Photo subject to copyright, please do not reproduce. Just Can't Let Go of Landon Pigg
At just 24 years old, Landon Pigg has already accomplished what many musicians can only dream about - a successful debut record, a contract with a historic label [RCA Records] and a rapidly growing fan base. His debut album LP continues to gain popularity every day, and his songs have been featured on several hit TV shows including "Grey's Anatomy" and "One Tree Hill".
Born in Tennessee, Landon's childhood was split between Chicago and Nashville - where he currently resides - and perhaps both places have had an impact on him. But, no matter where Landon is, you can bet that he's getting peoples attention. Do yourself a favor and give him a chance, you never know what you may find. No need for a fortune teller, you can be sure that this Pigg will go far... 08/14/2007
About Pigg music:
Being from Nashville, do you feel like it’s a little bit tougher to get people into your style of pop/rock since many people expect country music out of Tennessee? Landon Pigg: No, its tougher trying to explain it to them. The music part isn't really the issue, it's having that same conversation on planes or at gas stations that can feel a bit redundant.
What kinds of music and artists did you listen to growing up? LP: Beach Boys, Ray Stevens, Beatles, Led Zeppelin
How old were you when you started playing the guitar? What urged you to start writing? LP: Like, 10. Seeing an electric guitar for the first time at my dad's friends was a little magical. It must have been already turned on, and when I touched it as I passed by, it made a sound forever. It felt like a magic trick to me. I got one for my very next birthday.
One thing that I liked about your sound from the beginning and still like is your ability to write sort of ‘outside the norm’ lyrically. Take “Eggshells” for example, not many people can make “Dodgin’ dried vomit” sound as good as you can. What’s the writing process for you? How do you put it all together? LP: Sometimes the chords call for certain lyrics, and that's one part I can't explain well. A phrase will come out that fits the mood of the music, then I have to consciously add on from there. Then sometimes, I'll be walking down the sidewalk and I'll realize that 'sidewalk' and 'I walk' rhyme. Mix that in with some stranger's excessive drinking the night before and you got "Eggshells".
What was it like playing in front of a crowd for the first time? LP: I suppose, not fun. I was doing something that I found enjoyable and relaxing--singing--in a situation that made me feel tense and nervous.
Now, like any musician, I prefer big crowds to small ones - ha.
You told me before that you did some stage acting when you were in high school…how different is it to play music and sing on stage as compared to acting? LP: Stage acting is somehow more gratifying. It feels bigger, more epic. And I think, since the cast is bigger, and you are performing a work that someone else wrote possibly fifty years ago, it gives you more of a sense of being part of something bigger... bigger than just a 3 minute song that was composed by yourself.
What do you think about [on stage]? LP: Sometimes the people coming in and out of the door, sometimes the high note that is difficult for you to hit.
What was your reaction the moment you found out you were signed with RCA Records? LP: In a word, disbelief.
I had to literally double check to make sure what it meant..."like, does this mean I am on the same label as The Strokes and the Foo Fighters and everybody..?"
Does the person you wrote “Can’t Let Go” about know that you wrote that song about her? LP: If she has half of a brain, of which she has much more.
I love your decorated guitar and I couldn’t help but notice the small piece of paper that says “you will see me on MTV someday”… Well, it’s true – I’ve seen you on MTV and on VH1 too! How does it feel to have reached your goal? Now that you’ve done it, what’s the next step? LP: A couple of my friends helped me decorate it and that particular note was written by her. We all thought it was funny. I'm not sure what my goals are, but I know they have more to do with being deeply happy with stuff you are creating than anything else. TV is just a way to trick people into thinking that you are more successful than you actually are.
About Landon, the man:
There’s no denying that you’ve got style LP! What are some of your favorite places to shop in Nashville and around the country? LP: I don't like shopping, and I don't like knowing the names of stores. My dad saved a lot of clothes from when he was my age, and I've collected some good stuff at thrift stores over the years. "Southern Thrift" would be one.
Plus you get some clothes if you do a video, but you have to have the right person bringing you those clothes, or else free stuff is pointless.
Where do you go and what do you do when you’re looking for inspiration or to just get away for awhile? LP: Ride my bike thru the trails into the city, get a coffee, maybe at Borders. Take a night walk. Honestly, I'm kinda still looking.
Who are some of your favorite artists these days? LP: The Dears, Nat King Cole, Interpol, the 'Saved by The Bell' band.
What’s your favorite place to visit on tour and why? LP: Aspen, CO. It's tiny, clean, and it feels like a resort...and that's not a feeling you are suppose to have when you are on tour.
I know you love coffee, what’s your favorite drink? And who makes your favorite coffee? LP: A regular cup of bold coffee. I haven't pinpointed which region I prefer it from, but in Nashville, The Bongo Java Roasting Company provides coffee to a few of my favorite places. Depending on my mood, I will go with a touch of milk (if I'm feeling Canadian) or plain black.
Do you and Gabe play a lot of music together when you’re both at home? Did it make leaving home and touring a little easier the first time around to have him on board as drummer and back-up vocalist? LP: We don't play too often, but when we do it is always really enjoyable. It made touring feel more familiar for sure.
Where do you hope to be in 10 years? LP: In a peaceful state of mind.
When you look back at “LP”, what kinds of changes do you recognize in yourself since the production of that album? And what do you hope to accomplish on your next album? LP: It was the first time I had heard my songs produced professionally, and I was so excited about that idea. Now, since that isn't a novelty, I'm excited about finding a more specific approach to making people feel the right kinds of moods when they listen to the recordings. It will be great fun.
And lastly, where are you right now? Are you currently writing or working on another record? Any chance we’ll be able to catch you on tour soon? LP: I'm writing in Nashville, getting ready to record that second album, and soon enough, I will be out on the road more than I ever have before.
Keep checking back for tour dates in your area and visit Landon's Official Website for more information on Landon and his music. Also, don't forget to add him as a friend on MySpace and then become a fan on Facebook! Thanks for reading!
Check out Landon's video for "Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop" from his latest record 'The Boy Who Never' IN STORES NOW!:
Coffee Shop EP
//track list//
falling in love at a coffee shop
great companion
can't let go
young at heart
magnetismo (magnetism)
Coffee Shop Single
Live at the Alice Lounge
//track list//
can't let go
eggshells
sailed on
just like i am
last stop
LP
//track list// can't let go
last stop
just like i am
eggshells
keep looking up
tickery
magnetism
sailed on
great companion
perfectionist
tin man
on the other side
This is a Pigg EP
//track list//
sailed on
tin man
dressed to kill
jailbreak