James Pants makes the sort of intentionally ambiguous music that will make rap backpackers and electro nerds wet their pants in excitement. Alien wave, fresh beat and forum favourite, ‘quirky retro shit’, are just a few of the of the new fangled genre labels that have so far failed to stick. James met his boss (Peanut Butter Wolf) after his prom night some 10 years ago. James didn’t even get to “snog” his date that night but he did land an internship, and eventually a record deal with Stones Throw.

So James, what’s with the name?

Oh yeah, I only just found out what it (Pants) means over here. It comes from a nickname my girlfriend, who’s now my wife; use to call me – Fancy Pants. A lot of people think my name’s James Chance, whose music I like, but it’s not. It’s (his name) also quite vague, which I like. While If I had a name like Blaze Beatz everyone would know exactly the sort of music I make.

You’re from Spokane, what’s it like there? Does it have much of a musical heritage?

I have a love-hate relationship with Spokane, I only live there now because it’s very cheap. It doesn’t have much of a musical heritage - actually that’s not strictly true, Bing Crosby is from there and there was also one dude from Everclear – but yeah, not much to shout about.

So how would you describe your sound?

It’s very loose; I have a hard time with that question. I like everything, so many different styles. I try to live vicariously through the records I like, and the instruments I play – but unfortunately I’m not a great musician so you get this pre-schoolish, kind of fun vibe partly because I use really cheap equipment.

Is that intentional?

Initially it was out of necessity, but now I quite like the sound. I try and keep it fun and a little dirty. I usually turn on a fog machine and a red light when I’m working.

That’s quite an image. So who are your musical influences?

A few in particular, Madlib and J Dilla from hip-hop, I use to try and produce hip-hop but I couldn’t. Other artists I like are Bruce Haack, Cameo, Gary Davis and Gary Wilson. Weirdos I suppose. I like Broadcast a lot in contemporary terms.

Is it fair to say you associate with musical outcasts?

I guess so, my favourite style of any sort of music is when someone technically isn’t very good at singing or playing but they really go for it. That’s where me and (Peanut Butter) Wolf meet up musically – where it’s so bad it’s good - you can hear that someone is really trying! Attitude’s there but the execution is off.

In the video for ‘Do A Couple Things’ you go to see Arabian Prince DJ, are you guys buddies? Does he talk about his NWA days often?

I think so. That was the first time I met him, but I’ve deejayed with him a few times and he is hilarious. He hasn’t really said much about his NWA days. And I’m not sure if you should print this, but he’s snogged Sade!

Sade, cool! Don’t worry I’ll keep it off the record.

James’s sophomore LP, Seven Seals, is out now.

David Kane

Filed under: Bonafide Exclusives by P.A.