“Music can remind people they’re not alone—that’s probably the biggest thing. It can also bring people together who wouldn’t otherwise be in the same room.”

Seth James: The Soundtrack of Texas 

At first, Seth James’ story reads like plot lines have gotten their wires crossed or translations muddled: Could a working cowboy from deep West Texas really be a rock-and-soul roots funk master, educated by the blues? One listen to James’ recordings proves the answer is implicitly - resoundingly - yes. James found Muddy Waters and Lightnin’ Hopkins - then Booker T. & the M.G.s, NRBQ, Delbert McClinton, and ultimately, a sound entirely his own. A couple of decades ago, he emerged with an easy voice that can croon and soul-shout, campfire storytelling chops, and moody, virtuosic electric guitar playing capable of blistering rides. A large grassroots following has been hip to James for years. His 2009 solo record That Kind of Man brought next-level acclaim. The next year, James co-founded roots rock group The Departed with friend Cody Canada. Three years and two albums later, James returned to his solo career, simply because he missed playing his own sound he’d worked so hard to find. The miles logged and music played have led James to an important place. James has spent his life discovering and proving what music can do, not just artistically, but when it comes to something as ordinary and universal as Saturday night.

(Seth James / Photo by Erin Valkner)

Texas blues and roots artist Seth James returns with “Motormouth” (2026), a high-energy new release that blends blues swagger and Southern rock grit into a groove-driven celebration of American roots music. Known for his expressive vocals, sharp guitar work, and instinctive feel for rhythm, James delivers a collection that captures the spirit of Texas blues while stretching comfortably across soul, R&B, and modern Americana. Recorded with a seasoned band of veteran musicians, Motormouth moves effortlessly between tight rhythmic punch and relaxed, soulful interplay - hallmarks of his evolving sound. The album follows James’ 2024 release, Lessons, a tribute to the music of Delbert McClinton. While that record paid homage to one of his greatest influences, Motormouth places the focus back on James himself - showcasing the songwriting, musicianship, and personality that have made him one of the most respected voices in today’s roots music landscape.

Interview by Michael Limnios             Special Thanks: Betsie Brown (Blind Raccoon)

How has music influenced your views of the world? What keeps a musician passionate over the years?

Music taught me early on that the world is bigger than where you’re standing. You grow up in one place, but through songs you’re suddenly in Memphis, Detroit, New Orleans—hearing different stories, different struggles, different joy. That changes how you see people. It builds empathy without preaching.

What keeps me passionate is that it never really runs out. You can chase tone your whole life, chase feel your whole life, and never quite catch it. That’s the hook. And then there’s the human side—when a room locks in and everybody feels the same thing at once. That doesn’t get old.

How do you describe your sound, songbook, and music philosophy? What’s the balance between technique and soul?

There are elements of my sound that are most definitely Texas, but it’s pulling from soul, blues, country, and a lot of old American records. It’s not about staying in a lane—it’s about making something that feels honest and moves people.

As far as technique and soul—technique is the language, but soul is the message. You need enough technique to say what you mean clearly, but if that’s all there is, nobody feels anything. I’ve always been more interested in how it hits you than how impressive it looks on paper.

“I miss the commitment to feel and space in a lot of older records. There was more patience—less trying to fill every second with something. And the sounds were more human, a little rough around the edges.” (Seth James captures the spirit of Texas blues while stretching comfortably across soul, R&B, and modern Americana / Photo by Erin Valkner)

Inclusivity in roots genres—where’s the balance?

Those styles—blues, soul, roots music—were inclusive before anyone used that word. They came from real people mixing cultures, sharing sounds, playing together because the music demanded it.

I think the balance is just being honest about where the music comes from and respecting it. If you do that, inclusivity happens naturally. When it starts feeling forced, it’s usually because it’s being treated like a trend instead of a tradition.

What moment changed your music life the most? Highlights so far?

The first time I started making music with other people is when things really changed.  That was the moment it stopped being something I liked and became something I needed to do.

Beyond that, the biggest shifts have been the people—working with great musicians, finding a producer that really understands what you hear in your head, sharing stages with artists you grew up listening to. Those moments don’t just feel like highlights—they raise your standard for everything after.

What do you miss from music of the past? Hopes and fears for the future?

I miss the commitment to feel and space in a lot of older records. There was more patience—less trying to fill every second with something. And the sounds were more human, a little rough around the edges.

For the future, I’m hopeful because there are still people chasing the real thing. My only concern is when convenience starts replacing depth—but I think the pendulum always swings back. People eventually crave something real again.

“Those styles—blues, soul, roots music—were inclusive before anyone used that word. They came from real people mixing cultures, sharing sounds, playing together because the music demanded it.” (Photo: Seth James, a rock-and-soul roots funk master from Texas)

Impact of music on society—how do you want it to affect people?

Music can remind people they’re not alone—that’s probably the biggest thing. It can also bring people together who wouldn’t otherwise be in the same room.  

If I’m doing my job right, I want people to feel something—whether that’s joy, release, or just forgetting about everything for a couple hours. If it moves you physically and emotionally, then it’s doing what it’s supposed to do.

Most important lessons you’ve learned?

Consistency matters more than flashes. Showing up, doing the work, and getting better over time—that’s most of it.

Also, who you surround yourself with is everything. The right players, the right team, the right people—they elevate everything you do.

And maybe the biggest one: don’t chase trends. By the time you catch one, it’s already gone. Just get closer to what you actually sound like.

Why does the Texas blues scene still have such a devoted following?

Because it’s real. Texas blues has always had a certain honesty and swagger to it—it’s not trying to be anything other than what it is.

There’s also a strong live music culture here. People still go out to hear bands, not just songs. That keeps the tradition alive in a way that recordings alone can’t.

And the lineage matters—there’s a thread running through generations of players, and people can feel that continuity.

Seth James - Home

(Photo: Seth James)