New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Derek Newark Publishing) Nemo James' new memoir, Just a Few Seconds, offers a refreshing look at a story rarely told - the life and times of a working musician. Neither famous, nor starving, James' journey takes him along a winding path around the world, all in search of the next gig. Along the way, James describes wholesale changes that made earning a living as a musician progressively harder.
"There are two types of musician: those who are famous and those who are not. But while there is a mountain of material written about the famous, there is almost nothing written about the unknown ones. Whilst no musician ever sets out to become unknown, most have it thrust upon them," said James. "It is an absurd notion that only famous musicians have stories to tell."
Just a Few Seconds puts the spotlight on musicians like James who play the soundtrack of most people's lives. Working musicians may be backing Tom Jones in concert one night and then entertaining patrons at the corner pub the night after getting grandma moving on the wedding reception dance floor. It may not always be glamorous, but it's an essential and enriches everyone's lives.
"My book chronicles the dreams and aspirations of a talented schoolboy who becomes professional without any doubt that he will find fame and fortune but although stardom proved elusive, I still made a good living as a professional musician and enjoyed life," said James.
James' career began at a time when musicians could choose from abundant work - at pubs and dance halls seemingly on every corner - and moves through the years that discos, karaoke, and even pub TV's all conspired to replace live music venues. His voyage includes private engagements for some of the richest and most powerful people in the world, and concerts in some of the roughest London pubs, where playing the wrong song can mean the difference between life and death.
Just a few Seconds details Nemo's other entertaining adventures into all things creative. Despite being dragged down by constant failure as a composer, Nemo James story, like Voltaire's Candide, is a testament to two time tested truths - everything really does happen for the best, and that failure and weakness aren't the end, but are often the lifeblood that feeds great success.
For more information about the book, or to sample Nemo James' music and photography, visit https://www.nemojames.com
