Meet James Steinbach

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to James Steinbach. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi James , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Being the only one in the room who looks different can be tough, but I’ve learned to embrace my unique perspective as a strength. Confidence in my experiences, curiosity about others, and competence in my work help me connect and build trust. I focus on shared goals, advocate for myself when needed, and seek mentorship for support. It’s about owning who I am and creating space for diverse voices.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a guitar player that plays in Denver based rock band with horns called Float Like A Buffalo. The most exciting part about being able to do this getting to play guitar in front of new people all the time. Traveling to different states or countries, learning histories of new towns, try new foods, etc.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

For musicians, three key qualities that shape their journey are technical skill, emotional depth, and resilience. First, technical skill is crucial because it forms the foundation for everything else. To improve, focus on regular, focused practice, and embrace challenges in your technique. Second, emotional depth is what makes your music stand out. It’s not just about playing the notes—it’s about telling a story. To develop this, listen to a wide range of artists and experiment with different styles and dynamics. Finally, resilience is essential because setbacks are inevitable. Keep pushing through mistakes, stay curious, and learn from every experience. For those just starting out, take it one step at a time—build your skills, experiment with expressing yourself, and remember that persistence is what will truly shape your growth.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

My current challenge is writer’s block.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.floatlikeabuffalomusic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/floatlikeabuffalo?igsh=djhuanVwYTd1NTRp
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FloatBuffalo?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@floatlikeabuffalo?si=jfdYaWVGnueSL8e6

Image Credits

Alyssa Story – Rocky Montaño Photography