We recently connected with James Watson and have shared our conversation below.
Hi James, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic draws inspiration from various aspects of my life. Primarily, it stems from the resilient example set by my parents, who, despite being separated, consistently worked hard to provide for my siblings and me. Witnessing their unwavering commitment, whether it was attending our sports events or ensuring we fulfilled our responsibilities, instilled in me the value of diligence. The mantra “do it nice or do it twice” resonates from my childhood, emphasizing the importance of putting in genuine effort.
My career as a chef further shaped my work ethic, learning from high-performing chefs and cooks, particularly those of Hispanic descent. Their dedication, often spending extended periods away from family to provide, left a lasting impression. It taught me the necessity of doing what needs to be done and that hard work can overcome any obstacle.
During a decade of pursuing my dream of becoming a rockstar, the music industry demanded intense commitment in managing, writing, and self-promotion. This experience reinforced the idea that success comes to those who persevere and work tirelessly.
Today, as a family man and the owner of a video production company, my work ethic is fueled by the desire to provide for my own family and the lessons learned from diverse and challenging experiences in my journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Hey there, I’m James Watson, the creative force fueling Media by Semaj. What makes it truly special is that it’s not just a video production venture; it’s a passion project that intertwines my love for music and storytelling. At the tender age of 13, I got my hands on my first guitar and camera, sparking a journey that’s now the core of my work.
In collaboration with the visionary David Apodaca, I’m deeply involved in managing Fresh Scoop Studio—a creative space that’s becoming the heartbeat of artistic expression. This studio offers a haven for artists, providing a place to unleash their imagination. In addition, I’m deeply involved with Sonic Rocket Studios, a musician-centric recording studio. Here, I oversee their social media channels and curate content, sharing valuable resources for musicians.
Beyond the lens, I run the MBS Live show, more than just a performance—it’s a comprehensive marketing package for musicians. It provides recordings, videos, and podcasts, underscoring my commitment to empowering artists.
What’s really exciting? I’m currently crafting a documentary spotlighting an artist’s latest song release, blending storytelling finesse with their artistic vision. It’s not just about filming; it’s about creating narratives that truly resonate.
What’s new on the horizon? Stay tuned for upcoming documentaries and projects, as Media by Semaj continues to evolve. It’s more than a brand; it’s a journey, and I’m thrilled to invite everyone along for the ride.
And, you know, everything I offer, every service I provide—it all stems from the experiences I wish I’d had when I was a full-time musician. It’s about giving back and creating the kind of support system I dreamt of back in the day.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, three key qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as pivotal:
1. Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and stay committed to my vision has been crucial. In the face of challenges, it’s essential to view them as opportunities for growth. My advice: Embrace adversity, learn from it, and let it fortify your determination.
2. Versatility in Skill Set: Being adept at both music and videography allowed me to explore diverse creative avenues. My advice to those starting: Don’t shy away from learning new skills. A versatile toolkit opens doors to unexpected opportunities and widens your creative spectrum.
3. Networking and Relationship Building: Building meaningful connections in the music and videography industries has been a game-changer. My advice: Foster genuine relationships. Attend events, collaborate with fellow creatives, and be open to learning from others. The strength of your network often determines the breadth of your success.
For those early in their journey, my overarching advice is to embrace curiosity and cultivate a hunger for learning. Don’t be afraid to take risks and step outside your comfort zone. Each experience, whether smooth or challenging, contributes to your growth. Stay open to mentorship, seek guidance from those who’ve walked a similar path, and remember that your journey is uniquely yours—embrace it with passion and purpose.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m always open to collaboration and partnership. If you’re a serious musician eager to grow and reach that next level, I’d love to connect. Whether it’s crafting visually stunning music videos, capturing the energy of live performances, or creating promotional content, let’s work together to bring your vision to life.
For industry leaders with valuable insights to share, I offer the opportunity to feature on my podcast. We’ll highlight your work, discuss current projects, and share advice with musicians and artists looking to level up.
If you’re a fellow videographer seeking a space to serve clients without building a studio from scratch, let’s chat. I collaborate closely with David, the owner of Fresh Scoop Studio, providing a convenient hub for creative projects. Additionally, if you’re a fellow creative looking to collaborate and share ideas, I’m all ears.
As I continue to grow, I’m also on the lookout for an editor and a PR manager to join the Media by Semaj team. If you’re passionate about creating compelling visuals or driving strategic communication, let’s explore how we can work together. You can reach out through my website mediabysemaj.com or on my social media pages @mediabysemaj Looking forward to connecting and creating together!
Contact Info:
- Website: mediabysemaj.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/media_by_semaj/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Media.by.Semaj/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mediabysemaj
- Other: https://freshscoopstudio.com/ https://sonic-rocket.com/james-watson/
Image Credits
Josh Burke https://www.instagram.com/josh.burke.photography/
