Born in Tacoma Washington, raised by a single mother, James was no stranger to adversity. His story begins with the struggles faced by numerous young people in gentrified, lower socioeconomic neighbourhoods.
Through this struggle he found peace, his determination came from mirroring values he saw in his mother. This work-ethic turning into an obsession for success, but success not measured by outcome, rather measured by the betterment of oneself.
"Winning is in my lineage, and it is the standard I hold my circle to" - James Pak
Tell us more about your background and journey.
I'm originally from Tacoma, WA where I pursued my dreams of becoming a college athlete. Growing up things weren't always easy so I looked at sports as my way out. I eventually earned a college scholarship to play at SFU in Vancouver, Canada which is where I am currently located.
I'm originally from Tacoma, WA where I pursued my dreams of becoming a college athlete. Growing up things weren't always easy so I looked at sports as my way out. I eventually earned a college scholarship to play at SFU in Vancouver, Canada which is where I am currently located.
While playing football and taking classes I developed my passion for music and entrepreneurship. Eventually, I met my producer, Phuoc "Lomax" Nguyen and videographer, Michael Fernandez (shinigami ent) and we started creating music full time. Along the way we have met many other influential people that have assisted us on our journey that I am also proud to call my friends.
I just recently graduated from college and am continuing to pursue my music dreams here in Canada as well as starting up my coaching business.
When did you first decide you wanted to pursue music and how did you start?
I've been making music since I was 7 but decided in my 3rd year of college that I wanted to pursue music professionally.
When did you first decide you wanted to pursue music and how did you start?
I've been making music since I was 7 but decided in my 3rd year of college that I wanted to pursue music professionally.
Who is your favourite artist and why?
My favourite artist currently is my friend SIpTee. I met him a year ago online and we have made music together ever since.
My favourite artist currently is my friend SIpTee. I met him a year ago online and we have made music together ever since.
I resonated with his sound when we met and I still do.
Is format training required or can one train themselves purely on the basis of talent?
You don't need format training. Anybody can become a good artist with practice and repetition.
What piece of advice would you like to give to aspiring artists?
The world doesn't reward talent it rewards those who bet on themselves. Continue to work on yourself and stay consistent.
What are some of the most important factors for running a successful business?
The most important factors for running a successful business include the ability to be able to adapt to difficult situations and make adjustments on the fly.
How can one overcome a hurdle of lack of funds when starting up?
Do your research and start on the things that require no funding. You'd be surprised at how much you can accomplish with no funding.
Is format training required or can one train themselves purely on the basis of talent?
You don't need format training. Anybody can become a good artist with practice and repetition.
What piece of advice would you like to give to aspiring artists?
The world doesn't reward talent it rewards those who bet on themselves. Continue to work on yourself and stay consistent.
What are some of the most important factors for running a successful business?
The most important factors for running a successful business include the ability to be able to adapt to difficult situations and make adjustments on the fly.
How can one overcome a hurdle of lack of funds when starting up?
Do your research and start on the things that require no funding. You'd be surprised at how much you can accomplish with no funding.
Connect with him on Instagram
Interviewed by - Sathwik Macharla
Interviewed by - Sathwik Macharla
){kind=link}
Social