Eye on Pop: When did you first realize you wanted to be a musician?
Jimmy Mallia: I have played guitar since I was 13 but put it down for decades. Then 16 years ago I picked it back and started writing songs. After years of writing the songs I wanted to release them, hoping someone would pick them up and record them. Then I decided why not me? So I started recording them. So I started late in life. 60.
Eye on Pop: What was the first song you ever wrote, and what inspired it?
Jimmy Mallia: Cover Me was the first song I wrote. I was going through a rough time in life. The thought came to me that I wished I could escape life.
Eye on Pop: Who are your biggest musical influences?
Jimmy Mallia: I have a range of influences. Jim Croce. Johnny Cash. John Prine. Bob Dylan. Dolly Pardon. Cat Stevens.
Eye on Pop: What challenges did you face early in your career, and how did you overcome them?
Jimmy Mallia: The biggest obstacle was myself. Fear of playing in front of others. Fear I wasn’t good enough and no one would like my songs.
Eye on Pop: Have there been any pivotal moments or turning points in your career?
Jimmy Mallia: Releasing my first song a year ago was such a big step. I was throwing myself and my music out there. Most of my songs are extremely personal. It was a big step that changed everything.
Eye on Pop: What accomplishment in your career are you most proud of?
Jimmy Mallia: That 4 of my songs have made the top 10 of the top emerging artists.
Eye on Pop: What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long day of recording or performing?
Jimmy Mallia: I work out a lot which releases stress and is very important at my age.
Eye on Pop: How do you stay true to yourself while evolving as an artist?
Jimmy Mallia: I don’t know any other way than to be true to myself. My songs are mostly about my life sung the way I hear them. I hope it is well received but I am not willing to change them to be well received.
Eye on Pop: How do you engage with your fans online and offline?
Jimmy Mallia: Mostly social media.
Eye on Pop: What’s the most meaningful interaction you’ve had with a fan?
Jimmy Mallia: My 12-year-old grandson came over one day and said his friend heard my music and was a big fan and didn’t believe I was his grandfather. That was fun!
