Interview with David James & Emily Reid

Published: June 5, 2014, 11 p.m.

Known for his powerful, smooth vocals, DAVID JAMES arrived on to the country music scene in early 2013 with his debut EP release This Must Be It. His unique blend of country rock, paired with his electrifying voice and an unrelenting pursuit of making each performance better than the last, have been generating fans and acclaim from coast to coast. Born in the musical hotbed of Winnipeg, David didn't have a traditional upbringing. "I was exposed to a lot of different things growing up. My mom was a saint, my father was sort of a rebel, and I guess I kinda landed somewhere in the middle. I often tell people I was born into gospel and raised by rock n' roll, but I think it's given me a wider perspective on things and a lot of stories to tell."   With a voice that goes down like moonshine – strong but with a smooth finish - singer-songwriter EMILY REID effortlessly blurs the line between alternative country and indie pop. The journey began for Emily in 2009 when she migrated from Victoria, BC to Nashville. Three years later, Emily released her self-titled debut album: a collection of ten “unapologetically honest and unashamedly catchy” pop songs that chronicled her transition to the south (Delgado). In 2013, Emily’s southern soul found its voice. In working with producer Eric Masse, the material draws inspiration from the likes of James Taylor and Allison Krauss.  David and Emily are part of the CCMA (Canadian Country Music Association) Discovery Program. The mandate of the program is to create a national program to support country music artists to reach their potential by providing educational, mentorship, networking, and exposure opportunities.