James FW Thompson

Hello everybody and welcome back to another first show Friday! This week is extra special, not only because we had the pleasure of talking to an amazing local musician, but it's also our fifteenth edition of First Show Friday… They grow up so fast, felt like just yesterday we were sitting in the office making up fun things to do on our socials 😭 anywayyss… we couldn't think of any better way to celebrate our 15th First show Friday then to talk to the one and only, James Fw Thompson.

“The first show I ever played was (around?) 1997. It was a coffee house put on by my friend's sister Jill at The Southend Community Centre (before it was called that). It was a very, very long time ago. Many of you may not have been born yet. I am old. I played two songs: Where Did You Sleep Last Night? (the Nirvana version) and one of my own called “Warp 9” that I recall believing had super clever lyrics but I know they were complete gibberish. However, my best memory of that show is thinking “this is a coffee house with cool, older people who drink coffee. I must also drink coffee!” and then proceeded to drink a cup of ¼ coffee, ¼ milk and ½ sugar. Not sure why this stands out to me so clearly, but it really does.”

James not only plays solo but has played in many bands over the years, including but not limited to Jedi Mind Trick, Tamarack, and Micheal Jackson takes Tokyo. He's been one of the staple members of the local scene for as long as we can remember, always brightening whatever room he is in. 

“I do remember being super nervous (there were some big late 90s CBLocals names on the bill) but when I actually played it went away because of how super supportive everyone was. To be clear: I was not good, but everyone made me feel like I nailed it. I've always loved being a part of that scene because of that support.”

Overall how was the experience?

“A range of gut-wrenching, super-proud, and hopped up on sugar. A definitive example of what a first show should be.”

These days we see James playing both solo and in the band inside. It's always great having James around and we hope to see much more of him in the future. Big thanks to James for talking to us this week. Well see you all again next week for another First Show Friday.