James the Ronin is the musical project of…well…that’s the thing…nobody really knows. We know he’s male, lives in Mexico, and had a successful military career, gaining a Purple Heart along the way. Other than that, little is known about the secretive, robot-helmeted poet and rapper. What we do know however is that his brand new release, ‘Wash of the Waves,’ will take you on a hypnotic and philosophical journey that you won’t soon forget. The simple yet intoxicating beat serves as the perfect vehicle for James’ introspective, semi-spoken-word sound. You simply get lost in the tune, and pick up more and more interesting fragments with each listen. As to the meaning behind ‘Wash of the Waves,’ the artist simply says that it’s up to the listener. Isn’t this true for all great art? “To me it’s always been about love knowing no borders,” says James. “A magnetic love, it’s right when it’s right.”
‘Wash of the Waves’ is a spiritual and philosophical journey of self-reflection and deep thought.
INDIE TOP 39
What does the song mean to you?
That’s the beautiful thing. James says that the meaning is what you make of it. He adds, “to me it’s always been about love knowing no borders.” He muses that he’s been around the world on what shaped up to be a journey to find his true love. James wrote and produced the single.
Tell us about your creative process and how the song came to be?
This song came from the beginning of the pandemic. I lived in a small house near the beach in Mexico with my wife and kids. I was reflecting on when I met her, here in Mexico. We were all in lockdown and I only had time to work on my music after everyone was asleep, so my use of time was very focused and concentrated. The idea of blending a hip hop rhythm with a Latin beat came to my mind just as we are; a blended family. I wanted the sound to move like the waves of the ocean. The ocean has been a huge part of my life. The track began to take on life as it came together. You just trust yourself, and know when some sounds need to go together to capture a feeling like that.
Once I was happy with the sound, I moved to lyrics. I often do it the reverse and create a sound after that captures the emotion of my words, but this time I started with the sound. I began to listen to my track until the words began to flow. I don’t know how it is for others but for me its like catching a wave. Once I get on, it’s like a ride and the images in my mind flow, and my inner voice generates words for what I see. It’s a beautiful process that’s often cathartic and brings me great peace and I often feel grateful for having been able to catch the wave.
What inspired you to share the song with the world?
It all started with my poetry and prose. I wanted to find a way to publish it but was nervous to share it. I entered into a poetry competition and was awarded runner up to be published in our university press. Then, after graduation, I did some ghost-writing for a band on a label. One of those tracks went on to have some success for them, and that gave me a lot of courage with my poetry and prose. Then the pandemic happened. It changed everything and made me feel obligated to find a way to put my love of writing and music together before the worst could happen. Something that could exist out in the world and that my children could hear even after I’m gone. Pandemic or not, life is precious and short.
When did you realise that music is what you wanted to do?
I don’t think I ever made a conscious choice, or even had to. It was always there. Music found me, and surrounded me and my whole life in one form or another. I can remember giving imaginary concerts to no one as a record played. Learning music was obligatory in my family, starting with the trumpet and moving on to guitar and piano. I’ve been in bands of all types since I learned to play.
Make sure to connect with James the Ronin on Instagram
Now you can listen to all the 39 songs in one place, right here on Spotify!
This coverage was created in collaboration with Musosoup as part of the #SustainableCurator movement.
