James R. Southall

James R. Southall III (born July 5, 1987 in Orlando, Florida) is an American songwriter, guitarist and session musician who has worked with a number of bands in Orlando and the greater Central Florida region; including Forever From Now, Roadside Assistance, Groove Illusion, Jester James, and Cure For Caska among others.

Biography and Influences

Southall took music and piano lessons for several years when he was younger, but mostly grew up with little MusicAL influence in his childhood. He quickly gained an interest in playing music after watching a performance of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" at a high school event.

Southall took around 6 months of guitar lessons before deciding to become self-taught. His first guitar was a late 70's era Alvarez Regent by Alvarez Guitars handed down to him by his father.

Some of Southall's general influences include Metallica, Van Halen, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Godsmack, Sevendust, Dark New Day, Steve Vai, and Joe Satriani. He credits learning, frequently playing, and improvising to Satriani's music with developing his current finger speed, musical knowledge and guitar technique.

Education

Southall graduated from Edgewater High School in Orlando; he currently attends The University of Central Florida.

Gear

James uses ESP guitars and Line 6 amplifiers.

Discography

EPs