When we talk about musicians who’ve made an indelible impact in the Nashville music scene, the name James McNair often comes up. An independent artist hailing from a small town called Aiken, South Carolina, McNair moved to Nashville in 2013 and never looked back.
The Genesis of James McNair’s Music Journey
James McNair was not always a Nashville sensation. Originating from Aiken, he found his way to Nashville in 2013 and quickly landed a publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing. The hard work paid off, as he now boasts two number one songs with Luke Combs, along with songs recorded by top artists like Morgan Wallen, Keith Urban, Kane Brown, and many more.
His music, deeply influenced by songwriters like Bruce Springsteen and Jason Isbell, as well as ’90s rock, is a poignant reflection of the rollercoaster life he’s lived. “My music is the ups and downs and everything in between,” McNair explains.
While in Nashville, James McNair dove into the city’s rich co-writing culture. “I co-write almost every day,” he says, mentioning that the process feels like catching ideas handed down from the universe. One of these cosmic gifts turned into his first number-one hit, “Lovin’ On You” by Luke Combs, written in a mere 45 minutes.
His music isn’t just about charts and hits, though. It’s deeply personal, shaped by his experiences with mental health issues and various hardships. “[My music] heals listeners like it’s healed me,” he notes.
The road to stardom has its fair share of bumps. James McNair acknowledges the countless ‘nos’ he’s received throughout his career, using them as fuel to constantly improve. “It only takes one ‘yes’, and often that’s the right one,” he says, embracing the challenge.
As for his future plans, McNair aims to establish a dedicated fanbase and embark on tours featuring his own music. The ultimate goal? “If my life experiences can help [the fans] overcome difficult situations in theirs, that would be the ultimate goal,” he concludes.
In closing, McNair has a heartfelt message to share. “Half the songs on this album I battled with even releasing because they are so personal. Now’s the time though. I hope they can help heal others like they’ve healed me.”
James McNair’s music journey is far from over, but its impact is already palpable, both for him and his ever-growing audience.
