Etc: For those hip hop heads who have been living under a rock or within
some other solitary environment for the entirety of their pitiful existence,
could you sum up ‘Pigeon John’ in twenty words or less?
PJ: Yes, I think I can. "Pigeon is clueless. He's dating
your sister, occasionally sings the blues and is inviting all to his summertime
pool party!" BOOM! I did it......easy
Etc: Many hip-hop critics have hailed your new album “Pigeon
John and the Summertime Pool Party” as the return to the feel-good rap
of the old school. How do you believe the masses have responded to the album?
PJ: It feels like it has been received well. Some good reviews.
People at the shows dig it too. So I'm really pleased by all of that, for sure.
But so many times I'm too close to the music to really enjoy it. I forget it
breathes and lives on its own. So it good to try and stand back and hear what
the listeners have to say. Good and bad.
Etc: You have just finished touring around Australia, what did you
get up to Down Under?
PJ: I went to the beach for a Jam Records bbq in Sydney (Bonsai),
stayed at The Establishment, hung out with Silverchair, ate the best food, drank
the best coffee, soaked in sunsets and danced with pearls...it was very fresh.
Tanzania was one of the best places to rock. They're starving down there! Big
ups to Jam Records for bringing me and Lyrics Born out and much love to my beautiful
sister, Maya Jupiter of Triple J, for having us on her radio show!
Etc: I myself am asked this question all the time, and still wonder
what your personal secret is. So, Pigeon, how did you come to be so physically
attractive?
PJ: Practice. I practice in the dark corners of the night.
I dance rigoriously to old Eddie Murphy tunes and only watch John Hughes flims.
The way a young Anthony Micheal Hall walks in a room is important. You must
learn from him. He deserved an Oscar for his performance in 16 Candles....you
remember him mixing drinks for Biff while listening to Frank Sinatra? When he
was 14?......I sponged it in and become awesome!!!!!!!
Etc: You mentioned in your interview with… well, yourself…
that you would be down with a LA Symph reunion. Anything in the works?
PJ: I'd love for that happen but I think time has taken its
toll us. Its never too late, but it feels to me that it might be time to move
on and create new groups and albums and scenes....it was glorious while it lasted
Etc: Would you classify yourself as a Christian artist or an artist
that is Christian? Do you see any lines of distinction? What do you believe
you have been called to do?
PJ: I'm a Christian dude in my life and art. I lean on God
as much as I can, life would be very bland without him. We (LAS) grew up without
lines and borders. We performed churches, clubs, open mics, youth camps without
a thought that they were seperate. When we started going around the country
doing the same thing it became very clear that this was unusual. There were
lines and walls built to hold the world at a holy distance. None of us liked
this and got in trouble for being ourselves. So I came to grips that I had dive
into the red cold world and with the simple call of being my true self. Not
others versions of myself, but who God created me to be from the begining.
Etc: “Create hip-hop and don’t let hip-hop create you”,
you seem to live by this slogan. To what extent do you believe both secular
and Christian artist have allowed the culture to dictate the music they make?
PJ: Once again I don't see them in two seperate worlds...and
I hate the word "secular"...it sounds like "savage". So
the question is - to what extent has the the industry effected artists? It can
make artists want to not be themselves. To be someone else. To change what's
in their hearts to sell records. And I believe naturally in our hearts is the
voice of God. The art of God. It can be, at least...and when we change it or
make it harder or softer to fit in....we dilute that pure simple voice....and
the world misses out on some good music. Jay Z said it the best "We run
the streets the streets don't run we". Stop following. Start leading.
Etc: Pirates or ninjas?
PJ: Turtles.
Etc: What are the major influences that have allowed you to be the
artist and entertainer you are today? Were there any specific journeys you took?
PJ: The music of The Jungle Brothers, De La Soul and A Tribe
Called Quest are my pillars. But the open mics called The Good Life Cafe and
Project Blowed in L.A., from the years 1991-1998 really made me come to where
I am artistically. Plus all the crushed hearts I've had over girls....that throbbing
loss adds pain to music.
Etc: This year has been a phenomenal year for you. Did you ever expect
to end up where you are the way you did? What is the plan from here?
PJ: I didn't expect all of this. It has been a long time
coming and I'm very happy with this fresh team I have around me. My management
- The BAM Group, Quuanum Projects/Moble Home, Allison at Kork Agency and The
Promotions Crew have made last year my best. I could've done it without them.
This year I plan to tour like crazy with Subtle, RJD2, Glue, Of Montreal, Macromatics
and others. Also I'm writing my next record while we type! Very crazy stuff.
I hope you guys like and fall in love with it.
Etc: On that note, there have been whispers of you returning to Australia
some time in early 2007, are the rumours true? Will we have the honour and glory
of your presence once again?
PJ: I don't think so, unfortunately. I'd love too though.
Oz is always very supportive and fly. But who knows? Ill be back at lest once
this year though....trying to make a habit out of it.
Thanks for your time. Now to get to what everyone really wants to know…What
is your…
Favourite Food? Humans
TV show? The Office
Movie? Say Anything
Restaurant? Kate Mantillini's on Wilshire Blvd.
Song? "God Only Knows" The Beach Boys
What would you never do again? Release "Clueless",
my first album with Syntax Records without asking my crew LA Symphony
How would you spend your last $5? Taco Bell
"Pigeon John And The Summertime Pool Party" -----OUT NOW
on Quannum Projects!!!!!!!!!----
Lyrical Biopsy 
