Are you ready for a ride to New York? We’re going to visit an awesome man today. He's a singer, songwriter, musician, and also worship leader at Gracepoint Gospel Fellowship. James Koan III joins us on this episode of dHarmic Evolution! James’ songwriting incorporates lyrical poetry as I do. It is combined with rock, pop, punk, melodies, folk, influenced sonic soundscapes, with an indie-rock edge pulling influences from artists, such as Switchfoot, Relient K, The Beatles, Colony House, and the Beach Boys. These awesome sounds are right on the show today! We will be listening to his first single “Neanderthals” that has a punchy pop-punk cut, followed by “You Are There,” an acoustic rock ballad inspired by the Psalms. Get to know more about this young man, listen to his great music, and see his aspirations in the future. Let’s give a warm dHarmic Evolution welcome for James Koan III! More about James Koan III While James is still working on his website, make sure to follow and support him on Instagram and Facebook to get updates on what he is currently doing. You can out-check all the links provided below! Quotes: 03:31 “I'm honored to think that it's at a high standard. Sometimes I wish it could be even better than that, but I’m always trying to challenge myself.” 20:46 “...when I had the opportunity to play music, I just realized this is what I'm supposed to do. This is what God has given me as a gift, and he's calling me to use it for His glory.” 40:29 “Maybe it's almost eight years ago now officially, but when I was writing this, it was just a means of a reminder. I think I was looking to find the answers and the situation where I was just a little sad and confused and I looked and I found it. Well, of course I mean, everyone knows Psalm 23. But looking into Psalm 139 where it says you've searched me, Lord, you know me, you know when I sit, when I rise and you understand everything about me, and if I ascend into the highest heavens, you're there, for making my bed in the depths of Sheol, you're there. That whole idea I just thought, “I want to put this in the song.” 50:37 “For me, I would love to share the songs on the road and network with other artists that have made it big. If I could get myself to the top, I mean, I will. But all in God's timing and if it's in his will. The thing I have to understand is that I can't rush the process, you have to enjoy the experience.” 52:44 “I guess for other worship leaders that are out there listening to this, who may be looking for a place in between where you want to honor God with your music, but you don't know if that's just in the church. Know that the church is a place that God has put you for a time, and he will put you there, but there is also a world that we have yet to reach. I would say, don't be afraid to take risks, don't be afraid to try something new and different, and be willing to be told you're wrong.” 55:57 “I think I love that you're encouraging other people and innovating or working with other innovators and helping others have a platform to share what God has put on their heart.” Timestamps:   01:54 Introducing James Koan III 03:50 James shares about Arizona. 05:44 James talks about why he moved out to New York. 08:19 A little backstory on what ”Neanderthals” is about. 11:15 Listen to “Neanderthals” by James Koan III 16:10 James brings us to the studio while putting together” Neanderthals” 18:44 James Koan III as a worship leader 23:44 James shares his responsibilities and highlights of being a worship leader 28:17 The tremendous amount of work that is included in every week’s worship services 34:20 Listen to “You Are There” by James Koan III 37:20 The production and the instruments included in “You are there” 39:58 The story and the references of the song “You Are There” 45:18 What does James like to do when he is not creating, writing, or putting together worship? 48:18 What are James' aspirations and what is he looking forward to in the future? 52:07 James’ sho