Brotha James

“When we connect the things we love with our talents and passions, we gain superpowers,” says soulfully sage singer-songwriter, author, and inspirational speaker brotha James.

It took the Elk Rapids, Michigan-based artist many years and travails to unlock his own potential, though. In his former life as Jeremy Reisig, he was a hotshot kitchen knives salesman pulling a six-figure salary, occasionally pursuing music ventures. However, when a string of musical projects imploded, and Jeremy found himself a marginally accomplished hype man/auxiliary percussionist out of a gig, he bounded back and reinvented himself as brotha James.

Through methodical self-growth gleaned from years in sales, and unflinching positivity, brotha James has built an empire of music as a motivational platform that in just three years is positioned to out-profit his sales career—his recent Kickstarter earned $100,000, and he’s set to enjoy a year where his gross profit will be an excess of $150k. How did he do it? Spend enough time with brotha James and he’ll show you.

brotha James shares his transformative message of positivity through a multi-tiered music platform. His robust offerings include club and festival appearances as a captivating performer with an exhilarating body of recorded work. brotha James is also a galvanizing speaker who can tailor appearances that mix inspirational speaking within a live concert setting. In addition, brotha James is an empathic facilitator/supervisor in corporate settings, fostering dialogue to help businesses improve interpersonal dynamics and productivity.

His live performances are enhanced by the addition of his brother Sean, a talented and seasoned drummer. Together these two brothers bring a dose of inspiration, positivity, and connection through high energy and engaging music.

“Studies of the brain reveal that good words are good for you, and uplifting music on its own can make you feel a certain way. If you can combine these two, you have a super force in positivity—the power of musical affirmation. That’s what I put forth with my music. It’s inevitable if you sing my songs your spirits will be lifted,” affirms brotha James.

His debut full-length album is named Abracadabra because of the one interpretation of the phrase which is “With these words I create.” For brotha James, the words he creates are life-changing. Album standouts include the balmy title track which pairs acoustic soul with Island flair, the hip-hop-flavored lilting reggae jam “Not My Mind,” and the stately piano-driven “Slow Down,” a poignant reminder of self-love.

Due to fan demand, brotha James will be releasing the album companion book, With Our Words We Create, which reveals the personal journeys of each song, and it also features appreciative inquiry workbook-style questions for self-growth.

Growing up, Jeremy, wanted to be either a baseball player or a professional musician. The former seemed more acceptable by society standards so he channeled his drive into that endeavor and ultimately earned a college scholarship. Two things, however, redirected his path: surgery for a shoulder injury and hearing a Cutco knives salesperson recruiter speak in a college basement. Dazzled by the opportunity, he swapped his sports ambitions for financial ones.

Feeling unfulfilled with salesperson superstardom, Jeremy came back to music, ultimately joining his brother’s band Funktion. However, after countless tours and brushes with success, the band folded. In response to this, and his continued drive to make music, Jeremy began to learn how to be a one-man band. He painstakingly taught himself how to loop, sing, play guitar and keys, and studied music formally. He emerged from this music boot camp as brotha James.

Up next, brotha James will be changing lives near you through live performances and with the release of Abracadabra. Though he’s managed to do what few musicians do, turn his passion into a lucrative business, for brotha James the real rewards are in the positive change he brings forth. He says: “The value of this has everything to do with meaningful exchanges and lifting souls.”