About Jim

Jim Waneka began performing professionally at age five, when patrons at a local venue took up a collection as payment for his impromptu vocal performance. The very next year, he won the first singing contest he entered. This heralded a rare natural talent that his parents encouraged but also gave space to fully develop on its own.    As a teen growing up in Boulder, Colorado, Jim started steadily building a successful side gig playing local venues, weddings, and state fairs. He then began dabbling in songwriting, and shortly after turning nineteen completed  his first musical compositions.

It seemed inevitable that Jim’s music career would surely take off, but in his mid-thirties Jim reached a crossroads. He had to decide whether to continue with his struggling music career or focus on raising a family and the endless demands of building the construction business he started. He chose the latter, locking his guitar and budding musical talent away, completely removing them from his life. In a sense,   it was the right decision, as Jim raised six incredible kids and grew his business from a one-man shop.   to a multi-state success. However, it appeared that fate had decided Jim’s musical excellence would  remain forever silent.

Then something remarkable happened. Less than two years ago a voice came to Jim and started him   on an entirely new path for his life, including an often-painful rebirth of his unparalleled music and commanding voice that some have compared to a young Johnny Cash, and songs that are reminiscent of Dwight Yoakam, George Straight, Merle Haggard, and Garth Brooks. Compelled to follow this powerful guiding spirit, Jim picked up a guitar once again to resume his musical quest, to the delight of those he’s held close and all of us who can now be part of this significant musical experience.

Writing all his own music, Jim began recording in the studios of L.A., Nashville, and his new home in legendary Muscle Shoals. Jim partnered with some of the world’s best veteran musicians at the absolute top of their craft, who have recorded and toured with everyone from the Allman Brothers to Jeff Beck to Little Richard to Hank Williams, Jr. to Neil Young and many, many others. Jim has also pulled in young local musicians, all of whom add their virtuoso talents to the forceful soundtracks on an upcoming six-song EP that sizzles with energy, emotion, and an honesty that is deep and genuine.

These remarkable songs hold depth and breadth that is timeless, yet display a razor-sharp edge honed by today’s experiences. With no overly slick studio effects – some of the tracks were recorded in the living room of a 100-year old rented house – the music is right from the heart with truthful lyrics and clear vocals that unfailingly hit their mark. Jim’s broad range of musical influences includes the aforementioned Johnny Cash and Garth Brooks, plus Elvis, Chris Stapleton, the band Chicago, – even Tony Bennett, Earth, Wind and Fire, and the Beach Boys, plus several more.

Many of these songs are brand new while some have lain dormant for a quarter-century, now reawakened with a renewed and refreshed outlook. All are sourced from a forceful spirit that guides Jim through the creative process, offering a unique perspective and experience.

These songs tell enthralling stories about rivers and roads, wrongs, and rights. And they all teach about the unexplained mysteries, spiritual experiences, and deep love discovered along this twisting, turning path – the shared journey called life.

Jim Waneka began performing professionally at age five, when patrons at a local venue took up a collection as payment for his impromptu vocal performance. The very next year, he won the first singing contest he entered. This heralded a rare natural talent that his parents encouraged but also gave space to fully develop on its own. As a teen growing up in Boulder, Colorado, Jim started steadily building a successful side gig playing local venues, weddings, and state fairs. He then began dabbling in songwriting, and shortly after turning nineteen completed his first musical compositions.

It seemed inevitable that Jim’s music career would surely take off, but in his mid-thirties Jim reached a crossroads. He had to decide whether to continue with his struggling music career or focus on raising a family and the endless demands of building the construction business he started. He chose the latter, locking his guitar and budding musical talent away, completely removing them from his life. In a sense it was the right decision, as Jim raised six incredible kids and grew his business from a one-man shop to a multi-state success. However, it appeared that fate had decided Jim’s musical excellence would remain forever silent.

Then something remarkable happened. Less than two years ago a voice came to Jim and started him on an entirely new path for his life, including an often-painful rebirth of his unparalleled music and commanding voice that some have compared to a young Johnny Cash, and songs that are reminiscent of Dwight Yoakam, George Straight, Merle Haggard, and Garth Brooks. Compelled to follow this powerful guiding spirit, Jim picked up a guitar once again to resume his musical quest, to the delight of those he’s held close and all of us who can now be part of this significant musical experience.

Writing all his own music, Jim began recording in the studios of L.A., Nashville, and his new home in legendary Muscle Shoals. Jim partnered with some of the world’s best veteran musicians at the absolute top of their craft, who have recorded and toured with everyone from the Allman Brothers to Jeff Beck to Little Richard to Hank Williams, Jr. to Neil Young and many, many others. Jim has also pulled in young local musicians, all of whom add their virtuoso talents to the forceful soundtracks on an upcoming six-song EP that sizzles with energy, emotion, and an honesty that is deep and genuine.

These remarkable songs hold depth and breadth that is timeless, yet display a razor-sharp edge honed by today’s experiences. With no overly slick studio effects – some of the tracks were recorded in the living room of a 100-year old rented house – the music is right from the heart with truthful lyrics and clear vocals that unfailingly hit their mark. Jim’s broad range of musical influences include the aforementioned Johnny Cash and Garth Brooks, plus Elvis, Chris Stapleton, the band Chicago, – even Tony Bennett, Earth, Wind and Fire, and the Beach Boys, plus several more.

Many of these songs are brand new while some have lain dormant for a quarter century, now reawakened with a renewed and refreshed outlook. All are sourced from a forceful spirit that guides Jim through the creative process, offering a unique perspective and experience.

These songs tell enthralling stories about rivers and roads, wrongs and rights. And they all teach about the unexplained mysteries, spiritual experiences, and deep love discovered along this twisting, turning path – the shared journey called life.