In this episode of The Faithful Artist, host Kerry-Ann James sits down with music producer, director, and musician Mark James (aka Only1KNG) to explore the sacred intersection of faith, artistry, and the music industry. From his early days playing piano and drums in church to touring the world with Jessie Reyez, Mark shares how spiritual grounding, integrity, and intuition have guided his journey.

We talk about what it means to stay anchored while navigating the highs and lows of the industry, how cultural roots shape creative work, and why protecting your peace and purpose is essential in a fast-paced world. Whether you’re an artist, a creative, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes life of a working musician, this episode offers depth, laughter, and plenty of gems.

Listen in for:

– How church prepared Mark for life on stage

– Staying grounded while touring with global superstars

– Music industry truths, creative process, and spiritual growth

– Advice for young artists navigating purpose and pressure

Follow Mark James:

@only1kng

The Faithful Artist is where purpose fuels creativity.

Sound: Mark James

Graphics: Brittany Ellington

“Unbraiding Myths” features a conversation with filmmaker and lens-based artist Kourtney Jackson, whose works gently unravel the stories we tell ourselves about identity, spirituality, and selfhood. Host Kerry-Ann James dives into Kourtney’s hybrid storytelling approach and explores the space where personal myth and experimental form meet. Together, they reflect on faith, filmmaking, and the process of creating from a place of somatic truth and spiritual curiosity.

From TIFF to Sundance, Kourtney’s projects speak deeply to the lived experience of Black womanhood, queerness, and interiority. In this episode, you’ll hear about her path into filmmaking, the spiritual themes within her celebrated works like 1 vers[us] 1, Wash Day, and In My Bones, and what’s next as she expands into installation art with Shedding Heaviness.

This episode reminds us that sometimes, to move forward in our creative and spiritual lives, we must lovingly untangle the stories we’ve inherited—and make room for something new.

www.kourtneyjackson.net

Sound: Mark James

Graphics: Brittany Ellington

In this introductory episode of The Faithful Artist, I share the mission, vision, and inspiration behind the podcast—where faith, art, and storytelling intersect. Whether you're an agnostic, atheist, Jewish, Muslim, Christian ..etc creative, filmmaker, artist, or storyteller, this space is designed to explore the deeper meaning of creativity and how it connects to purpose, spirituality, and artistic integrity.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The heart and vision behind The Faithful Artist
• What to expect from future guests, including actors, filmmakers, musicians, and creatives
• A bit about me, your host—my journey in the film and media industry and my passion for storytelling through faith
• Why this podcast is for artists, creatives, and anyone navigating purpose in their work

If you’re looking for inspiration, creative conversations, and spiritually-driven insights into the arts, you’re in the right place. Hit subscribe, leave a review, and let’s build a community of faithful artists together.

Credits:

Sound: Mark James

Cover Art: Brittany Ellington