James Pardo

When I first met Mr. Pardo it was on a hot ass day in April in New Braunfels. We agreed to meet in the parking lot of Cheatham Street Warehouse.  As I nervously waited to meet the man that I had been listening too for two years and pretty much talking to for the last year, I noticed a jeep Cherokee pull up behind me, James got out of the truck and walked up to me, after meeting and introducing ourselves, I got the upmost pleasure of meeting his Wife whom from the minute I met made me feel like family also this beautiful sweet little girl got out of the truck.  We proceeded to walk across the street to one of his favorite lil Mexican food places, as we walked conversation struck up about music of course, right off the bat I think we hit it off, our opinions on facts not rumor were about 98 percent the same. I asked silly fan questions that he’d probably been asked a thousand times, and he asked about my military service etc… To say the least I was scared of awkward silence there was none to be had. After eating we strolled back to the vehicles I knew he had brought me a copy of “the you can’t find anywhere” South Texas Destroyers CD. If I had known I was going to get to meet him I would have brought him a t-shirt from my Unit, but, all I had to give him was one of my worn combat patches and one of my worn Combat Action Badges, what I thought was petty, he accepted with gratitude and almost declined. As I drove back to Austin all I thought about is how he took time out of his family’s day to meet a fan, how many other artists would/will do that? I won’t go into to details of anything said that day, because when me and James talk it’s like Vegas … it stays between us, I promised him and basically he’s the reason for the magazine to be started that, when I got up and running I would do a spread on him, just so happens he is releasing his masterpiece Autobiography: Chapter 1, so on with the interview of the very, very talented Mr. James Pardo…

TMR: What do you personally view as a success in music?

Pardo: What I personally view as success, is the ability to do what you love for a living, regardless of your profession. If you get up and, are happy to be getting up to do whatever it is that you do, that’s success to me, personally. To quote Walt Wilkins, “You can’t judge a fortune, by the way that it shines.”

TMR: I agree, I also agree with allot of what Mr. Wilkins sings about, he is an amazing talent as well as yourself. So what specific goals do you have for your music this year?

Pardo: I don’t really have any crazy goals for this year, other than to get out and play my music to whoever will listen to it. As long as I’m busy I’m happy. I’m putting out my first solo record this year, so I’m just looking to get out and promote it and the band as much as I can.

TMR: I can’t wait for the actual release as you know I have heard the unmastered copy and I absolutely love it! I already know all the dam words!In the future do you plan on going full band or is it going to stay just James Pardo?

Pardo: Well, I like both, truthfully. Full band or acoustic it’s James Pardo. But when I play with my band, it’s James Pardo & The Good For Nothings. I’ll never shy away from full band shows, but, playing acoustic is really how I like to play the most. I like to hear what a song sounds like without all the production behind it. The way it sounded in that moment of inspiration in which the writer brought it to life. There’s no better way to listen to music, in my opinion. But full band gigs I’m due for. I’ve been playing 95% of my shows, acoustic, for the last 1 1/2 years. I’m ready for some noise.

TMR: Sweet I really want to see you full show I never have the opportunity I have seen you acoustic a few times now, I get what your saying about the way the song/music sounds. You know as well you give me goosebumps hell I have even welled up a few times listening to you acoustic, but, however I’m ready for some noise too! What are things fans do that humble you?

Pardo: Anything anyone does, is really pretty humbling. When someone comes up and says, “hey man, great show”, or anything else, it’s pretty humbling. They took time out of their night, even if it was just 5 seconds, to tell you they enjoyed it. They don’t have to do that. It’s a nice feeling. People give you things that, maybe, meant something to them. That’s really, really humbling. Something as simple as someone standing around to listen to you sing 1 song, is pretty humbling.

TMR: Allot of artists don’t take the time to even listen to their fans so as a fan I say thank you Sir for mingling in the crowd and not going “rock star” status on us. Speaking of Rock Stars what do you personally think of the “scene” right now?

Pardo: The “scene”? It is what it is. People like what they like, and I like what I like. Every scene becomes exactly what it railed against. And that’s what’s happening now.

TMR: That is why I am doing what I am doing but, seems no one wants to follow or want something for nothing. It’s not good enough to get to know the artists they also want “something” in return America isn’t what it used to be, its all something for nothing and giving nothing for something. in my opinion anyways.

TMR: If you could tell venue owners anything right now what would it be?Favorite venue?

Pardo: I honestly don’t have much to say to venue operators, other than; “Will you book me?”. My favorite venue to play….Gruene Hall or anywhere they give the band a nice bar tab….on top of paying us.

TMR: I do also love Gruene Hall I have had the pleasure of visiting there, love the nostalgia of it. What is YOUR overriding motivation to be a professional musician?

Pardo: Actually, I never thought I’d be able to do it for a living. Around this area, there are so many talented musicians and singer/songwriters that, I never thought I’d even be able to book a show. But, I honestly do it because I love to do it. As cliche as that sounds. I’m certainly not raking in the cash, but we’re able to stay afloat, thankfully. So, I guess, because I love to do it, and, I don’t believe in living on welfare, if I’m capable of making a living somehow.

TMR: Your definitely right about your area, there are some amazing talented folks out that way, but seems they are everywhere. Do you think a original songwriter should keep it simple and do solo/duo acoustic shows or go big with full band and tour?

Pardo: I guess it all depends on the individual artist. I would say take whatever opportunity comes your way. Acoustic or otherwise. Just play your cards right and take the instrumentation you need for whatever vibe that show is going to have.

TMR: Cool, cool, so I need to start taking voice recorder maybe even video these conversations.

TMR: What is your take on the difference between music and the music business?

Pardo: Music is art. Business is business….shameless, cutthroat, corrupt, dark, and nasty. That’s why they end up with the money.

TMR: I can agree with that, I hope I can support my self and help artists out there. So how hard is it to maintain a positive outlook when performing in front of a couple of people as opposed to a full crowd?

Pardo: I’ve played to a dance hall full of people, who didn’t listen to one word I sang or one note we played, because I don’t play the kind of music they like to hear. But, recently, I played for about 5 people in a little bar. All of whom listened intently and listened to what the songs had to say. And it came as a complete shock to me, because this looked like a fancy preppy bar. Was one of the best times I’ve had in a while. Guess it isn’t so much quantity, in regard to the people at the show, as it is, quality of the listener at the show, that makes it enjoyable for me.

TMR: Somehow call it a gut feeling, or maybe just knowing you, I knew you would say that!

TMR: In the same sense how hard is it opening for someone that either you don’t like their music, or them as a person?

Pardo: Haha. I like loaded questions and I know what you want me to say. But I’ll say this….I don’t have to like anyone’s music, or them as a person, in order to have a good time doing a show. I’m having a good time either way.

TMR: Loaded question? Who me? Naaaaw! How hard is it maintaing a family while having to play all the time, or travel to other venues?

Pardo: It can be very tough. I’m ridiculously lucky to have the family that I’ve got as my support system. She’s been nothing but, and still is, so extremely supportive. Even on nights or runs when we come back either breaking even or just in the black by a few bucks, she never complains. She and my little girl, just welcome me back and say they’re glad that I’m home safe. I give them a ton of credit. I’m not an easy individual to be around….you know this El C. But, yes, it is very hard, on everybody all the way around. We, like everyone else, have to work at it. We have our ups & downs, but ultimately, we’re all we’ve got. Just us against the world,hermano.

TMR: Once again hermano you are right my friend, I have met your family as stated above, you are definitely a lucky man to have the support you have, I give them kudos and all my respect! I will take the last word here, Mr James Pardo an amazing songwriter, singer, guitar player and all around performer. If you have never had the opportunity to see him live at any venue, I suggest you go do it, walk up to him, talk to him, very down to earth person and all around guy. I guarantee you walk up and meet him and talk to him,hell even buy him a beer, he will remember you. I feel honored and privileged to have had him as the first artist in this venture of a magazine, I could have done so, so many artist but, only thought it right to give him the first shot. Mr Pardo I wish you all the success life has to offer for you, and your family, you are well deserving person and deserve everything you get in life! … EL C

Take yourself on over to www.jamespardo.com and but his new solo release Autobiography Vol: 1. You will not be disappointed if you enjoy real music from a real musician!