• Getting Familiar with Lester James of Mega X Brand

    Emily Hinde Posted On September 20, 2016
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    Lester James is the brainchild behind New York’s Mega X Brand that has been garnering quite a bit of attention lately. Recently with the release of Diamond Hits of the Zeroes, James takes listeners on a sonically alluring and very appealing wide, with a trippy, artistic flare. Honing his artistry throughout the years, James has found his ‘home’ with Mega X Brand, as Diamond Hits of the Zeroes, proves to be his most ambitious record to date…and I have a feeling we are going to be hearing a lot more of the acclaimed artist. I had the pleasure of speaking with Lester James regarding the new record, his musical endeavors, and more in an exclusive interview which you will find below.

     

    What is the meaning behind the name Mega X Brand? What is the inspiration behind it?  
    The name started as a snarky poke at big box superstores.  Literally though, one might think of “X” as the unknown and/or ecstasy, not the drug but the feeling.  And along the way Mega X Brand has morphed into a faux pharmaceutical company. Or music is a healing drug, but one that isn’t covered by insurance.Take MegaXBrand.

    What comes first when writing, the music or the lyrics? Why so?  

    In the scope of my process anything goes.  I might be playing guitar and something like lyrics and melody swim up out of the depths.  Alternatively, I’m often jamming to my own musical bits and a tune can result from the raw material. I do spend a fair amount of time hammering out lyrics though.  I need a solid literary foundation there to be happ
     
    Spending time in both bands, as well as solo, which do you feel more comfortable and free with on a songwriting and performing level?  
    So I decided for the sake of longevity to go it alone.  You just get sick of trying to find dependable talented band mates.  It’s far more difficult, but the up side is you have stability and control over the entire artistic domain.  My approach to recording has become that of a painter or a writer.
     
    What is the theme and concept behind the new record? What has been inspiring you to write this recent batch of songs?
    Ah, the thrumming and fervent NYC playground…  that strange and mystical night wandering around it’s streets and subways or ambling through
    a park-scape surrounded by skyline, echoing traffic and colossal infrastructure it’s all very passionate stuff.   

    Your music and vocals have a very ‘art rock’ feel to them. What are your aspirations as well as influences, when it comes to crafting the Mega X Brand sound?
    Bands like The Velvet Underground and The Verlaines affected me the most, not in regard to sound but in what they were able to communicate.  Every tune that I craft starts with something small and grows from there based on it’s own nature.  It’s all about describing experience and providing an environment within the recording.

    What kind of instruments do you use on the new record?   
    Bass, guitar, drums, keyboard, vintage Akai s900 sampler, distortion, delay, pitch shifter, flute, onboard DAW effects.

    Did you record the new record on your end, or did you use an outside producer? What was the recording process like?
    I’ve been struggling to master a studio process I call “Future Mod Grassroots”.  Originally, I tried to record in a schmantzy studio, but found that when I had the money thing hanging over my head the music ended up not having the right feel.  I couldn’t easily make changes afterward and/or the zealous engineer would decide MXB sounded better with their special amp.  The results were always wrong.  So, “grassroots” for me means from the ground up and connotates realness.  I’m attempting to follow a method of creating music begun by the Beatles, stretching out, looking for new sounds and trying to capture the magic. Modern music made in a personal studio with the high level of technology available, at least for me, has the best chance of staying pure.  What does the future hold for music?  I can hear it in my head and if I can keep life and soul together than maybe you will too.

    Where do you see Mega X Brand, 10 years from now?  

    10 years from now I expect to have at least 3 more albums to my credit and would love to be touring US and Europe and hobnobbing with the stars.



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