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

Hi James, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I never dreamed of becoming a composer, or an artist at all. When I was around 12-13 years old, I overheard a close friend saying that his uncle was an accountant and that it was a job. I feel that the idea of a stable job sounded to me like a plausible way of life. However, it was only through music, and especially composing music, that I was able to find myself, my own identity. Being an artist is not my career, being an artist is who I am.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As artists or musicians in Colombia, we encounter so many difficult challenges. The insufficiency of financial support, the lack of spaces and resources are among the more obvious ones. This fact has led us to an extremely competitive environment, we all look for artistic and life survival. This means that the few ones who are able to accomplish anything are the exception, not the rule. Luck is also very important because you do not know how people would respond to your new piece or work. I’m very proud of every single piece I have composed, every single one represents a part of my life, and it cannot be measured in terms of success. Some of these pieces have won competitions and prizes, but I’m proud of them regardless of those recognitions. In other words, I do not take too seriously the idea of success. So, I cannot say that I have overcome the challenges by hardworking exclusively, luck, and change have been there too. For instance, my parents made a raffle to see which of their sons would take some keyboard lessons. I won it, so here I am.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
West Philadelphia has a vibrant and cosmopolitan vibe. In one block you can find Ethiopian, and Middle Eastern restaurants, an Argentinian café, or Italian sandwiches. But at the Reading Terminal Market in Center City, you would find anything you want, so many good fresh and affordable food options. Also, biking through the Schuylkill River lane is the perfect complement after a delicious lunch. It is such a beautiful experience, especially close to the sunset.Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to thank so many people for supporting, mentoring, and encouraged me throughout my entire career. My piano teacher, Clarita Correa who taught me for free because she knew I couldn’t afford the lessons. My two composition teachers, Gustavo Parra and Harold Vasquez. One of my main mentors, Reiko Fueting, who opened up my world view of making music. And last but not least, my family and wife, Paola, who have not taken this music adventure extremely seriously.

Website: https://www.jamesdiaz.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesdiazcomposer/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/james.diaz.545/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq1sxmtfEgqz8d01ftMR6MQ

Other: https://soundcloud.com/james-diaz-3

Image Credits
Mariangle Quiroga Photography [Picture with my instruments]. Nestor Blanco [Green open room pic]. Juan Castrillon [recording session picture]

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