Opening for ZZ Top throughout multiple dates on their tour to opening up for the Mavericks at The Ryman Auditorium their’s something universal that connects McKinley James‘s music to playing for these two diverse audiences. That universality is blues meets old school rock meets a straight forward songwriting style. His latest album, Working Class Blues, highlights catchy songs with only him and his Dad,(see drummer in below photo) a touring musician, playing live in their recording studio. The sound is so full, that you’ll never notice it. McKinley James is an artist you should know. Here’s our interview…

Where did you grow up and where do you call home now?

I grew up in a small town right outside of Rochester NY called Webster. But for the last 8 years I’ve called Nashville home!

How have the life experiences of where you lived affected your songwriting or the songs you choose to record?

Absolutely! Lots of heartbreak and the feeling of being in love has really helped reach deeper into my songwriting. Also even living in day to day life and the changes it throws at you as I’ve grown up has affected me as well.

What artists/songwriters have impacted or influenced your work the most?

There’s a big variety of music that I grew up listening to and that I still listen and learn about. But notable artists would be Magic Sam, Little Milton, Eddie Money, Huey Lewis, Otis Clay. And as far as songwriters one of my favorites would be George Jackson, his writing really speaks to me. There’s no hiding in his songs, just raw pure emotion.

When you perform, what do you hope is your audience’s biggest takeaway?

The biggest goal I strive for the audience to takeaway is to be able to connect and relate to the songs Ive written to either help them through a tough time in their life or a happy time! Be it, a messy breakup or the feeling you get when you fall in love. Or! Even simple day to day struggles and just need a little pick me up for a good groove to put a smile on their face! Music is my personal favorite way to help me through emotions and hopefully I can do the same for everyone who can use some help too.

Tell me a little bit about your latest project?

My latest project was released in June of 2024, it’s called “Working Class Blues” and it’s my first studio full length LP. It tells stories of my recent past experiences and it’s the first album we recorded as a duo!

I’ve had nothing but clear skies
Since you’ve been gone
I’ve had nothing but clear skies
Since you’ve been gone
And I hope your storm moved on
Cause there’s no more water falling from my eyes
I’ve had nothing but clear skies
Since you’ve been gone

McKinley James from the song “Clear Skies”

What was different or unique about your approach to this last project as compared to previous ones?

Up until this new record we had always been recording and touring as a B3 trio, but for this record we recorded it as a duo in one room live! We had been touring so much as a duo for about a year or so up until, so it only felt natural to record the LP the same way!

Was there ever a time you felt like you wanted to quit making music?

It’s definitely always hard work and frustrating working in the music world, but music has always been a super important part of my life so I wouldn’t know what to do if I quit haha.

What is your funniest or favorite “on the road” story when touring?

I can’t think of the funniest thing off my head but.. One of my favorite parts of being on the road is running across friends you don’t see all the time and catching up together if we’re playing on the same bill, or even catching up with fans that have become friends! And also being able to tour with people you love and feel comfortable with.

Who or what keeps you grounded the most?

The thing that keeps me grounded is that music is a very personal thing for people. There’s no race to win or someone to beat, music is art and everyone perceives it different to how they feel. If you dig it and it moves you that’s all that matters!

What advice would you give artists just starting out?

Play what makes you happy! And don’t always beat yourself up! Believe in what you do and go for it!

Listen to the songs of McKinley James and other “Artists You Should Know”