Meet Jimmy Landry | Musician

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

Hi Jimmy, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I don’t think people realize the amount of work that goes into each performance. Countless hours of practice is just the start. Then, especially when starting out, finding the right people to play with. Buying enough quality gear to actually be able to play in front of people. Making sure everyone knows the same songs. Learning how to set everything up, connect speakers, monitors, soundboard, etc. I think a lot of people think everyone just shows up and plays, and every musician can play with anybody. While playing music is incredibly fun and being on stage is like no other feeling in the world, the time spent preparing for that is exponentially longer than the time on stage. But, it’s all worth it!!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been playing professionally for 24 years. I played classical piano for four and a half years as a kid, but I gave it up because it wasn’t the style of music that I enjoyed. I barely played for about fifteen years. Then, while in the military, I bought a guitar. That was fun, but there was still something missing. I got my first keyboard and started playing all the time. After I got out of the Army and went back to college, I was asked to join a band. Six months later, I was playing with several bands and loving every minute of it. I knew I wanted more out of music than just college bar bands, so I started trying to work on my own original music and finding people who also played originals. Two of the first bands I played with did originals, and that was far more interesting and creative to me than just trying to play what someone else had already done.

Playing originals is, in itself, the biggest challenge. People tend to just want to hear songs they already know. Finding a venue to book you, getting a crowd to listen, etc. is far more difficult when they aren’t already familiar with the music. The artist has to prove a crowd will show up, but, if no one will book the band, how can you bring a crowd?

Currently, tribute bands are the biggest draws. I am very proud to play with two incredible tributes – Folly Pirates Over 40 – a Tribute to Jimmy Buffett and 54 Bicycles – a Tribute to Widespread Panic. There is a built-in crowd, the songs are a joy to play, and venues can simply be told “We are a tribute to…..” Both Jimmy Buffett and Widespread Panic are known for playing cover songs, but neither would be at the level they are without the originals. There’s just something really special about playing a song you wrote personally or that someone else on stage wrote.

I have had musicians, friends, and listeners tell me I have my own style. I am most proud of that instead of just being someone who is trying to sound like another artist. I have two albums recorded that are available on all streaming platforms under Jimmy Landry, and a third album is in the works. I have never given up on my own music, but I also know the reality of playing other people’s music to stay alive in the music business.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Folly Beach! One of the main reasons I moved to Charleston was to be near the beach, and Folly never disappoints. Brunch at Lost Dog, and a day at the beach is always a great day. Seanachi on Johns Island for drinks and dinner. Fast and French downtown for lunch (get the special – changes daily and is always good!). Angel Oak should be seen at least once if not more often. Charleston Pour House for music every night of the week. Depending on the time of year, Spoleto events are always interesting, fun, and entertaining. Forte Jazz Lounge for a wide variety of jazz styles. Bin 152 for excellent wine, charcuterie, and truffles. Salty Mike’s for a burger and to check out the boats. Patriot’s Point for fun music events and good scenery. The Refinery for music, drinks, and food. La Brasserie le Banque for dinner and drinks. There is so much to do in Charleston, this list could just go on and on!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Bradford Walker – I knew Bradford in college, and he was one of only two people I knew when I moved to Charleston. Bradford has been a staple at the Charleston Pour House, and he introduced me to a lot of the people I am still playing with over a decade later.

Website: https://jhlandry2172.wixsite.com/jlandry

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimmy.landry/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCarECYfuUPIVmt7Ef5lstfg