Joey James has been a cornerstone of Boston’s creative scene for years, proving that versatility and selflessness are the keys to longevity. In his latest conversation with The MUSUEM TV, Joey takes us through his journey, which has spanned multiple disciplines—music, art, clothing, and more. From creating DVDs and graphics to promoting events, Joey has done it all, making him one of Boston’s most dedicated and influential figures in the local hip-hop infrastructure.
Joey’s artistic journey began at age 4, when he first picked up a pencil and started drawing. His passion for creativity only grew from there, leading him to explore music, business, and even fashion. A graduate of the prestigious Boston Arts Academy, Joey took the lessons learned there and applied them to the real world. He kicked off his music career in 2010, performing in iconic venues like Mark Maron.
Despite the numerous roles he’s played in Boston’s creative ecosystem, Joey is quick to say that his core approach is simple: just do it. “I’m a doer,” he says. “I don’t wait for things to happen. I make them happen.” His hands-on approach and fearlessness in trying new things have kept him at the forefront of Boston’s evolving creative landscape.
Joey’s commitment to helping others is evident in his many ventures. He founded The Overlook magazine, a platform that gives artists an opportunity to showcase their work. As an artist manager, Joey is focused on artist development, making sure they understand not just the creative side, but the business side as well. One of his current projects is managing young talent, BML Jr., a promising artist he believes will have a huge impact on the scene.
But Joey isn’t stopping there. He’s currently working on his clothing brand, Artist Dead, which carries the bold slogan, “Create, Die, Live Forever.” Alongside this, he’s developing a podcast to share his wealth of knowledge and collaborating with local venue Roadrunner to create more opportunities for Black and Hispanic artists in the community.
Joey’s philosophy on success is rooted in action and community. “People sit around waiting for something to happen,” he says. “I tell them to just do it. Don’t be afraid to fail—create value, create opportunities.” His goal is to expand visibility for local artists, especially in underrepresented communities, and his efforts are already making waves.
As he looks to the future, Joey’s eyes are set on rebranding and organizing events for the spring and summer. With a passion for growing Massachusetts’ creative scene and building platforms for local talent, he’s focused on continuing to support and uplift the next generation of artists.
