Today we’d like to introduce you to James.
Hi James , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Stone Cottage Studios began during the uncertainty of Covid, when live music—and the sense of connection around it—suddenly disappeared. I started it alongside my dad, Jamie, here in Boulder, with a simple intention: create a space where musicians could still share their work, be heard, and feel supported. What began as a way to safely livestream performances quickly grew into something more meaningful.
As artists came through, it became clear there was a deeper need—not just for a stage, but for a place that felt like home. We leaned into that. Over time, Stone Cottage evolved into an intimate venue and creative studio where live performances, thoughtful conversations, and high-quality media production all come together.
Today, it’s not just about hosting shows—it’s about building a community. We’re working to create a platform that supports artists both in the room and far beyond it, capturing and sharing their stories in a way that brings more humanity into the digital space.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting during Covid meant we were building something in a moment of total uncertainty—no clear roadmap, no stable income model, and a lot of unknowns around what live events would even look like again. Early on, it was a constant balance between supporting artists and simply keeping the doors open.
As things grew, new challenges came with it. Learning how to run a sustainable business while staying true to an artist-first mission has been one of the biggest tensions. There’s always that push and pull between community and revenue—wanting to create something meaningful and accessible, while also making sure it can survive long term.
We’ve also had our share of growing pains in partnerships, communication, and defining roles—figuring out how to collaborate in a way that’s healthy, clear, and aligned. And on a practical level, producing high-quality shows and media with limited resources can be demanding—long days, a lot of hats, and constant problem-solving.
But each of those challenges has shaped what Stone Cottage is becoming. It’s forced us to get clearer about our values, more intentional about how we operate, and more committed to building something that lasts—not just something that looks good on the surface.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Personally, I oversee and shape nearly every part of Stone Cottage. I produce the shows, run live sound, direct and film our sessions, and handle a lot of the artist relationships and creative direction. I’m involved from the first conversation with an artist all the way through the performance and the final piece of content—it’s very hands-on.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
For me, networking has worked best when it doesn’t feel like networking. I’ve never approached it as “who can I meet to get ahead,” but more as “who do I genuinely connect with, and how can we build something real together.” Most of the relationships that have shaped Stone Cottage came from shared experiences—working a show, collaborating on a project, or just showing up consistently in the community.
In terms of finding a mentor, I think it’s less about formally asking someone to be one, and more about paying attention to people who are already doing what you respect. Show up, be helpful, be curious, and be someone they actually enjoy being around. Over time, those relationships naturally turn into mentorship.
What’s worked well for me is being hands-on and putting myself in the mix—producing shows, collaborating with artists, following through, and building trust. People notice consistency and care more than anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stonecottagestudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stone_cottage_studios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stonecottagestudios/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stonecottagestudios
Image Credits
Jules Schmelzer – JTS PHOTOGRAPHY
