JAMES I.V.

PRODUCER / LYRICIST / VISUALIZER

JAMES I.V., born James Issak Varain, a man whose mind is so creatively charged, he literally named his empire "HecticMindstate." Hailing from the picturesque borough of Chicoutimi in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec, James is a true global citizen, having bounced around Japan and the states of Florida, Michigan, Mississippi, and most recently, the Chicagoland area. He credits this rather nomadic existence for partially influencing his work, which makes sense – how else do you get such a unique sound if not by collecting passport stamps and diverse experiences?

Once upon a time, James was an emcee with a lyrical prowess so sharp, he simply couldn't find beats worthy of his rhymes. So, like any self-respecting independent artist, he thought, "Fine, I'll do it myself!" He started making his own beats, and apparently, he was a quick study, because soon enough, other artists were knocking on his door, begging for his tracks. This lightbulb moment led him to realize he could ditch the "gatekeepers" and "powers that be" entirely, opting to distribute his own music. Because who needs permission when you've got talent and a healthy dose of self-reliance?

His style? Innovative, dense, and, as he succinctly puts it, "hectic!" This isn't just a descriptor; it's a lifestyle. Hence, the birth of HecticMindstate Music, his record label and production company, and HecticMinds, an art collective that sounds like a creative superhero team, comprised of musicians, graphic artists, filmmakers, photographers, and writers. As the fearless founder of both, he masterfully delegates and organizes, birthing pure creation out of what might look like beautiful chaos to the rest of us.

Beyond the studio, James is a man of intriguing pursuits. He's a proud member of the Church of the SubGenius (look it up, it's a trip) and apparently frequents self-help seminars, proving that even creative geniuses need a little guidance now and then. He's fluent in French and, perhaps more impressively, Tutnese – a secret language that probably comes in handy for those top-secret beat negotiations. When he's not conjuring sonic landscapes, you might find him building robots (because, why not?), getting lost in the gritty charm of '70s crime dramas and sitcoms, or, for a real thrill, juggling knives.

His inspirations are as vast as his travel history, drawn from every corner of life: movies, conversations, instruments, and a legendary roster of artists like The Bomb Squad, DJ Muggs, The Alchemist, Goldie, The Neptunes, and Parliament-Funkadelic. While he mainly produces hip-hop, he sprinkles in elements of electronic and experimental styles, ensuring that a JAMES I.V. track is always, unequivocally, unique.

"Electronic. Experimental. Psychedelic. Afro-futuristic. Dusted and Distinct." These aren't just words; they're the sonic signature of a JAMES I.V. composition. His music reels in a wonderfully mixed bag of listeners, from the street-smart hustlers to the disillusioned music school dropouts. Essentially, if you appreciate original, eclectic, unpredictable music that makes your head nod and your soul vibe, you're probably already a fan.