JD Pinkus – Ponder Machine

By starrymag | September 1, 2023

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) We’re very familiar with the music you’ve made over the years, but who are some of your musical influences?

A) Blue Cheer, Nurse with Wound, Ola Belle Reed, Danny Barnes, Mother’s Finest…I could go on and on…

 

Q) You have teamed up with Tall Tall Trees for the new LP Ponder Machine. Tell us about how the two of you decided to unite for some new music together.

A) We started jammin’ and laughing on my porch during COVID here in Asheville since he lived down the hill from me. We talked about making some music together back then. Then, Kramer got involved and that’s when Ponder Machine took shape.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Can’t C#.”

A) Well, it’s three different stories tied together by the chorus. Oh, and it’s not played in C#.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) If it is connecting with fans, it might be a lucky combination of things. The production took it to a whole new place. I wanted some Upright Strings on it, from the get-go, but they turned out better than I could’ve imagined. I think it’s maybe the moodiest of songs on there.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) I worked with an artist in South Georgia, Sam Balling, on that one. He filmed down there and sent me clips in no order, but I was able to piece together where he was going. It was like a puzzle to figure out. I loved what he got and then we filmed in the stall next to the chicken coop at night with a black light to get the performance piece I was looking for. Kramer even came out to hold the camera. It was a real team effort. It’s open to interpretation, for sure.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) It’s a different process every time. If it came to me the same way every time it probably wouldn’t be as enjoyable.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) That varies. I produced my album Fungus Shui. The Keep On The Grass album was produced by Danny Barnes after he recorded me live in the studio. Ponder Machine was a great experience with Kramer to work through an album and create all together, with Mike’s [Savino creativity, too. I guess sometimes it’s fun to give up total control. Probably a healthy attitude to mix into one’s mental repertoire. It’s also easier to know when you’re done.

 

Q) What are some themes you explore on this new LP?

A) We mixed soundscapes with organically recorded acoustic instruments and somehow it all made sense when we were done.

 

Q) Which track(s) are your personal favorite and what makes it so significant to you?

A) I love this album because it’s got a few traditional-esque sounding songs, but the album was meant to be listened to start to finish

 

Q) What song(s) challenged you and Tall Tall Trees the most creatively?

A) Well…I was the most challenged. I’m more of a banjo wrestler. Mike and Kramer are pros!

 

Q) What do you hope lingers with listeners who explore the LP Ponder Machine as a whole?

A) The beauty of tones that are all around us

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) I keep my eyes rolled back so I can see my brain when I play, a good portion of the time. I like playing everywhere…except places with stairs.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) I’m open to suggestions. I’ve been lucky enough to collaborate with plenty of great makers of sounds.

 

Q) As someone who has been in the industry for some time, who are some artists/musicians that you are currently listening to and why do you dig them?

A) I just got off the road with PW Long. I think everyone should absorb some of that.

Q) What advice would you offer to up and coming musicians?

A) Make the hard stuff look easy and the easy stuff look hard…Also, don’t be the fastest car in the fast lane.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) I think some folks like to know a little about who they’re listening to. When I was doing this, last century, [laughs] we had college radio, fanzines and local rags. Same concept just not as much reach.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) I am beyond grateful for all the folks who have taken the time to listen, that’s the greatest support… but y’all can still buy a t-shirt, just sayin’. [laughs]