Today we’d like to introduce you to Hilary James.
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’ve always loved music- starting at the age of 5 when I heard opera on the radio for the first time. From then to age 12 I was determined to become an opera singer, until I realized that I actually couldn’t sing… So I started playing piano and cello instead. I pursued classical music throughout college, when I had my second major life epiphany. I realized how hard it is to make it in the classical world where so many symphonies are dying from lack of interest/funding. I took a yearish break from music until I knew that I couldn’t NOT play music. I started playing cello, keys, electric bass and singing harmony in some bands (including We are the Willows, Fiji-13, Her Crooked Heart, Esme Patterson) as well as continuing to play classical gigs and teaching cello lessons. I started my own project, bathtub cig, in 2017.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I feel really comfortable being a backing member in bands or playing in other people’s projects but never thought that I could have something to say myself. I have always felt clumsy with words and self-conscious about how my voice sounds. However in 2017 a dear friend of mine and amazing musician- Brent Penny- encouraged me to start writing my own songs and that’s how bathtub cig was started. I still have all those fears and insecurities about myself as a singer/songwriter, but writing songs really help me figure out my emotions and channel them. One of the main themes in my songs is my struggle with mental health. I have lived with severe clinical depressive disorder for over a decade. I am on medication and go to therapy and do all the things I am supposed to do to help keep it under control, but for me writing songs really helps the sads go somewhere.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a musician! My primary instrument is cello, but I also play piano, electric bass and guitar. My project is called bathtub cig, but I also play in and with lot of other bands. I love being able to both front a project and play in/support other bands.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
The resource that helps me do my best in life is my friends and my community. I may be biased, but I truly think that all of my friends are the funniest, kindest and most brilliant humans. They constantly inspire me to stay creative, push me to do things that scare me, and practice mutual aid with and for my community.
Contact Info:
- Email: hillajames@gmail.com
- Website: https://bathtubcig.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bathtubcig/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bathtubcig/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSu94_QM2fw
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/hilary-james-374094365
Image Credits
Peter M.
Stephanie Nardi
Skyler Fitzmaurice
