Stones Throw Europe Tour Interviews - First edition: James Pants

posted Feb 2, 04:50 PM
Tags: Dates, Tour, Stones Throw, Hip Hop, Funk, Soul, Interview, Stones Throw Europe Tour

To get you a little bit closer to all artitst that will be part of the upcoming Stones Throw Europe Tour we let them speak.The opening is held by James Pants.

Exclusivly for Carhartt Radio the settled character from Spokane, Washington State mixed a Radio Show that gives a general idea about the rich, versatile catalogue of Stones Throw. During the show he also tells us what his music shows: Mr. Pants is a purveyor par excellence of that unmistakable “fresh beat”: 80’s Soul, Electro Boogie, Early Rap, New Wave, & Post-Punk Disco, all of which can be found on his freestyle debüt longplayer Welcome where James plays drums, keys, guitar and sings. Now he talks a little bit about the wink in his music and names some of his favorite records ever.

Whom you like more Larry Levan, Arthur Russel or ESG?

James Pant: Good question. It changes all the time. This week, I think, Arthur Russel.

Do you see your music serious or winking?

James Pants: Personally, I see it as serious. Some people think it’s a joke. As long as they like the music and buy the records, it doesn’t matter. With that said, however, my next record is beyond serious. Austere, maybe?

Does music need some muckiness to be pretty?

James Pants: Yes.

A German review about your debut album said that it seems that you got 3000 fingers that play simultaneous. Is it like that?

James Pants: Ha! I can play drums with two hands (10 fingers). Everything else is limited to my right hand. I hope that doesn’t sound sexual…

Do you like to see the people dance?

James Pants: I love to see people dance when I DJ. When I play live, the goal is to not see them leave the venue.

How does your live show look like? What instruments do you play?

James Pants: The live show is me, drums, synths, percussion, bass, and a saxophone performed by four people. Also singing, of course. Personally, I play the drums, percussion, and some synths live. And sing. My saxophone skills are lacking at the moment.

What are your top 5 electro and your top 5 new wave records?

James Pants: Ooh, that’s tough.

How about electro first…
Kraftwerk “Trans Europe Express”
Arabian Prince “Strange Life”
Yellow Magic Orchestra “Behind the Mask”
Alexander Robotnick “Krypta”
Bruce Haack “Electric Luficer.” (It’s electro from the late 60s!)

Now new wave…
Bubonic Plague “No Bosses, No Bullshit”
Cabaret Voltaire “Red Mecca”
Gary Wilson “Forgotten Lovers”
Public Image Ltd “Second Edition”
Suicide LP.
Next time ask me about my soul and prog!

Why not now: what are you five top prog and soul favorites?

James Pants:
Top five soul songs:
The Moments – Girls
Michael Sterling – Desperate
The Miracles – Don’t cha love it
Otis the third – Walk on by
The Flamingos – I only have eyes for you

Prog/psych
Silver Apples – Misty Mountain
Jimi Tenor – Mr French
Bruce Haack – Incantation
The Doors – Not to touch the earth
Can – Spoon

What does the word eclecticism means for your work?

James Pants: „I gotta be me…”

What comes first: the melody or the groove?

James Pants: Either will do just fine, although it’s the most fun to start with the drums. Thanks!

James Pants presents Carhartt Radio: Stones Throw Show

James Pants links:

Myspace
Stones Throw Records
Discography
James Pants on ITunes
Stones Throw Shop

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