Maxwell James and Co.

maxwell james

Maxwell Dean James- vocals/guitar
Ruger- Guitars
Chris Mozingo- Drums
Blue Stephens- Bass

#1. SZ: What type of band are you? / What genre of music?
Answer: We are a funk/pop band from “the Lou” and sound like Maroon 5 covering 311.

#2. SZ: Tell us the brief history of your band.
The record was recorded as a side project while I was in another band. I did all the instruments and had a little help from some good/talented friends of mine (Pat Haydon & Mur-Da Mary) on a solo and chick vocals, respectively. I used my band to shoot a video but I never thought I’d take it any further. I met Blue at a house party and we really clicked so we put him on Bass and Chris on drums. Later, we brought in Ruger on guitar when the guitarist we had went on tour. We’ve been rocking that setup for a while now.

#3. SZ: Who are your musical and non-musical influences?
Answer: Musically, obviously Maroon 5 and 311. My favorite singer is Daryl Palumbo of a lesser known band called Glassjaw. But we realy take cues from lots of styles like New Jack Swing, Hip Hop, Jazz, etc. Visually, the video was based off of the old Nutty Professor (with Jerry Lewis) and Cruel Intentions. We like playing off of the idea of having a “secret identity” to get what you want whenever you feel like it. We all have that fantasy deep down, so its fun to act it out.

#4. SZ: Who writes the songs, what are they about?
Answer: I wrote all of the songs front to back but now with the full band, we’ve become more dynamic and more groove centered.

#5. SZ: Were you guys considered popular in high school? Why or why not?
Answer: I was about as popular as a band nerd could be. I was friends with the popular kids but we never hung out…until I graduated. Strangely, they’re the only ones I’ve kept in touch with.

#6. SZ: Describe your show, visual and musically
Answer: People pay good money, even at a local level so we try to put on a “show,” not just play music. We do a lot of call and response things and make it easy for people to get involved even if they don’t know the songs. As far as the visual aspect, we try to keep it classy. We see it as a job so you will definitely see me in a suit, ready to do work.

#7. SZ: What was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you?
Answer: I played the big high school talent show and I accidently unplugged my guitar right at the beginning of our song. I stopped the band, said “this thing came unplugged” in the mic and we started over. Apparently, the principal thought I said something like “this shit is fucked” in front of the whole student body. Needless to say, we had a talk after the show.

#8. SZ: What advice would you give to fellow bands?
Answer: Don’t see things as obstacles, see them as challenges that you have to overcome. Nothing good comes easy, its kind of life’s way of separating the people who really want to do something big from those who dont.

#9. SZ: What are some of your pet peeves?
Answer: I hate the sound of suction. Its like nails on a chalkboard for me. I get goosebumps all over.

#10. SZ: What are the biggest obstacles for bands? Did you have to make any sacrifices?
Answer: The biggest obstacle is to get talented people on board and keeping them. Its tough because you need guys who are dedicated…but have good jobs to help support the band. But usually the good jobs are harder to ditch when the need arises. So it’s hard to know when you should make those sacrifices, for a gig, an audition, etc. In this economy, you just cant afford to take those big chances.

#11. SZ: What’s the best and worst thing about playing clubs?
Answer: Best thing? its a more intimate setting, you get to see some awesome bands …and free booze. The worst? nothing. If there’s anything that sucks, its just dealing with people and I don’t worry about that stuff.

#12. SZ: Have you had any fans that really gave you the creeps?
Answer: No. They’ve all been pretty cool so far. Sometimes I don’t know what to say when someone comes up and tells me how much a song meant to them and why. Thats whats awesome about music, when people can relate to what you’re feeling but in their own way.

#13. SZ: Tell us about your next shows and why we should be there.
Answer: No shows coming up right now. We’ve got a few label showcases but they’re closed to general public. Aside from that we’re focusing on demos and a new record.

Thanks Maxwell James & Co.! For more info about the band, check out their MySapce page here: www.myspace.com/maxwelljamesis1023

My name is Bobbi Andrews. Im 34 years old, and totally single. I have 3 wonderful kids – the loves of my life; Taylor 16, Alexis14, and Dalton 11. Would do anything for them and they are my inspiration in life. I am currently attending Western Wyoming Community College and Self-Employed cleaning houses for extra income. I was married for 15 years but now I totally rely on myself and no one else.

I am going into Business Management and Accounting. I love being outdoors in my spare time. I’m very Independent, like things my way, and live life like there is no tommorrow. I love music- (Brokencyde, Eminem, Daft Punk, Korn, Killswitch, Trapt, ect…) I love hangin with my friends (Ana and Hannah) who have been there through everything, when my bro died, to watching my back. Love you guys! Looking, but wont settle ’til I have what has my heart!! XOXO Bobbi

For more info about Bobbi or more pics you can check out her Myspace profile