Meet Jim Middleton | Songwriter, guitarist and singer for The Soulstice Band

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jim Middleton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jim, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk is everything: In life are well as work. Anything that you love involves risk–to your ego, your finances, to your time and effort. Risk is what turns opportunity into reality. There are a lot of people out there who aspire to be musicians, to write and play music and get some appreciation back from the audience as evidence that they have something meaningful to say. But we made this happen! And that meant risking rejection, risking a good chunk of money, bruising each other’s ego to improve our collective sound, and risking the security of being a cover band for the unknown potential of writing and producing our own songs.

We were a great party band for a number of years, playing classic rock and country covers. People really liked us and our interpretation of their favorite songs. But we really didn’t take off until we decided to write and produce our own, original songs. Jim had been writing country and bluegrass songs for years, recording demo versions and sometimes performing them solo. Phil, our guitarist, had been experimenting with different rockabilly licks, and Alison had really been working on her folk and blues singing. John took up stand-up bass (he is a classically trained pianist and keyboardist), and began writing songs. Garry, our percussionist, began writing. And Mark our drummer, used his chops from his work with Dixieland and Doo-Wop bands to fuse elements of several different genres into our signature sound.

But it was Laura from the Time Out Lounge who also took a risk–she took a chance on us–and people showed up to see if we were any good. We were really good, and we began to gain new followers and new opportunities to play and record. From that original show, we now have a large network of musicians in Arizona who follow each other and support each other, we have many new followers, we have great studio recordings to sell, and we have more opportunities to play–the real ROI of taking these risks.

Yes, risk is everything.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The Soulstice Band distinguishes itself by fusing many genres of music together. We don’t want to be caught up in the genre-wars. Too many record companies, listening venues and festivals seem to want a narrow band of styles: Country, punk, shoe gaze, etc. Our influences as musicians are different, and the songs that move us differ, why shouldn’t a band draw from each of their experiences in their collective effort?

This is not easy at times. We have been turned down for gigs because we don’t do __________(insert genre here). But investing in recordings and video to distribute to potential gigs, people have been turned on by the fact that there is something for everybody in our music, that we take those recordings and give them extra energy in our live shows, and ultimately that people show up, spend money and make money for the venue.

We try to project positive messages in our music. Not that all of our music is happy. But, what we want is for people to be turned to a positive direction from listening to our lyrics. Sometimes our saddest songs are about the most beautiful things in life: love, a quest, loss and renewal. Women have power in our songs. Growing old doesn’t mean growing boring. The West, the land and the people in it, are beautiful. These are some of the themes that drive our message.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For a week in and around Tempe, we would take our friends to experience the beauty of Arizona’s deserts–to the many hiking trails around the Valley of the Sun–so they can learn about how interconnected the flora and fauna here are to the sun, the rain, and also to human encroachment.

We would also want them to experience some of the great restaurants in the area. Tacos Chiwas is definitely a stop, perhaps prior to a concert at The Rhythm Room, where you can always see great bands, local and touring. Tacos Chiwas has Chihuahuan-inspired tacos, burritos and Gorditas. Try the Deshebrada Gordita, and definitely get the elote–the best there is!

One evening we would definitely stop at The Undertow tiki bar in the Arcadia District, or its companion, Platform 18. These are immersive cocktail bars–The Undertow places you in the hold of a ship sailing (usually) in the South Pacific. Platform 18 takes you on a train ride through beautiful country. Each has a backstory and encourages patrons to dress to fit the times and the location in which they are immersed.

Four Peaks on 8th Street in Tempe would also be a stop for lunch or dinner. Everything there is just fantastic. We would make sure our friends try 8th Street Ale (which despite its name not being “Kiltlifter” is really their best brew).

For a great low-key day, we would take friends to the Desert Botanical Garden. A leisurely stroll through the flowers, cactus and aloe, and desert trees is relaxing and truly stunning, visually.

For music, in addition to the Rhythm Room, we would probably go to the Crescent Ballroom, get some great tacos-al-pastor or a Sonoran Dog, and then listen to one of the great touring acts they bring through every week. This small venue is one of the best secrets (not so secret anymore) of the AZ music scene.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We would like to thank Laura Kelly-Phillips, owner of the Time Out Lounge in Tempe for giving us our first gig as an original band. Laura has been a huge supporter of original music in Arizona for over 35 years. She has given many great bands their first start. We love her and continue to play there about every 3 months.

Don Salter, owner, and Damien LeClaire, lead engineer, of The Saltmine Studio Oasis in Mesa really taught us how to take our live sound and turn it into quality recordings. The transition wasn’t easy, but their suggestions and vast experience in the industry enabled us to produce our first album: I Don’t Need to Go to Nashville, and our upcoming EP: Bad Girl. They deserve a lot of love from the many musicians they have worked with, and we are grateful to them.

We would also like to thank the other original bands out there who have taught us so much, as we have watched your shows, played with you, and gotten many new opportunities through your advise and suggestions. We have been the recipients of great interactions with bands ranging from Americana to Rap to Punk. Jack OC and the Alien, Uncommon Crossroads, The Frogstranglers, Rocky Mountain Baby, Low Sea Trio, TA-80, Factory Reset, and many others are just great.

Website: https://www.soulsticebandaz.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulsticeband/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSoulsticeBand/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB0E5azN3RRN52JG9wGtxjg

Other: Bandcamp:
https://soulsticebandaz.bandcamp.com

Threads:
SoulsticeBand (@thesoulsticeband)

Image Credits
Tami Carda Photography