Today we’d like to introduce you to James Líôn
Hi James , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m James Líôn—an artist, producer, songwriter, and engineer from St. Louis.
From a young age, I’ve been surrounded by sound. Some might label it ADD or ADHD, but to me, it’s always been a gift. I was the kid in the lunchroom making beats on the table, fueling freestyle sessions. My love for rhythm began at six years old when I discovered the drums.
As a child, visits to my uncle’s home in Columbia, Missouri were transformative. His backyard shed was a treasure trove of instruments—drums, guitars, keyboards—and even housed a recording studio. Each visit, I would head straight to the drums, losing myself in hours of experimentation. Sometimes my dad, uncle, or brothers would join me, sparking impromptu jam sessions. These moments solidified my lifelong affinity for sound, rhythm, and movement.
High school was a turning point. At Clayton High, I discovered Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) like Garageband, Logic Pro, and Reason in a class called Electronic Music, taught by Kim Shelley. This class introduced me to the endless possibilities of audio production and recording. Surrounded by talented peers like Mvstermind (Muhammad Austin), Remrod (Eric Mayes), and B.Ware (Brandon Ware), we inspired and challenged each other. My first project, the Orange and Blue Mixtape, was recorded on a school iMac in soundproof practice rooms, blending my music with contributions from friends and classmates. It was in this class that my initial stage name, Jay Skillz, was born. A fun fact: I won my school’s talent show singing John Legend’s “Ordinary People.”
After high school, I attended Missouri Western State University, where I became known as the guy who made beats. My dorm room became a hub for music, drawing in curious listeners. However, my focus shifted when I moved back home following the birth of my daughter. Encouraged and supported by my stepfather, Walter, I rebranded myself as James Líôn—a name reflecting my identity as a Leo and my individuality.
Walter’s belief in me led to my first home studio setup, where I poured my energy into producing and recording. I even skipped Thanksgiving one year to finish and upload my debut album, The Concrete Jungle, to SoundCloud. Driven by ambition, I later moved to Atlanta and performed regularly at venues like The Apache Café, despite the challenges of being an underdog without a local fanbase. There, I released my second project, The Résumé.
My journey continued in New York, where I became part of the local music scene through events like End of the Weak’s weekly open mic. I headlined for the first time and gained more recognition through beat sets, leading to collaborations with Joel Ortiz from Eminem’s Shady label.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought me back to St. Louis, but it also sharpened my focus. With a clear plan and a list of goals, I’ve since achieved milestones that include releasing my EP, These Days, which was all produced, mixed and mastered by me, selling out my first headlining show at The Dark Room, and becoming “Artist of the Match” twice for the St. Louis City SC soccer team. My music was not only in consistent rotation at the soccer stadium, it even led to me performing own 60 minute set at one of the City Block Party Events. I’ve performed at venues like the Pulitzer Contemporary Art Museum and St. Louis Art Museum. I was even apart of the traveling hip-hop exhibit, THE CULTURE: HIP HO AND CONTEMPORARY ART IN THE 21ST CENTURY, which celebrated 50 years of Hip Hop and its impact on the culture. I was performed at local festivals like Music at the Intersection, Unity Fest, and a few others. Since being back I’ve released an EP called These Days and two singles “New Era” and “Hedge”.
Today, I’m dedicated to making my mark in St. Louis and shining a spotlight on the incredible talent within this city. Every accomplishment is a testament to my faith, perseverance, and love for the craft. The journey is far from over, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not, but thats the beauty of it. I wouldn’t have any story to tell had it all been smooth sailing. You know the old cliche saying ” It’s about the journey, not the destination.”
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a songwriter I’m very intentional with my words because words and thoughts can manifest very quicklyAs a. I’ll try to be mindful ofI’ll try to be mindful of the energy I put out into the universe. There’s enough poison out there and I don’t want to add to it. There is a theme of gratitude throughout a lot of my songs there’s also the story of triumph and pushing through. I try to send positive inspirational and motivational messages in my songs but in a way that today’s society can receive themI try toI try to give. Some may think it’s Gospel or Christian music at times and I’m OK with that but I don’t like to put myself in a box although I do mention God Or the presence there of in almost every songSome may think it’sSome may think it’s Gospel or Christian music.
As a producer I try to challenge myself and push boundaries. I don’t like to make just one type of sound I go with the feeling and where my mind takes meAs aAs a producer.
When it comes to mixing and mastering my music I try to make sure all the elements are felt and heard in a well-balanced well that’s pleasing to the ear form. . Because you can have a great song but if the mixes off it can turn the listener awayBecause you can have a greatBecause you can have a great song.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I believe that you have to put your faith in God and trust that everything will work out. Plenty of times I was unsure of the outcome but I prayed first and asked God for guidance and the ordering of my steps. I always ask if I’m not going the right way re-route me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejameslion
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/jameslion
- Twitter: https://x.com/thejameslion
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/jameslionmusictv
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/thejameslion
