sleeping bags, got in our pickup truck, and went on a 4-month road trip to find our place. When we got to Kansas City, it just clicked. I loved the music scene, and my wife and I loved the sustainable farming scene. So we settled in midtown KC, and I started the band again. It was hard initially, just playing shows as a duo or trio. But now we’ve got two teenage kids, wildflowers in the front yard, and a 7 piece band!

Thanks for sharing that. Can you tell us more about your work next?
There are a lot of musicians in Kansas City, especially in midtown. That’s part of what I love about where I live – all the creative types. I go for a walk and run into someone who tells me their story in a few minutes, and an hour later, I’m walking away with a brand new perspective! I’m grateful for leading such an unusual type of music. If I lived in Louisiana, being in a Zydeco band wouldn’t be all that unusual, but we’re pretty unique here in KC. We play a genre of music that originates out of the African American Creole culture of SW Louisiana, and I guess I would say that I’m proud to have the opportunity every show to shine a light on the Creole culture and share with people why I love and respect it so much.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I’ve become way more of an expert on inside air quality than I ever expected myself to become. I’ve learned that being social is like using a muscle for me. It weakened since I didn’t exercise my social muscle for a while. The first few shows after lockdown were so intense that I had tears running down my cheeks while playing. Luckily the band and the audience were right there with me – I wasn’t the only one having solid feelings! Now I recognize how powerful a role public performance plays in my life. I realize now how much I appreciate humanity.

Pricing:

• Ernest James can be reached at [email protected]
• www.EJzydeco.com
• Albums at https://ernestjameszydeco.bandcamp.com/

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ernestjameszydeco.bandcamp.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ernestjameszydeco/
• Facebook: www.ejzydeco.com
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRWR_nilf3qsjtCqcecXtkg 

Image Credits
Mike Durkin