WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 15 - 21, 2021 | 11
CITY VOICES DON LANDGREN CARTOON
FIRST PERSON
Search for new hobby goes into uncharted territory Joe Fusco Jr. Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK
When you retire during a pandemic, you need to fi nd ‘hobbies.’ One of my retired friends is learning to play guitar through You Tube lessons. Another is re-reading every book in her home-library alphabetically. Still another just stays on See FIRST, Page 12D
WORCESTERIA
Some pandemic hobbies are more suitable than others ... PEXELS
Sam James talks ‘Voice,’ Tik Tok, Hanover show Victor D. Infante Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK
“VOICE” LESSONS: Worcester musician Sam James fully admits he doesn’t watch “The Voice” much anymore, even though he was on the show in 2012, but he has caught the most recent local “Voice” competitor, Ryleigh Modig of Spencer, on another platform: TikTok. “I think she’s so (expletive) talented,” says James, in a recent phone conversation. James said he had discovered her when she came up in his “Recommended For You” feed, and that when he discovers an artist he likes there, he follows them and then follows their Instagram, which is when he discovered she was local. “I had no idea she was on ‘The Voice,’” he says. “I think she’s so herself … she is an original. sometimes
you hear people and they’ve got it. She’s not trying to be someone she’s not. She’s not copying anyone, she’s doing interesting fl ips on songs. She’s going to go so far.” James admires that sense of authenticity, admitting that a lot of his time spent on “The Voice” and later “Songland,” he was spending too much time worrying what other people were thinking, and that letting go of that and just being himself is what’s allowed him to have some measure of success in his post-”Voice” career, both as a songwriter whose work has been song by the likes of Dolly Parton and Bebe Rexha, and as a performer whose been going viral on Tik Tok with somewhat surprising material: Acoustic guitar covers of hip-hop songs. GOING VIRAL: Covering See JAMES, Page 12D
Mortgage options to make your spring even brighter.
Spring is a great time to give new life to your home ownership dreams. At Millbury Federal Credit Union and Security First Mortgage Funding, you’ll find a comprehensive range of mortgage options— including everything from adjustable- and fixed-rate mortgages to construction loans, jumbo loans, first-time homebuyer programs, refinancing options and more. Our experienced mortgage advisors will help identify the mortgage product that best meets your needs. Contact us today at 508-853-3000.
Your Community Credit Union!
MCU NMLS#537519
millburycu.com | 508-865-7600 | @#MCU Massachusetts Mortgage Broker and Lender #MC252771
Auburn | Millbury | South Grafton | Worcester
