Meet James Ian | Actor, Musician, & Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with James Ian and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James, how does your business help the community?
I’m a disabled artist (I’m an actor, musician, model, and writer), and everything that I create aims to showcase disability authentically. With that goal always in mind, I hope that I am showing the world all of the beauty and talent that the disability community possesses. I also hope more opportunities are created for disabled people because of the work I do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have a physical disability called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (“SMA”), and I’m a singer and songwriter. Additionally, I play guitar, drums, and keys. I’m also a model, actor, writer, and poet. Two of my most successful songs are “SPACES” and “Lift Me Up.” “SPACES” was created by the SMA community, and the video features people with SMA and other disabilities. “SPACES” has won multiple awards, and I performed it at the Closing Ceremony of the 2022 Special Olympics. “Lift Me Up” was written as a tribute to Judy Heumann, who was a legendary disability rights activist. The song was written by Lachi and myself, and it features Gaelynn Lea. Lachi is an award-winning singer, songwriter, and pianist who is blind. Gaelynn is an award-winning violinist, singer, and songwriter. “Lift Me Up” premiered on MTV.com on 7/25/23, and has over 2 million views on TikTok. It is currently #37 on the Adult Contemporary radio charts, and the video, which features ASL performers as the lead cast, has been played on BET Soul. I am really proud of both of these songs because they represent disability honestly and put it at the forefront. Disability is usually hidden or portrayed negatively in media, and I’m happy to be a part of projects that show that disability is something to take pride in. As an actor, I was a lead in a BET tv show, and I’ve been in several national commercials. As a model, I’ve modeled for JC Penney, Fruit of the Loom, and adaptive clothing brands. I don’t know where I am exactly professionally, but I’ve reached this current stage of my career by staying in the game and networking with other disabled creatives. The path has been so difficult because ableism and negative perceptions of disability in the entertainment industry have prevented disability from being seen. I am still working to overcome these challenges that the industry creates, so I have not seen the results I want to see yet. I just keep showing up authentically, and I’m hoping that change will come. I’ve learned that being true to myself is the best way to achieve my goals. I want the world to know that my disability is an asset and that is a part of my identity. I am proud to be disabled.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting, I would take them to Kokoroll for acai bowls, Octopus for sushi, and Firefly (this restaurant provides one of the best outdoor dining experiences). I’d take them to High Rooftop Lounge for drinks and ocean views, and I’d also take them to Castaway for beautiful city views. We would hit PIPS on La Brea for some jazz, and we would check out shows at The Novo and Hollywood Bowl. During the days, we would venture outside. I’d take them to Zuma Beach, Griffith Park, Mt. Wilson, and Deukmejian Wilderness Park. I think it would be fun to show them some of the sites where some iconic movies and tv shows were filmed too. Lastly, I’d just drive around and explore some of LA’s many neighborhoods, including the Hollywood Hills.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to shout out Lachi, who is the founder of RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities). Lachi is an award-winning blind singer/songwriter, and RAMPD is dedicated to bringing artists and musicians with disabilities paid opportunities and amplifying disability culture. Lachi and RAMPD have really helped my music career.

Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5oOFQ8WI7kQxsyTw2gkC8b?si=LFmldXs5R4i67TuUSr-NKg

Instagram: @jamesianmusic

Youtube: “Lift Me Up” music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmr4H9NpTKk

Other: “SPACES” music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLyRpDn9bTo

Image Credits
Elliston Lutz for the black & white photo, and for the 2 photos where I am wearing green shirts.