Today we’d like to introduce you to James Adams.
Hi James, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In short, I’ve been a musician since I could form words. My journey started in elementary school with the alto saxophone, where I first fell in love with the process of creating sound. Middle school opened the door to classical music through choir, and that’s where I really found my voice—literally and emotionally. By high school, music had become more than a hobby; it was therapy, identity, and purpose. I started writing my own songs, teaching myself guitar and piano along the way.
Over the years, I’ve evolved from a kid who just wanted to be heard to an artist with something to say. I’ve performed, recorded, struggled, and grown—and every step has brought me closer to owning my sound and telling my truth. Music has always been the throughline, the constant in a life of reinvention.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve faced rejection more times than I can count—from auditioning for competitions like America’s Songwriter to missing out on a full ride to my dream college. Each setback stung, but over time I began to see them as redirections rather than dead ends. They pushed me to dig deeper and discover who I really am as a creative.
I’ve tried to get signed by labels and even attempted to form a band—neither path unfolded the way I’d hoped. But those experiences taught me something invaluable: resilience and independence. They helped me evolve—not just musically, but personally. I realized I didn’t need industry gatekeepers to validate my art. I gained the creative freedom to write, record, and produce the kind of music that truly reflects who I am—without the compromises that often come with labels or large groups. And honestly, I’m grateful for that clarity.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a genre-blending musician, songwriter, and storyteller at heart. While I’m influenced by everything from alternative and R&B to orchestral music, my work primarily fuses rock and hip-hop into something raw, cinematic, and emotionally charged.
What I’m probably best known for is the way I weave personal experiences and internal battles into the music. I don’t shy away from themes like mental health, heartbreak, identity, or resilience—because I believe the most powerful songs are the ones that hold a mirror up to the soul.
I’m most proud of staying true to my vision, even when it would’ve been easier to play it safe. I write, record, and produce most of my work independently, which has allowed me to fully shape my sound without compromise. That freedom has given me space to grow—not just as an artist, but as a person.
What sets me apart is the intentionality behind what I create. Every lyric, every beat, every transition has a purpose. I’m not chasing trends—I’m building something that lasts, something that speaks to the misunderstood, the dreamers, and anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider looking in.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ve been fortunate to have some incredible mentors and inspirations along the way. One of the most formative influences was my community college professor, Christopher Williams. He gave me a real foundation in the music industry—everything from the business side to understanding how to navigate the creative world with strategy and integrity.
Artistically, I consider myself a student of several musicians and performers who’ve shaped the way I approach my craft. Andy Biersack of Black Veil Brides, Hopsin, Eminem, NF, Snow Tha Product, Tommee Profitt, Steven Tyler, and Jared Leto have all deeply influenced me—whether through their music, lyrics, interviews, or behind-the-scenes content. I’ve studied their journeys like textbooks, taking notes on how they build emotion, tell stories, and push boundaries.
I also host a podcast where I interview up-and-coming artists, and honestly, that’s been a whole education in itself. These conversations have taught me just as much as formal training—about music, acting, creating with intention, and navigating rejection. In many ways, those episodes feel like mini masterclasses, and I’m grateful to every guest who’s shared a piece of their world with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://staylegitmedia.gumroad.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/JamesAdamsSTAYLEGIT
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/JamesAdamsSTAYLEGIT
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/JamesAdamsSTAYLEGIT
