James Struthers: Killing Time with Optimus Prime

Youthink talks to James Struthers about music, his first love and Optimus Prime.

James Struthers, an up-and-coming musician from Winnipeg, is shaking up the  Canadian music industry. Growing in popularity since the release of his debut album, Nadia, Struthers has proven himself to be force to be reckoned with. With an honest go-getter attitude, and Hollywood good looks, Struthers is all set for musical success. Youthink had the chance to catch up with Struthers to chat about life, music and Optimus Prime.

YT: How old were you when music starting became a passion?
JS: It’s always been a passion. When I was a kid, my parents put me into piano lessons but I eventually weaseled my way out. Later, I picked up a guitar because I missed playing. After I started teaching myself guitar, I started learning how to sing. That’s when I realized I had a passion for writing and creating, and eventually performing.

YT: I read that you do a lot of the groundwork for your promoting. Where did your DIY attitude and work ethic come from?
JS: I come from an entrepreneurial family and everybody has always told me if I want something, I need to go out and get it. I’ve always had that attitude. I’m not the kind of person to sit around and wait for something to come along. You have to work for what you want.
 
YT: The lyrics in your songs Baby Blues and Together Again seem to imply heartbreak and infatuation. Was there a particular someone you were thinking about while writing these songs?
JS: The whole first album was about my first loving relationship. It took you through the motions of those first feelings for someone and then through the middle when you're getting to know each other, and then eventually, when it comes to a close. Not all my songs are about one particular person; there are certain experiences or situations that I write about. There are some parts in my songs that make a direct reference to people in my life, and a lot of them know what part is about them.
 
YT: You’ve described your song, You, Me and Optimus Prime, as a recollection of some of your favourite childhood hobbies and memories.  How was the experience of filming the video?
JS: It was pretty awesome! Everyone wants to spend time with his or her childhood hero so hanging out with Optimus Prime was pretty cool. It’s nice to reminisce in those childhood memories... when you could let loose without the fear of misperception or being judged.
 
YT: You’ve toured across Canada three times. What do you enjoy/dislike about touring?
JS: It’s character building. I sleep in my car, or sleep where I can. You plant in a lot of different places. There are a lot of ups and downs. More than anything I feel like I’m living Ringo Star’s quote, “You got to pay your dues to sing the blues.” It's fun to be out there making new experiences, meeting new friends.

YT: What are three items you must have with you when you are on tour?
JS: Audio books and a teddy bear that a friend got me. He sits between my driver’s seat and the passenger seat. And a bid bag of Spitz, to keep me awake when I’m driving.

YT: How would you like to see your career evolve over the next couple of years?
JS: I want to see positive growth; I'm not expecting to be an overnight success. I think you need to work and work and work to get what you want. I believe in baby steps, setting yourself small, attainable goals that you can reach. I just want to keep working and travelling with my music, make some albums, see what happens with that. I’m hoping that my up-and-coming music videos will help me take a step forward, and help connect with more people.