The Musician, The Writer, The Businessman, The Dad
The Musician: My love for music began when I was just five years old, when I received my first guitar. Singing came naturally, and by middle school, I was already in my first band. Over the years, I played on countless stages across Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia, and beyond—from local VFW halls to Moose Lodges, and even at special events like Mane & Tail fundraisers for special needs communities. Music was my heartbeat. I began writing my first album in 2011. After a long hiatus—taking time to focus on being a father—I returned to music with renewed passion. By the end of 2025, that album was finally complete, and on New Year’s Day 2026, I released it. Since then, I’ve been steadily writing new music, with two albums already set for release: one on June 10th and another on July 4th. This is just the beginning of my musical journey.
The Writer: My journey as a songwriter began when I was 13 or 14—crafting lyrics for my early bands and dreaming of a truly authentic, original sound. I pushed myself to learn every instrument, so I could write every aspect of my music from the ground up. For years, songwriting was my language—each note, each word a piece of me. Now, that passion has led me beyond music into book writing. I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve just completed my first novel, "The Stranger." After years of writing songs, this is my first step into fiction. The book is currently in publishing and will be released on August 10th. I couldn’t be more excited to share this new chapter of my creative process.
The Businessman: I took my first step into business at 24, when I founded my own roofing company. Before that, I worked in construction, and roofing was the first trade I truly mastered. Over time, my career took different directions—I became a DJ, started a radio show, and eventually, after moving to Texas, I returned to construction. This time, I broadened my skills, building an all-in-one construction business from the ground up. Not stopping there, I expanded into heating and air conditioning, and today, I run a full-service HVAC company. But business didn’t stop there—I also own a radio station dedicated to unsung musicians, giving independent artists a global platform. And with Solo Sounds Productions, I help other musicians shape their dreams in the studio. As a businessman, I’m driven not just by building companies, but by building dreams—whether that’s a roof over your head, a song in your heart, or a vision coming to life.
The Dad: Above all else, being a dad has always been my greatest priority. I saved this part of my story for last because it is simply the best journey of my life. I have three older children who are now out in the world, forging their own paths, and I have two younger ones with whom I share every moment I can.Being there for them—showing up for them, guiding them, and doing all I can—has shaped me more than anything else. For a long time, I stepped away from music to focus on them. But as they grew, so did my passion. They’ve been my biggest supporters, encouraging me every step as I returned to music.Now, as I balance both worlds, I’m grateful every day for the love and strength they’ve given me.
James Berry was born on May 4th, 1980, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Kim and Jimmy Berry. Growing up in Virginia Beach alongside his two younger sisters, Misty and Lisa, James spent his early years by the ocean.At 15, his life took a turn as he moved to North Carolina to live with his mom after his parents separated. By 18, James found himself back on the coast in the Outer Banks, but soon returned to Virginia to stabilize his future. It was there, at 19, that he met his first wife, and together they had a child.Though the marriage didn’t last, it set James on a winding path. By 24, with three children in tow, he was building a construction business, moving from place to place as work took him to new horizons.After years of searching, James returned to North Carolina in the early 2010s, eventually settling in the Outer Banks once more where he met a woman and decided to start a life with her and her two daughters, Emma and Summer.But it was on January 1st, 2018, when he planted his roots in Sweetwater, Texas—buying a home, expanding his business, and building a future.Today, at 46, James still calls Sweetwater home. He balances his life helping raise Emma and Summer as his own daughters since he is no longer with their mother, and he shares parenting, as well as his thriving construction business with his music, his writing, and his passion for broadcasting.Hosting shows, releasing albums, writing books—his journey is still unfolding, and every step is a note in his song.
Milestones
A curated chronicle of creative breakthroughs, literary milestones, and the moments that define my artistic journey.
Released Album
Album Release: After years of dedication, I finally released my first official album. It began as a three-song EP, which dropped on January 1, 2026, but the full album, a ten-song collection titled "Life Goes On," was released on January 31. This album marked a turning point in my musical career, and seeing it out in the world was one of the most exhilarating moments of my life.
Radio Station Launch
Radio Station Launch: On March 30, 2026, I took a major step by launching my own radio station. Just a few days later, on April 2, we went on air for the first time. By May 1, we were running 24-hour programming, and every Saturday since, we've hosted live interviews with unsigned musicians and bands. This station is a platform for those who haven’t been heard, and every week, we’re amplifying voices that deserve to be out there.
Live Performance
Live Performances: As a teenager, I played countless birthday parties and neighborhood block parties with my garage band—often at Harley-Davidson gatherings, set up on porches for friends and family. But it wasn’t until the early 2000s that I stepped onto a major stage in Norfolk, Virginia—one that had hosted some of the biggest bands I had always dreamed of seeing live. Standing on that stage, in front of a large crowd, was one of the most exhilarating moments of my life—an experience that ignited my passion for live performance all over again.
Collaboration
Collaboration: Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some incredible artists. Most recently, I collaborated with Harrison Gast on his project "Nightmare of the Mind." I also teamed up with Kat, known as Mama Wolf, on songs. But beyond music, Harrison and I dove into writing. As first-time authors, we decided to intertwine our characters and worlds, creating a shared universe where our stories could coexist. This collaboration wasn’t just about music or writing—it was about building something bigger, together, from the ground up.
Recording Milestone
My recording milestone began in 2011, in my mother’s house, in my bedroom. I recorded a few songs that evolved into the desire to make a full album. After posting some videos on YouTube, I was signed by a label, and we discussed tours and record deals. But as I was evolving my sound, I chose a different path, and the label dropped me.I kept going solo, though, despite using secondhand equipment at first, which gave me poor recording quality. After taking a break to focus on being a dad, I finally built my own studio. With it, I was able to produce professional recordings, handle all my mixing and mastering, and that dedication led to the completion of my debut album—now available on all major platforms.
First Merch Drop
First Merch Drop Milestone: Although my official merch line hasn’t launched just yet, it’s in the works! I’m currently designing several key pieces, and the store will be going live soon. Once ready, you’ll be able to purchase directly from this site. Stay tuned—new merch drops will be available soon, and I can’t wait to share them with you all!