Jimi Yamagishi shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jimi, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Failure.
“The Master has failed more that beginner has even tried” is a quote attributed to a few. And it is the truth.
I recently took on an artist development project, knowing the artist will probably be relocating beyond a place where we can work together practically.
This has happened before, and though it hurts not being able to see an artist through to the maximum possibilities I bring to the table, I am thankful for each step being a win though I may not share the finish line.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Jimi Yamagishi. Human being, parent, preacher, singer-songwriter, person of color (3rd generation Japanese American), activist, pacifist, luthier, husband, friend, multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer, recording tech, engineer, consultant, journalist, DJ, car-guy, biker, cyclist, graphic artist, chef, mechanic, instructor, publisher, label exec, advocate and old dude.
Probably more that I missed here because I forget things.
I also run SongNet.info, connecting the music industry with the music community for over 25 years.
Being an older guy provides me with insight about how things have changed, yet how little has changed with humanity.
I am active on the local circuit & can be found at at least three places on any given week.
SongNet meets virtually every first Wednesday & in person every 3rd Wednesday of each month, and has industry guest speakers listening to your work on those virtual meetings Check the website or SongnetLA for details.
I am archiving my own songs to youtube (about 300 so far) so at least they will be somewhere with it’s my turn to “leave the building”
And no, it’s NOT monetized so listen all you want.
Thank You.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Many of us were taught we could be whatever we wanted to be.
Bullshit.
Racisim, physical limitations, politics, predjudice, location and more are factors to consider.
Sometimes those things can be dealt with & overcome, Other times a new sense of direction is needed to maximize your purpose and potential in other directions.
Even if, as the joke goes, if that “purpose for your life is to serve as a warning to others”
🙂
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
That assholes abound at every level.
And though most either change or die, some are still successful, but eventually they fall.
Sadly, many of them die before justice is served.
Still, being abused & discarded by those gatekeepers can give you the impetus to get other like minded people together to rip a new gate and find better ways to access success on their own terms.
Understanding how the system works is key to either fixing it or making a better one.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That it matters.
Music is a vehicle, no longer a product.
Just as you would pay for an uber ride, same is true for the music.
Financial security no longer relies on the music itself, but rather on what it’s connected to and how fans value those things. But the “industry” doesn’t quite get it yet. however, it is slowly changing.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That Jimi was a good guy & helped however he could.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.songnet.info
- Facebook: Jimi Yamagishi
- Youtube: Jimi Yamagishi, SongnetLA
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
