Build + Sustain A Career Doing What You Love w/ James Mercer of The Shins | Chase Jarvis LIVE | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

James Mercer discusses his musical journey, app creation, and overcoming shyness in a candid interview.

Key Insights

• 🎼 James Mercer's early musical influences in England shaped his vocal style and love for music.
• 👶 Collaboration with Brian Burton in Broken Bells introduced Mercer to new musical frontiers and creative partnerships.
• 😀 Mercer's app "Pasted" was born out of a desire to simplify collage creation and foster creativity.
• 😨 Overcoming shyness and fears have propelled Mercer's growth as an artist, inspiring him to explore new musical horizons.

Transcript

[Applause] thank you guys very much thank you thunderous thunderous apply it continues Thunder supply all right have a good that's good hey everybody welcome to another episode of Chase drivers live I'm chase your average your host about every week or two we film one of these things and I sit down with someone who has inspired me deeply some of it ... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How did James Mercer's experience of performing at a sandwich shop in his early career influence his later success?

Mercer's humble beginnings and exposure to different music scenes shaped his musical evolution, highlighting the importance of authentic experiences.

Q: How did James Mercer's collaboration with Brian Burton in Broken Bells impact his songwriting process?

Working with Danger Mouse challenged Mercer to step out of his comfort zone and explore new musical territories, enriching his creative approach.

Q: What motivates James Mercer to continue pursuing artistic endeavors despite facing challenges?

Mercer's drive to communicate, connect, and express himself through art fuels his passion and pushes him to overcome obstacles in his creative journey.

Q: How does James Mercer manage setbacks or creative blocks in his songwriting process?

Mercer approaches challenges by working on multiple projects simultaneously, questioning his initial ideas, and allowing space for creative exploration.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• James Mercer recounts his humble beginnings in Albuquerque, his journey to Seattle, and his partnership in Broken Bells.

• Creating the app "Pasted" inspired by a collage at a restaurant in Hawaii, Mercer explores his passion for multiple creative outlets.

• From conquering shyness to navigating fear in his career, Mercer shares insights on artistic growth and staying true to oneself.