James Watson is a versatile, award-winning violinist, composer, and collaborative artist based in Calgary, Alberta. Since completing his Bachelor of Music (with a minor in Linguistics) at the University of Calgary in 2021, James has carved out a distinctive path as a full-time freelance musician, known for his adaptability across genres and dedication to community-focused music-making. His work spans session playing, live performance, and education, building an eclectic and forward-thinking career.
James has held creative residencies at cSPACE, the Grand Theatre, and Arts Commons, and is a founding member of boundary-pushing ensembles like Music As Puppetry, Electronic Symphonia, Weather Without, and Deathlettuce. As a composer and arranger, he was commissioned by the Jakub Ciring Legacy Project to transcribe and orchestrate the late composer’s works—realizing Ciring’s final artistic vision.
His musical journey includes standout moments such as performing on the 70,000 Tons of Metal cruise with symphonic folk-metal band Cabrakaän, opening for the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra, presenting at Amsterdam’s 9th Rhythm Changes conference, performing for the Violins of Hope exhibit, and composing Bollywood-inspired pieces for full orchestra.
A seasoned orchestral musician, James has served as principal second violin for both the Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra and Electronic Symphonia, concertmaster of the Key 30 Orchestra, and has performed with ensembles including the Symphony of the Kootenays, Kamloops Symphony, and the Juno-nominated Orchestre de la Francophonie.
While rooted in classical, jazz, and folk traditions, James’s creative curiosity has led him to explore a wide range of genres—from mariachi and raga to Persian pop and avant-garde jazz-punk—making him one of Calgary’s most adventurous and sought-after musical collaborators.
Name:
James Watson
Genre:
Classical, Jazz, Folk, and Metal
# of albums:
9
Latest album:
Aztlan (with Cabrakaän)
Latest single:
Huitzilin (with Cabrakaän)
Latest video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Canadian folk legend Stan Rogers
Favourite musician now:
Armenian jazz pianist/crossover artist Tigran Hamasyan
Guilty pleasure song:
Rather Be by Clean Bandit – it’s so peppy, and last year I was in the top 1% of listeners for this track.
Live show ritual:
I prep all my gear the night before, so I have time to catch anything I may have missed. I also do some physical activity right before going on stage—yoga stretches, pushups, or resistance band work (which I always keep in my gig bag). It grounds me.
Favourite local musician:
Donovan Seidle, an accomplished classical violinist and composer who fearlessly crosses genre boundaries.
EP or LP?
I prefer LPs. I listen to one new album every day to expand my musical palette.
Early bird or night owl?
I’m naturally a night owl, but as a full-time musician, I have to be both. One time, I headlined a late-night show out of town with Deathlettuce and was up early the next morning for an Easter Sunday church gig.
Road or studio?
I prefer the studio—where I can refine and perfect the creative process in a high-pressure environment. But I love the road too, for the connections and shared experiences with collaborators.
Any shows or albums coming up?
I’m performing September 3–7 in a show run with Ammolite Opera at the Evan Hanzell Theatre.
Where can we follow you?
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
Favourite local restaurant:
Tibet Kitchen in the Kensington neighbourhood of Calgary
Favourite street in your city and why?
Stephen Avenue – the warm lighting creates an artsy, inviting mood. It’s a great walking route.
Favourite park in your city and why?
Prince’s Island Park – they host amazing outdoor concerts and festivals.
Favourite music venue in your city:
Jack Singer Concert Hall
Favourite music store in your city:
Hot Wax Records.
