James Kocian is an award-winning writer/producer and VP of A&R for Street Lamp Records, as well as a song coach and music mentor.
James has enjoyed commercial success with various artists in multiple genres, including the recent Country/Inspirational #1 "Keep Your Eyes On Me" which he co-wrote, produced, and mixed.
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He also was an assistant engineer on the 2023 Grammy winning song, "Fear Is Not My Future" (Brandon Lake/Mav City/Kirk Franklin).
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His songs have also been featured by Ralph Lauren, Inditex (H&M, Mossimo, etc.), Bosch, and in many network, national and international television shows, networks, and movies. Including the PGA, X-Games, NBA Championship, The Today Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and many more.
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His song, "This Changes Everything" was the theme for the ELCA Mass Gathering in Houston, TX where he performed live at NRG stadium.
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When James is not in the studio, he can usually be found mentoring young creatives or leading worship at his local church. He's also a a state rep for Celebrate Recovery and leads a weekly meeting for scores of people finding hope in recovery.
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His leadership style is to share the lessons he's learned along the way - areas of hardship and hurdles he has stumbled on to help others navigate both the industry and life's journey more smoothly.
NEW - ONLINE GROUP MASTERCLASS!
Learn customized strategies and proven principles
based on decades of experience* (approaching the
music industry in a way that stunted my growth) to
help you recalibrate your music career.
Learn from my mistakes as I share real world
examples and specific stories about how to move
ahead together, forward.
CLASS 2: "On Target" - Saturday, 12/30; 6p PST.
(click here to sign up
LIMITED ATTENDANCE)
COST: $49 p/person
Pay here
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"On Target" Class Summary:
Creating music in both the Sync and Artist worlds needs to be "on target" to not only get signed, but also placed/released.
For years I would tailor my songs for the listings and known needs and would more often than not hear, "nice song" (but pass).
Over time I've learned the hard way what labels, publishers, and music pros mean by "on target." So this class will explore what it really means, how to gauge our songs, and the dreaded realization that if we are too on target, we can actually be off target!
Join us for real music industry talk - transparent, authentic and vulnerable.
As we move and grow together forward!
Welcome to Coaching.
Whether you’re an established artist or an aspiring writer just starting out, I provide personalized lessons to help you reach your musical goals. I have years of experience as a songwriter, producer, and music industry professional, and I use this knowledge to help you develop your songwriting and creative skills.
My lessons are tailored to each individual’s needs and learning style. I provide guidance, feedback, and resources to help you become the creative you want to be. Learn how to develop titles and concepts in modern ways. Then translate those ideas in to modern, conversational lyrics. From there, phrasing and music development happen until we reach the completion of a well-delivered song that can be shopped, pitched, released, or signed for sync placement.
No matter your age or experience level, or where you live in the world, the music industry is big enough for you to succeed.
Let’s grow together.
