Today we’d like to introduce you to James Burrows.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m 19, and a life-long musician. Music has been the key to connection and expression for me ever since I was a baby. When I was one, I used to wake up in my crib humming a note – my mom would carry me downstairs to our keyboard and I would just – bam! – play whatever note I was humming! I was three years old when we officially discovered that I had perfect pitch. Around this time, I was diagnosed with autism. Music was really my main way of playing and interacting with my parents and my sister. When I was 10, I started working with Max Bent, an amazing beatboxer and electronic musician. We’ve been working together for nine years. Max and I have been featured together on NPR and in the Baltimore Sun, and have a SoundCloud with over 100 tracks. One is a musical exploration of my love for 83, my favorite road in Baltimore!
Music is my favorite way to process the world and express myself.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Over the years, autism has made certain things challenging for me. I still struggle with social interactions, anxiety, OCD, and staying focused. Graduating from high school at the start of Covid, losing the structure and supports I’ve had for years while trying to launch my music career in the middle of the pandemic has been tough. My family, some very special therapists, and music mentors always get me through the hard times. Autism is also part of the reason for my musical strengths. It’s all just part of the way my brain works differently. I’m glad people are learning more about autism and that neurodiversity is starting to be understood and valued more in society and especially in the workforce. Sometimes it just takes an open mind, kindness, and patience and a little creativity to connect with someone on the autism spectrum.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an electronic musician and producer. In addition to releasing tracks for streaming platforms, I compose music for radio, television, and film, I’ve interned for WYPR, WLOY, and Stages Music Arts. Since graduating from high school I’ve produced tracks for NBC/Universal’s COZI-TV, worked with Grammy-winning producer Mike Mangini, and been invited by the legendary Timbaland to become a VIP producer for his new platform, Beatclub. I’m excited about a career in the music industry.
How do you think about happiness?
Music just makes me happy. Whether I’m listening to it, creating it, collaborating with other musicians, or working alone in my studio – music is my absolute favorite way to spend time.
Contact Info:
- Email: jamescoleburrows@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesburrowsmusic/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesburrowsmusicofficial/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnLbidtetWzbxus0zmwZuug
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/jamesbgood
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3XPIAqAtP02FTFR02hx0UY?si=TMxnrwS2TraG4kPgnxG_bw&dl_branch=1
