Unsigned Spotlight: PJKTS
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
James Mason - Vocals
Emily Dickinson - Keyboard
Jonny Vesely - Lead Guitar
Miles Franco - Bass
Michael Diguglielmo - Drums
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to PJKTS? How long has the band been around?
I, James Mason, was in a band called Safety Word Orange prior. This band officially formed in February of 2016, but the writing for the new record took place about a year and half prior.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
The origin of the band's name comes from the paper jackets found around beer or bottled spirits at the time of purchase or soon after.. the paper bag is like a mask but everyone recognizes what it is.. sort of a play on censorship and a play on shame society puts on individuals who are considered deviants.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
I wrote all the songs up to this point, however since forming in February 2016 the band has started working together on new material. It just worked out that way because I had lived in Austin, TX as a song writer before moving to Los Angeles and starting the band. The topics range from grappling with the reality of living thru your twenties, growing up in the 90's but trying to make it as a "millennial" in the newer music industry seen today. Also of course lost love, good love and medium / whatever kind of emotions. The last song on the record is about an old house in colonial Virginia where I grew up. To be clear the topics are pretty wide ranging mostly dealing with the fight we all have in us to be great and to be loved.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Walk the Moon, Smallpools, Father John Misty, Sky Ferreira, Borns, Charlie XCX, The Beach Boys, The 1975, Connor Oberst among others.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
At a young age I saw BB King perform and have been trying to be in bands ever since. I'm sure the rest of the band has a person like that in their past. I would be willing to bet all the money have that if you asked that question someone would definitely say that Blink 182 was the reason they started playing music.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …
Definitely flexing but mostly just hanging out together beforehand and a light meal about an hour before. A few drinks maybe.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Putting this record out and playing in Long Beach at Federal Bar. It was a pretty powerful night and much nicer and larger venue that we had ever played before.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Smallpools and Walk the Moon because I feel like we have the same kind of fans. American Authors, Oh Honey, and Young Rising Sons because they are all really cool and it just blows my mind how well they've done in the last few years.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We all have cat aids. It's not the human kind so no worries. ;)
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