Here at pointblank, we’re only as successful as our students. We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to success stories and that’s why we love to highlight our student’s accomplishments. For this installment, we are shining a spotlight on Singer/Songwriter, author, pointblank Recordings artist and pointblank L.A. student, James Salazar.
Hey James! For those who aren’t familiar with you, could you give us an intro?
“My name is James Salazar. I was born and raised in Los Angeles. When I was in college I studied art, music and literature.
I write and illustrate children’s books. My feeling is that everyone has something to give. I believe in learning and believing in your dreams.You can accomplish wonderful things. I feel you have to have fun with what you love, because it’s a lot of trial and error. I love to swim and be around nature. I love to hear live music as much as I can, and often attend shows at the Hollywood Bowl and the music center in downtown Los Angeles. Most of all, I love people and learning new things, as well as health and keeping myself energized spiritually.”
Who are your influences or what artists you look up to?
“Living in Hollywood, movie scores are my strongest influence; from theme songs to pop and rock, as well as some (EDM). The American SongBook is a powerful influence for me, as well as theater, musicals and great singers. Some writers I look up to are: the late Stephen Sondheim, Burt Bacharach, Michael Legrand, Johnny Mandel, and much more. I love words, and am grateful for teachers Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Randy Newman, Chloe and Mary Allouette and pointblank L.A. ‘s Daniel Brummel. I appreciate all the great help from pointblank’s Jay Ryall and Sergio, they are super.”
What classes are you taking at pointblank, and what do you hope to accomplish after leaving pointblank?
“The classes I’ve completed at pointblank are; music production and sound design certificate, as well as songwriting and singing and performance. Currently I’m learning guitar at pointblank, because I love to sing and write music, and pointblank has helped greatly.”
What has been the biggest challenge that you’ve faced while writing or creating music?
“The biggest challenge I had was being myself and loving what I do. The funny thing is that I came to pointblank school of music to learn music technology, but I learned that it’s okay to do any kind of music that makes you sing or feel good, like movie theme songs, ballads, and dance music. My experience at pointblank taught me to believe and honor myself, and to keep learning. pointblank has the most talented teachers who are awesome and I’m grateful to each of them.”
You have recently had a song released through pointblank Recordings called, “Loves Found A Way To Say I Do,” could you give us a little backstory on the inspiration and production of the song?
“My song, “Love’s Found A Way To Say I Do,” released on pointblank Records, was written about relationships not easily defined.
And no matter who you are or what walk of life you come from, love is what matters. I wanted to write a song that would be sung at weddings celebrating love. Basically, among all the madness and noise of the world we need to be reminded of love, peace, and truth.”
What’s in the pipeline? Are there any other interesting projects (personal or professional) you’re working on that you can tell us about?
“I am currently working with Kwame and pointblank Records to develop my other songs and will continue to create and promote these beautiful songs. People can hear my songs on YouTube at my songs James Salazar.
Also, I’m working on a musical and writing new songs, including more rhythm and technology, but I still love to write on acoustic piano and guitar. Most of all, my hope is to keep balanced and to keep healthy by eating well, getting rest, and never getting too stressed. Have fun, and Follow your dreams.”
Check out “Love’s Found A Way (To Say I Do)” · The Velvet Syndicate · Sam Griffiths here:
Successes such as these are common among our students and alumni. If you are looking to follow in the footsteps of James Salazar, and create beautiful music for all to love, we can help you begin with our music production and singing and songwriting programs courses in Los Angeles and London. If you’d like to learn how to produce, then we can build your skills from the ground up with our range of courses in Los Angeles and London. For those who have a hankering to do both, we offer a BA (Hons) Music Production & Vocal Performance in London as well as a range of short and longer combined diplomas in Los Angeles. For more information, you can contact us here.
Register to Access Free Courses, Plugins, Projects, Samples & More
When you register with pointblank, you access an array of free sounds, plugins, online course samples and much more! Simply register below and visit our Free Stuff page to get your hands on a range of exclusive music-making tools and tutorials provided by the team. Fill your boots