Happy Happy Joy Joy: An Interview with Brian J of the Pimps of Joytime
by Chadbyrne R. Dickens
“We are gonna laugh, jump and shout, so keep the music playin” – Brian J, The Pimps of Joytime
There is nothing like a Pimps of Joytime concert. Influenced by a multitude of genres, the gyrating grooves and intense fury of sound create an energy that is palpable. Led by the enigmatic front man, Brooklyn’s Brian J, for nearly a decade, the band currently possesses an impressive talent-laden lineup and the well-traveled outfit is poised for a powerful record release in early fall. Known for his well-crafted songs, complex arrangements and unique sense of swagger and style, Brian J is an artist on a creative mission. PoJ recently released their latest single, “Booty Text,” off their forthcoming album, and will be performing at Bowery Ballroom on Saturday, April 12th (click here for tickets; check below for more tour dates). I sat down with him one afternoon to ascertain the bright future of the band.
CD: What is your mission with the band?
BJ: My mission is to take it higher on multiple levels: musically, spiritually and monetarily.
CD: Who continues to inspire you in your art?
BJ: Lately, I have been listening to FMU and KCRW in LA, I don’t know what you call those radio stations….Alternative? There is so much good new music filtering my brain and there is a really positive energy that is going through people who are creating music right now, so we are in a good time.
CD: What is the difference between soul and funk?
BJ: I think funk is a genre and soul is also a genre, but it can evoke a feeling – so you know funk has soul and soul can have funk, but as it relates to the music I am doing – I have a vision of taking the music to a place where it is transcending funk.
CD: How was the current incarnation of the band formed?
BJ: It has changed a lot, but not in the last year. It has been an evolution. I started putting the band together around ‘06. I made the record first and it has just been an evolution ever since. It is really challenging. Anyone who has a professional working band, to find a line up to play my music which is pretty challenging and not everyone can do it, and to put that whole thing together and then keep it together knows it is really a feat. But I have a really amazing lineup now – the best in the history of the band.
CD: What has been your favorite sit-in?
BJ: We aren’t the biggest sit-in band as it is so arranged and although we improvise it’s been cool to have things more arranged. Ivan Neville sat in with us and that was great.
CD: How much do you practice?
BJ: Not nearly as much as we should. usually we get like one rehearsal in before a tour. But with a consistent lineup over the year – we are working on 1 new song per tour so things are growing.
CD: When can we see an album of new material and how can fans expect it to be different from “Janxta Funk”?
BJ: It is a bit more focused – certainly sonically. It is a little bit more guitar heavy than anything I have done in the past. More solos. I enjoy really laid back guitar style, but something about the energy lends itself to more of a rock feel.
CD: Word of mouth is a strong press agent for POJ. What do you wish the fanbase was saying about you?
BJ: Well anything positive is good. Music and the experience of live music is so subjective so if they are saying anything and it is positive, it is good. We’ve had ups and downs in the history of the band and it is reflected in the crowd. When we are in a good place, word spreads quickly and we can see the numbers growing. It has always been growing, but when I’ve been struggling with the lineup it’s been more of a challenge, but with the new stable lineup we are in a good place and that is being reflected in the turnout of our live shows.
CD: Is it flattering or getting tiresome to consistently be compared to Prince?
BJ: Well, you know, there are worse people to be compared to. Prince is a brilliant artist and great at everything he does. I don’t think about it last much, but walk my own path. I think it’s natural for people to say whenever they see someone, “oh, it reminds me of this.” Prince is not actually a huge influence, well “Sign of The Times” is important, but there are certainly bigger influences. People think of Prince when I do my falsetto, but I’m really channeling Curtis Mayfield.
CD: What mood are you trying to evoke when you create a composition?
BJ: Mood is a good word because whatever the vibe of the tune I want it to have a mood so that can vary, but sometimes a mood is not what notes you are playing. A note doesn’t have to determine the mood but rather the essence.
CD: Do you write all the material?
BJ: I write most of the words. This album has a collaboration with Rubblebucket‘s Alex Toth and he wrote the words to that one. There is one tune on the record that the group collaborated on, but for the most part I wrote the words. I have so many great relationships with amazing artists that I’d like to collaborate more on the words for the next album.
CD: Are you involved in the local Brooklyn music scene?
BJ: I am. I have a lot of friends here. Dave, the bass player in the Pimps, gigs with a lot of artists all the time. I don’t do that as much. I’ll occasionally do a thing with friends. But Nickodemus, owner of Wonderwheel Recordings, who released our last 2 records, opened a great new club and we are collaborating on a project. He is as Brooklyn as it guests and he influences my musicality and why I’m here in New York.
CD: What are your strengths and weaknesses as an artist?
BJ: I’d like to become a better singer. I think it’s important to be more consistent. Lack of sleep and emotional stress on the road can really affect the vocals.
CD: What actor would you want to play you in a film version of your life?
BJ: Prince. He could do my vocals and guitar like no other. Or maybe Andre 3000 now that he is doing the Jimi Hendrix biopic.
Check out their latest single “Booty Text” off their forthcoming album:
[Mid-Article Photo courtesy of Joe Russo Photo]
Here are upcoming dates for the current Pimps of Joytime tour:
