RR: J.P.P. is an acronym for: The Jim Parsons Project . Which in itself is a play on ‘The Allen Parsons Project’ and the actor that plays Sheldon on the show ‘Big Bang Theory’. We think we’re funny guys sometimes.
FR: I believe it was Uncle Joey that jokingly said "How about The Jim Parsons Project?" We had a good laugh and said sure that works, and it just kinda stuck after that.
CHRIS AND DAWN: Personally, I think that the Allan Parsons Project was kind of underrated. Maybe too advanced or behind for its time. Not really sure which honestly. Well Chris and I are huge fans of “The Big Bang Theory” so we can identify with that. Sheldon is a loveable and annoying character wrapped in one. So on your Facebook page you state that you have lots of influences; well it says “A lot.” Although you have many, who or what bands would you say are your heaviest influences?
JM: The Ventures, Johnny Cash, Ramones
JT: Offspring, Reel Big Fish, Tenacious D, Weezer
FR: Weird Al, Wesley Willis, Anal Cunt, Nofx, Immolation, Dissection, Dragonforce
RR: GWAR, Misfits, Richard Cheese, Meatmen, Aquabats, FEAR, Angry Samoans, DK, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Faith No More, Slayer, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Faction and many more…
CHRIS AND DAWN: You weren’t kidding when you said a lot!! I know it can be hard to limit to just a few. So many aspects that you fall in love with when it comes to artists that it can be overwhelming.
Let’s talk more about The J.P.P. as a band. It’s been a few years since you guys got together as a band….do you think your relationship has evolved and improved? Has it strengthened your relationship creatively?
RR: We are all very close friends/family. Most of us were together in another band called Rinker for almost 15 years. One of the main members, Shawn, had to quit and we did not want to continue that band without him. But there was no way we could just stop playing music and live normal boring lives. A few weeks passed and Joey, Fozzy, and I got together with Jesse playing drums, Josh on guitar, pulled out the keyboard for Shayne and crunk some songs out; BAM! The Jim Parsons Project was born.
CHRIS AND DAWN: Can’t stop the music when you love it. We have a son that can’t imagine his life without music. It relates to everything. I think it is that way with most creative people. They live and breathe their passion. You know we gotta ask this….
Your mascot on your merch is Cthulhu, so what made you choose that particular character to represent The J.P.P.?
RR: It is said, according to Lovecraft, humans can never fully understand Cthulhu because his very existence is beyond mortal comprehension. Cthulhu is a monstrous entity who lies "dead but dreaming". We choose the dark one as our logo after writing the song ‘Anti-Being’ and feel he is a good representative for The J.P.P.
FR: ‘Cause he is mother fuckin’ Cthulhu!
JT: …and because Cthulhu would be disappointed and smite us if we didn't put his mug on our merch.
CHRIS AND DAWN: This is true. Best not to anger Lord Cthulhu. Would not be wise. Since you guys have been together for a good long time, we’re sure you have had some interesting things that you have encountered while touring/performing. Do you have any crazy stories you want to share with us?
RR: Tons! We should hang out and drink some night. The fact that we exist in this reality as a band, is in itself a crazy story.
FR: A show promoter let me sleep in her bed one night, and gave me a stuffed pink pig to take on my travels. I carried that pig the rest of our tour.
CHRIS AND DAWN: A stuffed pig, huh? Ok. There’s probably more there that we may or may not want to know….still deciding if prying is a good idea (laughing). It would be awesome to hang out with you guys and throw a few back. We want to go back to the music, of course. What’s your creative process like? Does the music affect the lyrics or vice versa?
RR: The guys write the music first, while I make weird noises and spout incomprehensible words. Lyrics somehow form from there.
CHRIS AND DAWN: (laughing) That sounds like an intriguing way to come up with stuff. Well, for the record, the lyrics are fantastic. Your music is definitely infectious.
This is a question that can always solicit some great responses… If you had the chance to play with a national act for one night, who or what band would it be?