How does El Paso come alive in the songs that make up West Texas?
Jim: Most of what I write is at home. I do the fine tuning and recording at home by myself. I think there’s a lot of relief in the album. There is not a lot of urgency to this music. It’s very laid back. I think it’s because when I’m home I’m way laid back. These guys that I’m touring with have never seen me on tour so they are like ‘dude, you are uptight!’ I’m balancing an enormous amount of things at the same time. Family, touring, career, the future, and how I am going to eat. How do you react when a seventeen year old comes up to you and talks about how much your music has influenced their life? Jim: I’ve met kids that are thirteen or fourteen that are like ‘you’re a big influence on my band.’ That makes me laugh, in a good way. I like that my history has inspired people. I’d like to inspire them into thinking they can do it. There is nothing special about me. I don’t believe in the mysticism of stardom. Does it feel like things have come full circle because of that tour you announ
