P.N.G.

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Interview with P.N.G...A literal 'one man band'

Published on 5/5/2007

By Artistopia

Q. At what age did you realize you wanted to become a music artist and why? It wasn’t until 1998 that I finally decided to stop pursuing music industry related employment, such as audio engineering, and start composing songs myself, as I has been playing guitar and writing songs casually since I was seventeen. Q. Most music artists have that special someone or thing that influenced their decision to do music. Did anyone or something in your life play a major role in influencing you to go into the music business? It was my wife who told me to finally stop mucking about with 9-to-5 pursuits, and get serious with it. If it were not for her faith in my talent, I would have not considered even composing, let alone shopping demos, and creating my first EP. Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why? George Roger Waters, who was in this little band called Pink Floyd. I started writing poetry while my ears were ‘phoned in to “The Wall” when I was about thirteen. It wasn’t until Prince’s “Purple Rain”, and seeing “Pink Floyd The Wall” that I finally had the ware withal to start learning instruments. In early ’84, there was this thing called hip-hop that finally made its way to the American psyche, and in ’86, I began freestyling, and rapping at clubs and parties. That part of the equation of influence stems from listening to KRS-1 and BDP. Hence why my style has a bit of a schizophrenic feel to it. Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition? This sounds a bit arrogant and elitist on my part, but I actually play LIVE instruments, as opposed to using a software-driven device with pre-assignable chords. There is more of an organic feel, and it's something that is missing, even in the indie world…that natural, contoured sound. Rock and Hip-Hop are in a horrid state, lacking originality and content. I would like to think that I’m reviving that originality in a relevant sense. Q. Music industry professionals are quick to say that being an artist means to gracefully fit a marketable niche in the industry. If you were offered an opportunity that asked you to be something you are not, would you do it to get your foot in the door? I can’t. That would constitute belying what I’m about. Q. Making music is one thing, selling it is another. What types of strategies do you use in promoting your artistic work and getting it heard by the proper professionals? I believe the internet IS the medium, for promotion, selling…for all aspects. I try to be in as many markets and niches as possible to gain exposure. Its an exciting time to ‘experiment’ with the whole internet radio concept, because so many folks are choosing to go cyberspace to get their music fix met, both by purchasing and listening. The recording industry as it stands, is not what it was 5 years ago; my goal is to continue venturing into new ground in marketing/promotion, as well as distribution. Anything can ‘take’, if that makes sense Q. In regards to wheeling and dealing, how important do you feel business knowledge is to making it in an industry filled with much heartache? You have to constantly stay current and abreast with all business parameters, especially because there is so much change right now. This is the main reason why I have stayed independent; it allows me the chance to read-up on on whats new, and stay grounded with contract negotiations, bookkeeping, and marketing. The more you assume control, the more you should want to be informed, and it should be desirous to WANT that. It’s part of maintaining whatever success you gain. And, yes, it is a fundamental PAIN in the ass, but must be done, and not haphazardly. Or ignored. Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now. What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists? I will let you know when I get there.. Q. Most successful artists are involved in charitable organizations that stand for a cause that hits close to home. In that regard, once you reach success, what charitable cause(s) would you like to be involved in and why? The first order of business would be the reconstruction of the 9th Ward in New Orleans. It’s been ignored long enough. Well, we thank you for taking the time to interview with us and certainly wish you the best in your music career endeavors. There you have it ladies and gentlemen, an inside look into the mind of an independent artist struggling to bring their hard work to fruition in an industry where perseverance and thick skin means survival. No one said it would be easy.



Article Credits and References

"Getting to Know" interview w/Artistopia, provided by the artist himself.

Music Artists

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Interview with P.N.G...A literal 'one man band'