2008 Nov 17 Win a Copy of James Pants' Rhythm Trax!
James Pants will perform in Beijing this coming Saturday and thanks to the good people at FREE the WAX, we have quite a few copies of Pants' Rhythm Trax! CD to give away. To win these ten tracks of instrumental goodness, all you have to do is pretend for a moment that you too work for Beijing's expat press and are about to publish an interview with the popular Mr. Pants - what clever title would you use to headline the piece? Feel free to either leave a comment or send your ideas to blog@thebeiinger.com before 2pm on Friday Nov 21 for a chance to win a copy of Rhythm Trax! Keep reading below for the Beijinger's nightlife editor Jonathan White's interview with Mr Pants that first appeared in the Nov issue of the Beijinger magazine.
Nov 22
James Pants
RMB 70.
10pm. White Rabbit (133 2112 3678)
The James Pants story starts in Texas on the night of James Singleton’s high school prom. Eschewing the usual post-prom rituals, Pants sought out Stones Throw Records founder (and DJ) Peanut Butter Wolf at a gig he was playing in town and asked if he wanted to go record shopping. Pants may have missed out on kissing his date but that moment led to an internship at the label and, over time, he was put on the roster. Since then, his eclectic first album – think Too Short meets Cameo meets Serge Gainsbourg – and humorous videos have been winning over fans and critics alike.
the Beijinger: As the first artist from Stones Throw to come to China, do you feel a sense of responsibility for representing such an illustrious label? Do you feel like a trailblazer?
James Pants: Now you've made me nervous... I don't know if I'm a trailblazer, but I'm definitely the most excited artist on the roster regarding the dim sum.
tbj: What are your expectations of your visit?
JP: Honestly, I don't have any. I just hope girls like the show.
tbj: What can people expect from your show if they don't know James Pants?
JP: Well, I'm going to be doing a DJ set. But also play the vocoder and maybe drums too. A variety show of sorts, with only good music included. Rap, disco, psych, electro… and beyond!
tbj: Your aim was to put out a 45 on Stones Throw. You surpassed that by doing an album. What's next?
JP: I'm finishing up my second record. It's more of a psychedelic record than my first one, so I'm anxious to see if people like it. I'm also cooking a lot of seafood. Oh yeah, my wife is also pregnant so that will be a big time consumer early next year. A little Pants beast is on the way!
tbj: Who do you liken yourself to musically?
JP: I think all the weirdos out there. Gary Wilson, Mort Garson, Silver Apples, Beck and Lord Quas.
tbj: Which artists would you most like to work with?
JP: I'll give you three – T.I., Silver Apples and Broadcast.
tbj: We heard that your nickname comes from your wife calling you "fancy pants", who wears the pants in your house?
JP: Well, since she is looking over my shoulder right now, I will give her this one. For now...
Links and Sources
Stones Throw: James Pants
MySpace: James Pants
A.V. Club: James Pants
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