Paul Pigat 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 have
a lot of projects all with different personalities. Boxcar Campfire is a
mixture of
Americana
Blues and Ragtime music. Its all based around acoustic finger style guitar
arrangements
Lamitschka:
How was the last year for you? What were your highlights?
Answer:
Last year was busy, I performed in Canada, USA, China and Germany. plus i
finished the
new CD.
Whew!! I’m tired
Lamitschka:
What is your latest CD and how’s it doing?
Answer:
The latest CD is called The Game. Its to be released in March. I’m hoping it
will do as
well if
not better that the last Boxcar disc
Lamitschka:
How did you choose the title for the CD? Is there a story behind the name?
Answer: The Game is the title track. Its a bit of a sarcastic look at how many people
live their
lives
Lamitschka:
Do you write the songs yourself? If not, how do you go about finding the songs
for
your CD?
Answer: I
write most of the material on all my discs. if i decide to do a cover I always
try and
make it
different than the original. I think thats important anytime you cover someones
material.
Lamitschka:
Please tell us about the songs on your album (influences, etc).
Answer:
the new disc has 10 tunes 3 of which are covers. i’d say they are influenced by
songwriters
like Hoyt Axton and Randy Newman
Lamitschka:
What is the difference between your last CD and your current one
Answer: The latest boxcar disc is more stripped down that the last and distinctly more
bluesy
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:
hopefully that its well written
Lamitschka:
What is your favorite song among all the songs you have recorded and what’s the
story
behind it?
Answer: I
have many favourites but the cover of Ring of Fire is always an important one.
I wrote
the
arrangement the day Johnny Cash died as I was setting up for a show. I
performed it that night
and
finally got around to recording it for this CD
Lamitschka:
Do you have any interesting stories about how fans have been affected by your
music?
Answer:
Without people to listen to your music it would be impossible to be a
professional
musician.
Fans are everything when it comes to the business side of this industry. Its
also just
great to
know that people dig what you do
Lamitschka:
Who inspires you musically and how deep do your musical roots run?
Answer:
Igor Stravinsky to Robert Johnson I think all music is worth listening to and
inspirational
so long as its well done
Lamitschka:
What do you think about today’s music scene versus its post and where do you
see it
going in
the future?
Answer:
Theres always great music being made. comparing todays scene to another is like
comparing
apples and oranges. things change and evolve
Lamitschka:
What do you think about today’s music industry?
Answer:
I’m not a fan
Lamitschka:
If you had the chance to change something about the music industry, what would
it
be?
Answer:
Streaming should either pay properly or be banned
Lamitschka:
As an artist, you so many tasks such as recording, touring, interviews. What do
you
like best,
what’s your favorite activity?
Answer:
Performing is always my favourite. I think if you choose to be a musician it
should be
high up on
the list
Lamitschka:
Are you doing anything to take music beyond its current borders or are you
happy
where it
is?
Answer: i
just want to make the music i want.
Lamitschka:
What was your big break that got you into the music business?
Answer:
Becoming the Gretsch Clinician was a good time
Lamitschka:
What inspired you to become an artist?
Answer: I
don’t think one thing inspired me. I don’t think i really had a choice. its
just what i
had to do
Lamitschka:
What inspired you to become a songwriter?
Answer:
townes Van Zandt
Lamitschka:
What drives you?
Answer: I
love playing music.
Lamitschka:
What moments in your career stand out in your memory as highlights and
achievements
which you are proud of?
Answer:
I’ve had many. I’ve played with a lot of my idols so i guess those were good.
James
Burton,
Albert Lee etc
Lamitschka:
When you get time off, how do you like to relax?
Answer: i
make guitars and spend time with my daughter
Lamitschka:
What hopes and desires do you have?
Answer: to
continue to make a living making music!
Lamitschka:
When you’re on tour, do you have time to play tourist?
Answer:
Not really Regardless of me enjoying music, its still a job and things need to
get done
Lamitschka:
Many music fans today get their information about artists online. Do you have
your
own
website and what will fans find there?
Answer:
www.paulpigat.com
Lamitschka:
What’s your favorite song that you wish you could have recorded?
Answer: i
guess anything by Elvis