All Photos: Alan Mercer
R&B Singer/Songwriter Reagan James, thrust into the national spotlight in 2014 as a Top 10 artist on ‘NBC’s The Voice’ combines soulful melodies with contagious beats in her growing catalog of original music.
Reagan tried out for ‘The Voice’ by singing the Ed Sheeran song "Give Me Love". Two coaches - Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani- turned around for her, both wowed by her vocals and shocked that her strong voice came from someone so young. After hearing what both had to say, Reagan picked Blake Shelton as her coach. She later posted a video of her cover of his song "Neon Light" on YouTube.
Raised in Burleson, Texas, just outside Fort Worth, Reagan was a high school student who had been posting covers of herself singing songs on YouTube and even released an independent album called ‘Remedy,’ in October, 2013 which was produced by her stepfather, music producer Scot Cloud.
Her latest independent studio release ‘Have a Nice Day’ released in January, 2016 reached No. 24 on the iTunes R&B/Soul chart—the first of many steps in Reagans' post-The Voice career. Establishing a new identity all her own, ‘Have a Nice Day’ is yet another striking exhibition of James’ lyrical prowess and melodic genius. A year in the making, the album is the result of hundreds of hours of musical study and an overall broadening of James’ worldview. In her own words, “The lyrics of these songs are simply a letter to everyone who hears them; enjoy, and have a nice day.”
Don’t miss the opportunity to catch a live show with this emerging artist, and see why multi-platinum producer Pharrell Williams gleamed, “The swagger she has is amazing; it’s addictive to watch.”
AM: Reagan, how long have you been singing?
RJ: I’ve been singing since I was eight but I’ve only been singing well for about three years.
AM: You were on The Voice two years ago?
RJ: Yes I was on it in 2014.
AM: Tell me a little about the whole experience. Was it what you thought it would be?
RJ: No, I didn’t know what to expect. It took up a whole year of my life. I got the call in January and I was on the show until December. It was long and exhausting.
AM: Were you in Los Angeles the whole time?
RJ: I went back and forth. I was there a total of eighteen weeks over the course of the year.
AM: Did you find the overall experience to be valuable?
RJ: Very valuable. I had so many meetings and got to meet so many people. I got a lot of experience under my belt. I do think I as too young to be there but I also think it was good because I wouldn’t want to do it now. I’m happy that I got that out of the way as early as I did.
AM: How did you get on there in the first place?
RJ: I would have never gone and pursued the show. They came after me by finding me on the internet. The casting director called my mom and said she wanted to give me a private audition. So, I went to Houston for that.
AM: OK that makes sense because you don’t seem like an artist who would go on the Voice.
RJ: No, I wasn’t. I never was, even when I was on it.
AM: Did you feel a bit like an outsider?
RJ: Yes, but not in a bad way. I’ve always been kind of an outsider no matter where I go.
AM: I like seeing you on these local television shows.
RJ: I do a lot of those.
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AM: I saw one where the host asked you about Kelly Clarkson since you are both from Burleson.
RJ: I get asked that all the time.
AM: How have you adapted to having fans?
RJ: Easily I guess. I don’t see myself as above anybody. They are just people who like my music and it’s an honor for me. I don’t see myself on a pedestal or anything like that.
AM: Did you expect that the public would enjoy your music?
RJ: Yes.
AM: That’s because it’s so good.
RJ: It is good. I don’t make music that I think isn’t good.
AM: Reagan I have listened to your album, ‘Have A Nice Day’ over and over again. I have introduced your music to many people who are of every age and they all love it.
RJ: It appeals to a lot of different types of people. It’s a great album. I’m going in a different direction now.
AM: What style of music is ‘Have A Nice Day?’
RJ: It’s a pop R&B album.
AM: What direction do you want your music to take?
RJ: I want to go more aspects of gospel and a more mature sound. There are a lot of pop music in this album. I want to overall vibe of my next project to be a little different.
AM: I think they should all be different while you find your style.
RJ: Sure, I’m still exploring what style of music I want.
AM: Are you recording right now?
RJ: Yes, I have been recording at Wavelight Studios in Fort Worth.
AM: Are you working with the same team as you did with ‘Have A Nice Day?’
RJ: Yes I am. I’m working with Jeff Rockwell, who has been my producer for four years and my guitar player, Aaron Anthony who has been with me for about a year and a half. I’ve always made music with him.
AM: Do you constantly write music?
RJ: Yes!
AM: Do you consider yourself more a writer or a singer?
RJ: That’s tough because at one time I did consider myself a writer more, but at some point, I did consider myself a singer first. I think they are about equal.
AM: What is your ultimate career goal?
RJ: My overall goal would be to be the best influence I can be and do for other people what my inspirations have done for me, which is give me hope and the joy that music gives me and a reason to live. That’s what I have gotten from music and I hope I can give that to other people.
AM: I know Amy Winehouse is a big influence but who are some other artists you have looked up to?
RJ: Ray Charles is a big influence. I love Sinatra. I listen to a lot of older music. I love Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson.
AM: Do you have any advice for young people that want to follow in your footsteps?
RJ: Don’t be reckless. Have a head on your shoulders. Don’t be pushed around, but also listen to people. Don’t think you know everything. Take the advice you are given.
AM: You are smart!
RJ: I try! (laughter)
To learn more about Reagan James visit her web site http://www.reaganjames.net/