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02.20.10
One new song a week. That is my challenge. Written and recorded. Starting now: Upstairs
02.08.10
Thanks to all my new listeners on Jango.com. It's really quite exciting to know people actively listen to my work, and like it. What a concept.
If you haven't checked it out yet, Jango is a free, online radio site, similar to Last.fm or Pandora. Plug in an artist and stream similar music all day.
11.21.09
I just opened an account on SoundCloud. Along with iCompositions, I will be using it to post new and unfinished tracks for feedback.
10.24.09
The kind folks at iCompositions have seen fit to feature me on their homepage this week. If you haven't seen it yet, check out the site. Musicians and fans can listen, download, comment and even collaborate on music... all for free. It's how J'avais Envie came about.
10.17.09
I'm going to attempt something I've never done before. I'm going to stream our performance tomorrow online for anyone to see. Tune in tomorrow at 8pm Chicago time to watch and listen: jamescollin.com/live
10.07.09
Holy cow. A show. Watch out!
I will be performing for the first time in Chicago! 6pm on October 18th, at The Orphanage. Diana, John and Joseph will be joining me. We'll be playing some old favorites, like Walk Beside Me and Disarmament, as well as a few new gems, like Doors Closing and J'avais Envie.
On a different note, I've finally started a Facebook page. Time to embrace the 21st century.
08.13.09
Les Paul... had such a huge impact on modern music - performance, recording, effects, technique - the list goes on. There's a great piece on PBS American Masters series about him - definitely worth a look. My life has been directly effected by his achievements. Rest in peace fine sir. The mark you have made on the world shall remain for the entirety of human existence.
08.12.09
Have banjo. Will travel.
08.07.09
I went to see That's Him! That's the Guy! and White Pines at Loft 3A tonight. It's so great to see Joe and Dave again - great guys, seriously. Hopefully I'll be sharing a show with them in October.
03.14.09
Building on the achievements of those who have come before us is an essential part of many pursuits in life - especially science and art. Collaboration, whether directly with others, or indirectly, is a key process in the creation of music. You can't do everything all the time, and quite often you need to get inspired by something someone else has done in order to spark your own ideas.
Anyone heard of Kutiman? If you haven't you should. He recently launched a site (thru-you.com) showcasing his mashups of YouTube videos. The sheer amount of stuff available on the Internet is mind boggling. The fact that this guy can sift through hours of seemingly unrelated video clips and put them together into a cohesive and entertaining thing is equally as amazing.
03.08.09
Three quick updates today. Some friends and I just signed up for a rehearsal space in town: Sound Space. It will be so nice to have dedicated space to make noise.
Also, I just got Logic Studio. I've been using GarageBand for nearly 4 years, and it's a great app. But it's time to upgrade.
Lastly, I attended the Lake County Film Festival yesterday. It's a small operation but they have ton of good stuff. I was fortunate to meet with a few filmmakers and composers, including John Covert and Carl Sandrol. Here's hoping I can work on some more projects this year.
03.04.09
The Chicago indie and underground music scene may be in trouble. The Chicago City Council is attempting to pass a law that would severely hinder and even prevent smaller and independent music promoters. The ability to book and host shows in bars, clubs, galleries, basements and lofts could soon be quite a costly endeavor if this legislation goes through. That means that any small artists wishing to perform in legit venues may soon have virtually no where to go.
The claim Chicago has as a haven for music will wither and disappear nearly overnight if the underground scene cannot thrive as it has been allowed. Some regulation is necessary, but what the city council proposes will strangle all those operating without a huge, industry-level budget. To read the current version of the ordniance, head over to the Chicago Music Commission blog. They would love to hear from you.
This aggression will not stand. All those who value the great wealth of music this city offers on a daily basis should help raise the cry. Blog it, tweet it, contact the city of Chicago, contact your alderman. Make them hear the noise, and let them know that if the music scene dies, a part of the great city of Chicago will die. We will not go quietly into the night.
02.23.09
If there's one thing I love almost as much as music, it's film. The 6th annual Lake County Film Festival recently posted their official schedule. As always the festival will be held on the campus of the College of Lake County, from March 4th through 10th.
Last year one of my videos was featured in a collection of shorts. Nothing of mine will be shown this year, but I will still be attending. The festival director, Nat Dykeman, has also organized a meeting with musicians and filmmakers on Saturday, March 5th, at 5pm. It's open to anyone interested. I will definitely be there.
02.09.09
An old friend and fellow musician told me about indaba music. It's similar to Kompoz in that you can post tracks, riffs, or other sorts of song ideas and ask the community at large to help contribute. It's sort of like jamming with some friends, only you're not in the same room at the same time or even the same place. It's also meant to be a place to network and meet other musicians. I signed up and I'll be sure to share more info here when I get something posted.
01.21.09
Over the last few months I've been chipping away at a new track, 122508, which I started (apparently) on Christmas day. It's something I've been thinking about doing for a while, ever since I moved to Chicago and started riding the train everywhere. You'll see what I mean when you hear it.
12.18.08
Just a quick update. I finally finished up the first arrangement of a track I've been keeping on the back burner for a while: 042808.
12.11.08
I finally got with the program and signed up on Twitter. Check it.
11.10.08
What do you think of the new site design? I was home sick from work and decided to do something with my down time. Enjoy.
10.30.08
My dear friend and fellow musician, John, feeling inspired by Joe Biden and his fantastic smile, launched a site, joebidensteeth.com. Some friends also put together a promotional video using a bit of music I wrote. If you think Joe Biden's teeth can make a difference in this election, then you absolute have to see this video.
In other news, another friend and fellow musician, Joe, has moved to the greater Chicago area. He performed with me many times when I was living in Michigan, and hopefully he will again. I might actually get out and play a show sometime soon. Fingers crossed.
10.27.08
I am extremely saddened today. I just learned my friend and fellow artist, Ben Schaafsma, passed away this Saturday. We attended high school together and had many mutual friends. Ben was also a fellow Chicago immigrant and a key player in the DAAC, where I performed a few times over the years.
The world has lost another wonderful soul, but the world is now better for his being in it.
05.26.08
I'm working on a few new arrangements for live performance, J'avais Envie being one of them. Now I just need to recruit some players. I still have my good friend John on drums, but I need bass, piano and hopefully cello. Anyone care to join in?
The new Nine Inch Nails, The Slip, is available for free download via the site. I have to give Mr. Reznor ome serious kudos, even if this is a marketing stunt. If you haven't heard it, check it out. As usual, most of the tracks are available for remix too.
In other news, I recently signed up on BroadJam and Kompoz, hoping to extend my 'reach' a little. Fingers crossed.
03.16.08
I've finally recaptured my free time, after several months of working on a project for my new employer. Now that its launched, I have been writing some new material, finally. Going through lulls of writing and performing can be downright depressing.
Without further ado, here's what I've been working on... be warned, they're just demos: Kontrol (tentative title), 030908, and 031608.
03.01.08
It's the little victories that count. The video for A Thousand Feet Per Second as picked to run at this year's Lake County Film Festival, which takes place at the College of Lake County, Illinois, this weekend. Unfortunately I am unable to attend, but I will be there in spirit. The video is showing today, sometime after 5 pm, and tomorrow at 1:20 pm. Check out lakecountyfilmfest.com for more information.
12.18.07
And now for my 15 seconds of web fame: Aube was chosen for Ambient Track of the Day on GaragBand.com. Woohoo!
That is all.
12.16.07
Just a few things... the semi-final version of Aube is now ready. Fellow iCompositions collaborator, Bruno Gatinet, is finishing work on his vocal addition to Chanson d'Hiver. He claims it's his most beautiful work yet. I'll post it here when available. Lastly, I've just finished mixing on a new song, Gaia Hypothesis. Have a listen and happy holidays.
10.31.07
What news... I've made the move, started a new job, and begun work on new material. Unfortunately I suffered a blow when my new apartment was broken into and my laptop, on which I create all my music, was stolen. I have spent the last few months recovering, both the files and emotionally. It may be a while before I perform live again, but I do have a few new pieces to share. Have a listen: Electric Sheep and Aube.
Work has slowed a great deal on the score for In the Doghouse. Both myself and the filmmakers have had to concentrate on other priorities in our lives. I have scratched out a new theme though, which I will post here in the near future. More on this as events warrent.
Lastly, I've posted the source for J'avais Envie. For copyright reasons I can only post the original instrumental files, but feel free to download the collaboration featuring Bruno Gatinet on vocals: J'avais Envie.
07.11.07
Thanks to everyone who attended the performance at Scene on June 30th. It was fantastic. Mostly likely one of the best shows, not to mention lineups, of my life. The film project, An Alternative to Slitting Your Wrist, exceeded my expectations. Owen Lowrey, the man behind it, is just a great guy and I wish him all the luck in the world. Sharp Shore was equally impressive. The combination of visual and audio elements, along with an obvious emotional connection between the two members really pulls you in. Bravo, all around.
In other news, I'm gearing up to move to Chicago in August. Here's hoping the scene there will be as welcoming as it is here in Michigan. If you're in the area I'd love to see you at a show.
06.20.07
The show in Grand Rapids was a bit interesting. My friend Sarah and I rehearsed all week for an acoustic only set. We arrived at the show a little before doors and no one was there. We waited. The rest of the acts showed up and we continued to wait.
Finally, at about 9:15 someone showed up with the keys and let us in, then promptly disappeared. We pretty much played a free set for the other bands. It was a good experience though. Thanks again to Greg for booking, and my sister for dragging a few friends out to hear us.
In other news... we've begun rehearsal for the 30th show. I just contacted Owen, the man behind the film to be shown that night, An Alternative to Slitting Your Wrist. He seems pretty stoked about the whole thing. If you haven't seen the trailer, be sure to check the myspace page.
Lastly, the short tribute to John Woo I mentioned before is nearing completion. The No Talent crew is finishing filming and the final edit should be ready in a few days. The deadline is June 25th. Can we do it? Stay tuned to this channel for more information.
05.29.05
A few items to discuss today. I am still in the midst of the soundtrack work. Things have slowed down slightly, but with any luck it will still be ready to view this summer. Part of the delay comes from a new project undertaken by the boys at No Talent, for which I will also be providing sound. More information as events warrant.
Secondly, I have two upcoming shows: June 13th @ the DAAC in Grand Rapids and June 30th @ (SCENE) metrospace in East Lansing. Check out the performance page for more information.
05.01.07
Thanks to everyone who came out the shows at Replay. You were my guinea pigs. I assembled some various video clips and attempted to work them into the set. It was what it was. Those clips will appear on this site in some form or another soon.
04.07.07
A show! I will be performing a solo acoustic show on April 20th at Replay Entertainment Exchange in downtown Lansing. I will also have a limited edition EP on hand. See the performance page for more information.
02.23.07
I have begun work on a score to an independent film. It's currently called In the Doghouse. I will be working primarily on this for the next several months so you won't hear much else from me for a while. I will post more information about the film and progress when it's nearing completion.
12.29.06
I've created a video for the song A Thousand Feet Per Second. It was shot entirely with a Sony HandyCam digital camera in various locations in lower Michigan. I hope to produce more like this for each of my songs. If you have any great ideas please let me know.
Happy New Year!
12.22.06
Something amazing has happened!
A fellow musician I met through the community site iCompositions has written words and melody to a new piece of mine. J'avais Envie is the first collaborative work I've participated in as a solo artist, and it couldn't be more rewarding. This is something I've dreamt about for years.
Have a listen, comment on the song, and give thanks to Bruno Gatinet from the Netherlands for his beautiful contribution.
12.09.06
Thanks to everyone who came to the show tonight at (SCENE). Despite electrical failures and some minor sound issues, I think it was a decent show. Chris Bathgate, That's Him! That's the Guy!, and Frontier Ruckus were simply amazing. There will be a recording of their performances available through Deep Deep Pink Studios soon.
I introduced a new song tonight. It's called A Thousand Feet Per Second and it's a little different than my previous work. I am currently working on a video to accompany it and I hope to have that avaiable here in the new year.
11.20.06
I've added the "final" version of Timorous to the music section. I re-recorded the vocals, classical guitar and solo section. Have a listen.
11.12.06
The show at Bayside Beanery was wonderful. It was totally not what I was expecting and that's what made it great. Joe and I reworked most of the songs just the week before, so we were both a little nervous but I think the intimacy of the place and the attention of the audience really fed into the performance.
Dave played beautifully, as always. There will be video available soon. We may actually record acoustic versions of some songs for a future EP. Keep your ears open.
11.06.06
Thank you to everyone who could make it to the show on the 28th. We were a little rusty, especially with a new bassist, but I think it went over better than a lead balloon. It was good to see some new faces. Ruberdus and Zelienople were fantastic. It's hard to pull off that kind of music without alienating the audience. I was definitely entertained.
Also, I am working on a new song. It's been a while, and there are a few in the queue that need finishing, but this one just had to get born. It's rough and incomplete so don't expect much: 110506
10.03.06
I'll be performing at Scene Metrospace again on October 28th, with Zelienople, Golden Four Ratio and a yet-to-be-named act combining violin and electronica. Should be an amazing show.
09.03.06
Thanks to everyone who came out for the show. I think it went swimmingly. Thanks also to Dwight, John and Joe for working with me. You guys rock. Head over to MySpace for a few photos from the show.
08.21.06
Rehearsals for the September 2nd show are going well. With any luck I'll actually get to perform this stuff with live musicians. What a concept!
08.10.06
I've posted a video from my first live show. Check out the new video section to watch it.
07.02.06
I've written another new song. This one is a little more politically motivated, partially driven by my feelings after watching An Inconvenient Truth and listening to the daily broadcasts about war and other inhumane events on NPR. It even has words, a James Collin first!
Have a listen: Timorous (demo).
05.26.06
So where has the time gone?
I've been busy working a real job and doing a ton of freelance web work. Who has time for fun when life gets in the way?
Anyway, I hammered out a new song. It's just a demo at the moment, but you can preview it here: 345 demo. I'm contemplating actually getting out there and playing some solo shows this summer. I would like to perform with several different people in different groupings. I need drums, piano, cello, bass, guitar and sometimes vocals - often in multiples. Any takers?
12.27.05
Again with the hiatus stuff. Not to worry, I am alive. Having started a new full-time job in June, time to work on things I really enjoy seems to be at a premium these days.
I've finally assembled what I would consider good material for a full length album. I will be releasing first-come first-serve copies as requested, until I can scrape together enough to do a short run of pressed versions. As advertised, the title will be As Luck Would Have It, and it will include ten tracks, which I've assembled over the past year.
I will also post mp3s of the tracks in the music section, free to download.
05.23.05
So I've been on a bit of a hiatus. I'm afraid it will have to continue a bit longer. I've agreed to fill in on guitar for my friends Ettison Clio for a portion of their upcoming summer tour.
After that, I am planning on purchasing a new PowerBook so I can hopefully begin performing live. We shall see. Anyone in need of a G4?
04.26.05
My other musical project, Blood Wings, is playing a benefit show this coming Saturday, at the Bermuda Rectangle here in Lansing. There will be food starting at 5, and then we kick off the show at 7.
If anyone's interested contact me for more details.
04.06.05
One of my songs will be featured in an upcoming broadcast of Virtual Garage, a show focusing on self produced independent music, on KSVY, 91.3 in Sonoma CA.
The show runs on Friday and Saturday nights. Unfortunately it doesn't look like they have a simultaneous webcast, but they do upload the shows as a podcast (aka mp3) for downloading.
As soon as I know when this will happen I will post it here.
04.03.05
i have begun work revamping and old song, "das lied von angelin".
i will post a demo version here soon.
also, i have opened an account on purevolume.
03.30.05
i am looking to book some low profile shows starting in late april. anyone have any suggestions? connections?
if so, contact me.

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