Joe Pug Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Mar 3rd 2010 10:10AM by BryanMytelka
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In 2007, Joe Pug recorded and released the 'Nation of Heat' and through a word of mouth campaign, the EP led to him performing with the likes of Steve Earle and Josh Ritter. As a unique move, he has shipped out 15,000 free copies of his sampler CD to his fans through his website out of his own wallet. Now with the recent release of his debut album 'Messenger,' Joe Pug heads off to SXSW to continue to spread his sound and get as far away from whale burgers as he can.

Describe your sound in your own words.

It's American popular music with a country/folk angle. They're the songs you play in bars, the three or four minute songs that people like.

How did you start your music career?

I ended up in Chicago after leaving school in North Carolina for a few years. I just started writing songs and doing open mic. That was about four years ago and things have been growing steadily ever since.

What are your musical influences?

Well, obviously Bob Dylan. Then John Hiatt, Warren Zevon and Kurt Cobain.

When did you start going by "Joe Pug?"

It was always my nickname, so I just started going by it on stage. I've been Joe Pug since ninth grade.

What's in your festival survival kit?

Well, in my [six day] road trip survival kit, the most important thing -- the center of my universe -- is my toiletries bag. Out on the road the only thing that matters is having your deodorant and toothbrush together. When I lose them, I totally freak out. It's the only normal thing while you're out on the road.

Though you have a backing band, many of your songs are acoustic -- just guitar and vocals. Does performing solo have any advantages in festivals and venues?

It can hinder you sometimes. At my last festival, I was playing great. About halfway into my set, a band on a stage nearby blew me out. While playing solo, there's a level of focus that a band can't bring. It helps you sometimes and hurts you other times.

Speaking of festivals, I understand you have played Lollapalooza? What was that like?

It was incredible. It was the home-town festival and probably the largest audience I've ever played to. It was so much fun.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

Hmm ... I'll tell you this, my sister's really into Lady Gaga and I like what I'm hearing.

It seems everybody is falling under her spell these days.

She's pretty good. You just gotta give in.

Beatles or Stones?

Stones, I've always just gravitated toward it more. Not that I dislike the Beatles; they've had some effect on me, but I've done some serious workouts to my copy of 'Sticky Fingers.' It's a lot more aggressive.

What's the craziest thing you've seen or experienced while on tour?

I guess it had to be when I played a festival in Tromso, Norway. The catering tent had whale burgers. It is about 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle, so I suppose it's their regular fare. There's a specific type [of whale] they're allowed to hunt, but I did not care for it. Imagine something with the consistency of a hamburger that tastes like fish. Not for me.

Bryan Mytelka is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.