Pi
Jacobs Interview by Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show
Lamitschka: Music has many new fans throughout
Europe who may be hearing about you for the first time. How would you describe
yourself and the music you play to someone who has never seen or heard you?
Answer:
I’m in
the broad category of Americana, but I lean toward bluesy and soulful end of
acoustic music.
Lamitschka: How was the last year for you? What were
your highlights?
Answer:
Last
Year I released “A Little Blue”, my first record on the Travianna label. The
reception has been amazing. I played over 90 shows last year in the US and
Europe
Lamitschka: What is your latest CD and how’s it
doing?
Answer:
“A Little Blue”, my first thank record on the Travianna
label. It’s been getting great press and reviews.
Lamitschka: How did you choose the title for the
CD? Is there a story behind the name?
Answer:
I
wanted to describe the music in the title, “A Little Blue” refers to the blues
influence on what is my first acoustic record.
Lamitschka: Do you write the songs yourself? If not,
how do you go about finding the songs for your CD?
Answer:
Yes, I
write all of the songs.
Lamitschka: Please tell us about the songs on your
album (influences, etc).
Answer:
I’m
influenced by the Blues, California country, the Laurel Canyon sound, and much
more. The songs are either my personal life story, or someone else story that I
find moving.
Lamitschka: What is the difference between your last
CD and your current one?
Answer:
This
is my first acoustic record. The others are full band- drums, electric
instruments etc.
Lamitschka: Your current single is being played by
radio. What do you feel is special about this song that makes people want to
hear it?
Answer:
“Weed
and Wine” is about where I grew up in Northern Ca. But I think that weed and
wine are pretty integral in most parts of society.
Lamitschka: What will your next single be?
Answer:
I’m
writing a new record, so I won’t know till its done.
Lamitschka: What kind of songs do you like to record
the most?
Answer:
Whatever
I’m currently excited about.
Lamitschka: You did a duet with SAM MORROW. How did that
happen to come about?
Answer:
I did
a show with Sam in LA and loved his voice, I walked up to him after, and said
“we are going to do a duet” He didn’t know me at all, but he said yes.
Lamitschka: What is your favorite song among all the
songs you have recorded and what’s the story behind it?
Answer:
I
don’t have a favorite, I’ve recorded over 500 songs, and the favorite changes
according to my current mood and feelings.
Lamitschka: Do you have any interesting stories
about how fans have been affected by your music?
Answer:
When I
lived in New York City, I was playing a lot of open mics, I wrote a song that
was a response to a John Mayer song, and played it at the open mic. A week
later, another writer wrote a response to my song, and it became a song
“chain-letter”
My
song was called “Plastic Spoon” about growing up poor and disadvantaged, it was
in response to John Mayers first big hit, “no such thing” where he sings “I am
invincible” in the bridge.
Lamitschka: Who inspires you musically and how deep
do your musical roots run?
Answer:
Jason
Isbell, Sarah Jarosz, Nickel Creek, Linda Ronstadt, Prince, Alanis Morissette,
Rickie Lee Jones, Tori Amos, The Allmans, Sheryl Crow… so many.
Lamitschka: As an artist, you so many tasks such as
recording, touring, interviews. What do you like best, what’s your favorite
activity?
Answer:
I like
writing and performing equally, but they are the complete opposite – I’ll write
for a year at home, and not leave. Then I go out on the road for a year, and
don’t write a word.
Lamitschka: Many music fans today get their
information about artists online. Do you have your own website and what will
fans find there?
Answer:
yes. WWW. PiJacobs.com
Lamitschka: How do you feel about being winning the LA MUSIC CRITICS AWARD?
What has it done for your career?
Answer:
The LA
Americana community has really embraced me, and that has been a wonderful and
powerful thing for my music.
Lamitschka: Fans are always hungry for good road
stories. Do you have one you can share with us (come on don’t be shy)?
Answer:
I was
on tour in Phoenix a while back and we saw a guy looking through our keyhole, I
was scared, but my tour mate ran outside and yelled at him… I think He was
pretty embarrassed.
Christian Lamitschka (Ch.Lamitschka@t-online.de) for Country
Music News International Magazine & Radio Show