Local singer/songwriter Dallas James found himself in the spotlight recently when he made it to loungerooms around the country on The Voice.
Humble and unassuming, this committed musician is certainly worth watching. He spoke with The Echo about his gig coming up at the Hotel Great Northern.
Dallas, how was the experience of going on The Voice for you?
The experience was one of the most intense and interesting experiences of my life – terrifying, challenging and humbling. One of the most intense character-development exercises I’ve been through.
Has it changed you as a musician?
It has more so changed me as a person. My music is still the same, it has just taught me to believe in myself more.
What is your day-to-day approach to music?
Let it come from the heart and soul and don’t struggle with it, just flow with it.
What do you think is your key strength as an artist?
That I have learned not to focus on my weaknesses.
What is the essence of good songwriting for you?
Truth, effortlessness, honesty, good fun, good vibes.
Where would you like your music to take you? What are your goals?
To a place where I feel free, like I out smarted the system and reached a place where I can live exactly the way I want to.
What is it about being a musician that keeps you hooked?
The feeling of being in the flow; the sensation that this was what I was born to do, and my mind being clear and free.
What should we expect for your show at the Hotel Great Northern?
The show at the Northern is unlike my solo show, although I will be opening the night with a solo set. Most people won’t be there by then so they will mainly see the set with my band The Grains. I have a kind of musical split personality, so the solo set will show my mellow heartfelt side; the set with The Grains will show my side that likes to rock out and have fun with friends. In the past I’ve struggled to find which side of me is really me, but then I realised that both are and to just embrace all of it.
Dallas James plays the Hotel Great Northern on Friday. Free entry.
