There are some who say that James Michael has the musical Midas touch. It seems that just about everything that he touches as of late turns into gold. He’s penned hit songs for Kelly Clarkson, Halestorm, Meatloaf, Deana Carter and many more. He’s also a skilled multi-tasker as his production duties resume includes such artists as Papa Roach and James Durbin. Oh yeah, he also double dips with those duties in his band SIXX:A.M..
He recently released a solo single and video for the song “Learn to Hate You” which was met with overwhelming response from his fans. He has so much going on that I wanted to corner him to see if there was more than one James Michael, because I don’t see how he finds time to do it all. Well, I did corner him to talk about what he is currently up to, but the jury is still out on the multiple versions of himself.
Hey James! I have to start off by saying this is a treat to be able to sit down and talk to you. I have so much love and respect for you not only as a producer, but also as an amazing songwriter. I love your single “Learn to Hate You” as well as the video for it. Is this a pre-cursor to a new solo album that you may have planned?
Thanks! I was so thrilled with the response that I got to that song and video. I really didn’t know what to expect when I released it, but I was very pleasantly surprised that fans were very open to the different vibe and have actually been asking for more. I do plan to continue making more songs and videos. I’m not sure if I will make an entire album or just continue putting out songs as I finish them. We’ll see!
What does inspire you to write? You have definitely penned some pretty powerful and popular songs over the last ten years or so. Is there a method to the madness?
I’m always writing, even when I don’t have an instrument in my hand or a pen and paper. I am writing from the minute I wake up to the minute I go to sleep; it’s just how I live my life. I’m thinking of lyrics and melody 24/7. As far as what inspires me, the very act of being alive inspires me; every emotion that I feel, every person that I meet. We are all constantly managing our emotions. I think that I just pay a little extra attention to mine and maybe dwell on them a bit longer; that’s where my songs come from.
You have also produced some pretty amazing albums during that same time period. Does producing give you a different type of personal satisfaction than writing does? How different are the two beasts?
Writing and producing can be two totally different beasts, but ultimately the satisfaction of writing a great song and producing a great song are similar in the sense that basically you are creating something that didn’t exist moments before, and that is very exciting.
Watch the video for “Learn to Hate You”
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You co-founded SIXX:A.M. with Nikki Sixx and the response to the work that you guys have created has been amazing. How did the two of you hook-up?
I met Nikki when I signed my first record deal in 1999. Mötley Crüe had signed to the same label that I signed to, and Nikki and I would see each other in the offices all the time. One day, he asked me if I wanted to do some writing for Motley’s new record. We began writing for that and became great friends. In the years following we wrote many songs together for other artists and eventually decided to write some music for ourselves. At the time, we had no idea that we would have such great chemistry as a band.
I have heard rumblings that lots of new SIXX:A.M. material is being written. Will the recording of a new album be starting anytime soon? Will you handle the producing duties again?
Yes, we are currently in the process of writing the next SIXX:A.M. record right now. I will once again be in the producer’s chair. We’re having a blast like we always do. This record is going to be insane!
We would expect no less when it comes to SIXX:A.M.! Let me ask you about another red-hot act that you worked with not too long ago: Halestorm. I absolutely love your duet with Lzzy Hale on “Private Parts”. I actually had to get the deluxe version of their CD because I loved that song so much. Have you two ever performed it live?
Lzzy and I wrote that together a couple of years ago. One day, she called me and asked if I would sing it with her as a duet and I was completely honored and flattered to have been asked. I love Lzzy! She’s a dear friend and a sweetheart, not to mention one of the most incredible singers. We performed it live together once in Nashville a few months ago. It was killer!
You have definitely worked with some of the best out there. Your list of production credits reads like a “Who’s Who” of the music industry. Who is on your list of artists you would love to work with that you haven’t had the chance yet?
I’m looking for the next Elton John or Billy Joel to develop and produce. If you’re out there, that’s who I would love to work with next.
With all of your songwriting credits, is there a song or two that you stop and think, “Man, I wish I had written that one”?
Yeah, there’s too many to list!
I’m not sure if this is one that you can disclose, but has an artist ever turned down a song only to have it recorded by someone else and become a hit?
Yes, it happens quite a bit.
Do you remember the first album that you ever bought?
That would be Queen “Jazz”.
Do you have any printable guilty pleasures that may surprise even your most die-hard fans out there?
I’m not sure my die-hard fans would be surprised by anything anymore. They know I love everything from Barbara Streisand to Molly Hatchet, from ABBA to Anthrax.
What’s next on your plate of musical obligations?
Well, we need to finish up the new James Durbin record, which we are about half way done. He is such an amazing vocalist! Then, of course, getting the new SIXX:A.M. recorded.
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