James Pants interview
Sharply dressed enigma James Pants discusses the inspiration behind his new album, Seven Seals, and the perils of trying to buy a goat.
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Washington-based singer songwriter James Pants started his career as an intern at Stones Throw Records before dazzling label boss Peanut Butter Wolf with his eclectic musical creations. What started as a dream job at his favourite record label turned into the opportunity to become a recording artist, touring alongside DJs he idolised.
James Pants’ debut album, Welcome, is a kaleidoscope of musical styles that flutters between 80’s soul, electro boogie, futuristic rap and new wave - to name a few. The talented multi-instrumentalist plays drums, keyboards and guitar on the album, in addition to writing some very obscure lyrics. It's a solid collection of thought-provoking songs that is unmistakably good, but the listener is always left wondering what's coming next. This made it impossible to gauge where he belonged as an artist because he didn’t stick to one particular style for long enough.
His latest offering, Seven Seals, is a much more cohesive affair that drifts smoothly between prog, new wave and ambient electronica. Both albums testify that James Pants is an extremely gifted singer songwriter – but his creations are very strange. As HUCK discovers, it's not just his music that's a little weird.
HUCK: How would you describe your new album, Seven Seals?
I like to think of it as a cult record. It’s a warning for mankind if you will. A precursor to the movie 2012.
What would you say is the biggest difference between your debut album and Seven Seals?
As far as Welcome goes, most of that stuff was made over the course of several years and was sent in to Stones Throw in a big batch of songs, like a hundred. Peanut Butter Wolf picked out the best. As far as Seven Seals, I made the whole thing in two months. I also made it in the dead of winter, with piles of snow around. All I had was drums, keyboards, and the Book of Revelation.
You are widely regarded as a talented multi-instrumentalist. Did you have any help on Seven Seals or do you play everything yourself?
My homeboy Zach played guitar and my homeboy Poncho played sax. Other than that, it's me.
This album seems a lot more structured than its predecessor. Was that intentional or did it simply happen naturally?
It was fairly natural. I was listening to a lot of prog and early electronic records at the time. I guess I still am. It definitely helps me to record an album within a short span, before my interests shift to doo-wop or tropical music. With that said, I'm working on a tropical record now.
You are a self-confessed vinyl junkie. This seems to be a pre-requisite for joining the Stones Throw roster. What records do you wish you had made and why?
Right now, I wish I was in the band The Seeds. I could play the harpsichord and shaker.
What artists have you been enjoying listening to recently?
The Seeds. Also, my old standby, Mort Garson. Also, a lot of that German new-age electronic stuff on the Innovative Communication label. Also, I have been enjoying Santo and Johnny.
You have been touring a lot over the last twelve months. Can you divulge any crazy tour experiences that stand out in your mind?
There's this record store in Manchester called Beat and Rhythm. It doesn't get any crazier. Also, the food in China is pretty crazy. I think the craziest tour experience is the fact that I have been to Paris five times and still never seen the Eiffel Tower!
Several of the Stones Throw artists are located in California. Have you ever been tempted to make the big move out there or are you happy in Washington?
I'm quite happy in Washington, although I'm moving to Colorado for the winter to be near my family. But, I'll probably go back to Washington. We have plenty of water up here, good fish and no danger of earthquakes.
What do you like to do in your free time when you are not making, playing or collecting music?
The usual, I guess. I hang out a lot with my wife Kat. We make a lot of food, ride bikes, and watch Twin Peaks.
Can you tell our readers an interesting fact about yourself?
I'm in the process of trying to obtain a goat right now, mainly for trash removal and a lifetime of cheese. The zoning laws are a bureaucratic nightmare though.
Seven Seals is released via Stones Throw on December 8.
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