Catch Of The Week: James Hewitt
Meet James Hewitt from Upton, MA
I first came to know James when he performed with another Local Catch artist, Tim Buono, at Six String in Foxboro, for Local Country Comes Together, a benefit for the Country Women Cancer Fund. Their styles and voices meshed really well together. But now James has released his debut single and is ready to share it with the world
“Hope It Stays the Same” opens with a guitar riff that conjures up a reflective mood, an open road and definitely a Jason Aldean vibe. Hewitt’s voice is strong, and yet still able to convey a sensitivity, when the lyrics call for it. He comes off as deeply connected to his subject; his home, his town, his past. There is pain and heartache, but in the end, it’s all led James to where he is now. And he wouldn’t have it any other way.
The love of music started with karaoke in the Hewitt home. James grew up watching his parents sing karaoke and that sparked his interest. Before long, he was entering contests and winning. Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney and Dierks Bentley have all inspired James to sing, and cover their songs. But the yearning to create his own music was driving him. Hewitt is paving his own roads now; writing his own songs and putting his own stamp on his future… a future that sure sounds bright.
James Jams
“Hope It Stays the Same”
Hewitt calls this an “ode to home.” He says, “growing up in the same town your whole life comes with it’s ups and downs. There’s nothing flashy about it. It’s actually very imperfect, but yet also perfect in every way because it shapes who you eventually grow into. ‘I wouldn’t change a thing, hope it stays the same.'”
Hewitt Spews It
Grew up in: Upton MA
Now lives in: Northbridge MA
Current single: “Hope It Stays the Same”
What lead you to music: My parents singing Karaoke!
How old when you started: about 16
First country song you learned: “Bullets in the gun” by Toby Keith was my first ever song I sang in front of people
Instruments played: I’d say my vocals are my main Instrument, but I also been playing guitar for a couple years now. Practice makes perfect!
How would you describe your sound: I’ve had people describe my sound to Brantley Gilbert or Aaron Lewis
Who inspires you: Definitely inspired by Toby Keith and Aaron Lewis. But one of my biggest inspirations is Freddie Mercury! He had Amazing stage presence.
Awards/accolades : I have won a couple Karaoke contests. Won both with the same song “Whos Your Daddy” by Toby Keith!
Dream duet partner: TIM BUONO!!
All- time favorite country song: I get goosebumps every time I hear “Way Out Here” by Josh Thompson or “Somewhere with You” by Kenny Chesney
First country concert: Kenny Chesney with Zac Brown band
What songs do you like now on Country 1025: I always love anything Kenny Chesney or Dierks Bentley!
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: Probably construction or property investment.
Day Job: construction and property investing!
Most proud moment: Winning 1st place in the 2020 Valley Pub Olympics with my Dad as my partner #1!
Crazy thing that happened in your music career: Set up a full band show on a sidewalk in Worcester and played for 4 hours. Had dozens of people come around and have a great time!
Other things you like to do: my favorite thing to do in my free time is to just hang out my girlfriend and our dog or go out with friends and family!
Fun facts: I’m an unapologetic SUPER nerd. DC, Marvel or Star Wars! All of it, I Love it all! I’m also in a Rock and Roll Band called “The 45” name comes from the street address we practice at and where the band was formed, but there a lot of different ways it can be interpreted!
Mantra: “A little bit of Country, A little more Rock n Roll and a Whole Lotta Love”
James and his domains
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.
*Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing: carolyn.kruse@bbgi.com
