Xbox LIVE Artist of the Month Program

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Artist of the Month:

James Otto

Published June 2, 2008

John Rich of the country duo Big & Rich refers to him as "The Biggest Voice in Country Music," and James Otto lives up to that billing with a body of well-respected work. Otto's first album, Days of Our Lives, was critically acclaimed but under-promoted. Now with Warner Bros./Raybaw Records, Otto's newest release, Sunset Man, is already shaking up the country charts with his number one hit "Just Got Started Lovin' You."

James Otto.

"As long as I can possibly remember I have been obsessed with music," Otto says. "Listening to it on the radio, getting into my mom's record collection—my tastes have changed, but music has been there my whole life. I got a record player with a mic on it when I was three or four, and I've been singing ever since." His father taught him three guitar chords: C, G, and D. And then, Otto was off learning to play songs from Led Zeppelin and ZZ Top. A move to Sand Mountain, Alabama, introduced him to the world of country music and artists such as Johnny Cash, Buck Owens, and Willie Nelson. "That stuff hit me really hard," he says. "It changed my whole life and perception of music."

After a stint in the Navy, Otto sold his '72 Chevelle to move to Nashville and begin his recording career. He eventually hooked up with the MuzikMafia, touring and performing with a group of musicians who always put music first. "It was one of the most fun, creative points in my life. I was living my dream—touring, writing, and playing live, high-energy shows every night with my best friends. Does it get any better than that?!"

Now signed with Warner Bros./Raybaw, James Otto's Sunset Man is available in stores. Produced by John Rich and Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts, Otto wrote nine of the eleven songs on the release, showcasing his strong songwriting abilities. "Just Got Started Lovin' You" is just the initial single. You can be sure that other tracks such as the sad "When A Woman's Not Watching" or the amusing "Drink & Dial" will get some serious airplay as well. "I really just want it to be a round body of work that's representative of me as a person and an artist—all sides of who I am." Otto continues, "Now that it's done, I feel really good about it. I never wanted to make a record that's one dimensional, and I don't think the album could ever be accused of that."

Look for James Otto videos available on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace!