Casual

“Relax. Refresh. Renew. Play. Sing. Laugh. Enjoy. Forgive. Dance. Love. Hug. Share. Kiss. Create. Explore. Hope. Listen. Dare. Trust. Dream. Learn. TODAY!” ― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience

The 4th photo entry for my weekly Self Portrait Journal.  A 52 week glimpse into the attributes of James Olmos.

Week Four - Casual

Living in Southern California, I'm a pretty casual guy.  You'll usually find me outside of anything stylish in regards to fashion . . . jeans and t-shirts . . . shorts and tank tops.  I'm far from lazy though; I'll give 110% to things I'm passionate about and you could never pull me away from things I've set my mind to accomplish.

In contrast, I'm extremely distracted.  (ADD)

P.S. I absolutely love my red chair.

From Self Portrait Journal - 52 Project

Listener

“The word 'listen' contains the same letters as the word 'silent'.” ― Alfred Brendel

The 3rd photo entry for my weekly Self Portrait Journal. A 52 week glimpse into the attributes of James Olmos.

Week Three - Listener

I've always considered myself a good listener. I've never been one to talk a lot so listening came natural. I can drive for hours, with the radio turned off, and just be with my thoughts. I can lay down, my back to the earth, close my eyes or stare into the sky and just "listen".

I've always been this way.

When I write the lyrics to my songs, or when I write poetry, I sometimes just listen to the melody or rhythm in my head, then write a few words . . . pause and listen . . . then write a few more words.

Silence is the breakthrough to listening.

Perceptive

Week Two - Perceptive

People speak volumes about themselves in the simplicity of being; we only need "eyes" to acknowledge it and process it.

The 2nd photo entry for my weekly Self Portrait Journal. A 52 week glimpse into the attributes of James Olmos.

I see. Sometimes I sit in silence with my eyes closed. There is so much that we can learn about ourselves with our eyes wide shut.

Have you ever "just known" something about someone? Maybe you've never met before, yet you have a sense about them. I don't consider this judging or profiling; it's intuitive perception of the soul, mind and spirit.

Do you allow yourself to be perceptive beyond what you know?

Vulnerable

The first photo entry for my weekly Self Portrait Journal.  A 52 week glimpse into the attributes of James Olmos.

Week One - Vulnerable

I am fragile.  Yet, within fragility I am strong.  As I continue to express myself through songwriting, photography, painting and poetry . . . I offer myself up for criticism and judgment.  I also open myself to empowerment.  For there is strength and beauty found in abandonment when you release your passions in silent surrender.

Am I hiding behind this door or am I opening the door?  Do you have eyes to see beyond the shadows behind me?  Are you curious or do you even care about the passions beyond the threshold?

I do not want to be held captive by my fears.  I choose to open the door.  I know I will be broken . . . I know I will heal.

i love you.

James Olmos Music - Newsletter #3

I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music.

Billy Joel

I love this quote by, Billy Joel.  Music is healing in so many ways and on so many levels.  I get excited when I'm able to share my music to support a cause.  This month I had the privilege to offer my songs to support:

Autism Awareness - raises awareness of Autism and donates funds for Autism Society
Compassion Song - offers deep support for children via music and counseling
Artists In The Plus - compilation album supporting independent artists globally via G+
Oso Creek Eco Challenge - Earth Day Arbor Day community awareness of nature

Other News

• New Music Videos - uploaded new music videos - please subscribe
• Live Performance - you're invited as I perform at the Oso Creek Eco Challenge
• I was ZOMBIFIED - check out Byron Rempel's art and get yourself Zombified
• The Song Lounge - I host a show about music, philosophy and awesomeness
• Take One Project - new artists added
• LA Music Examiner - quick mention of me regarding my song contribution

How can I help?

• Sharing is caring - please join me on my social networks and share the musical love

Keep enjoying the moments ~

James

Sex On Fire

Kings of Leon, Sex On Fire video with a twist!

Listen for The Police - Message In A Bottle - mixed in to this cover song.

A James Olmos Music Video  

Please share this video on your social networks. And thanks for watching!

Breath On Me

Please listen to my newest song addition for my "Take One Project".  These recordings are works-in-progress (incomplete, raw, organic) for my next full album.  I'll choose 12 songs from this "Take One Project" and properly record them for my upcoming album.

Get Physical CD's & MP3's from my last album!

New Artwork Collaboration

I'm collaborating with Google Plus Artists and featuring their photos and artwork as the thumbnail picture for my songs.  Each song in the "Take One Project" will feature different artwork from photographers and artists across the globe!

The seventh artist is Willi Bambach.  Bambach is a “sui generis” artist who works with many mediums.  He says, "Inside the shapes we catch a glimpse of hints of intangible worlds, reachable only by abandoning all the usual patterns of thinking."  Please click here to view Bambach's portfolio.

I also collaborated musically with a brilliant guitarist +Mike Majesty.  Mike and his band is also responsible for all additional instruments played on this track, aside from my vocals and acoustic guitar.

For collaborative details please click Willi Bambach's photo

Willi Bambach's work is the thumbnail art for

'Breath On Me'

This song is about the "walls" we build around ourselves to shelter our pains.

She moves me on the water
She takes me cross the sea
Like the thunder in the heavens
She brings me to my knees


She hides me in the shadow
She bleeds in me her pain
With the tears that fall from her eyes
I bathe in her new rain

Chorus 1
Breathe on me your fire
Breathe on me your light
And these walls that kiss the heavens
Will keep us safe tonight

Chorus 2
In this tomb of isolation
No tears to wash me clean
Cause the higher this wall rises
The less I feel the pain

She calms me with a whisper
She moves me with her eyes
Like the midnight sweat from a broken dream
She comes from deep inside

She traps me in the mountains
She keeps me far from love
This journey that was meant for me
Was stolen from above

Bridge
And I will honor your love
Cause our walls are the same
Our eyes they search for sunlight
As we look out past the pain - the pain

Words & Music by +James Olmos & +Mike Majesty
Artwork by +Willi Bambach  bit.ly/UexPdp

Previous Artists: +Astrid MJ. Houchin +Michael Bastia +Sherrie von Sternberg +Billy Wilson +Paulissa Kipp +Suzen JueL

Want More Music!

60+ songs are available for listening on my website!  More artists and photographers are welcome to support this project!  All current songs and future songs require artwork.

You can always contact me via my website www.jamesolmos.com or Google Plus and view the collection of collaborative works here.