Downpilot

Paul Hiraga, also known as the band Downpilot, is my guest. Like most of my episodes, we discuss how he started playing music. Unlike most of my guests, the guitar he learned to play on was haunted! But, that didn’t deter him. Paul discovered he had a natural aptitude for music theory, In fact he used to get in trouble because he would finish his lessons so fast, his mom thought he wasn’t doing them when she’d catch him playing outside. Paul started playing in bands in Minneapolis in the 80’s and moved to Seattle in the 90’s. But what’s funny is that none of his music sounds like typical music from those areas. He discusses how unusual influences like British trip hop as well as starting his last band in his 30’s has really influenced not only the sound, but his outlook on recording and touring. And the band’s name has also had its own set of issues. He even considered changing it just before the band’s first EP was released, since it was just after 9/11; and the words Down Pilot didn’t exactly have positive connotations at the time. He’s got a new album out and it continues his philosophy of balancing light music with dark lyrics and vice versa. It’s called The Forecast and it’s not a pandemic album. Paul consciously tried to avoid doing THAT album.We wrap up talking about plastic cameras and photography. Pick up the new album on Tapete Records, through Bandcamp or wherever you get music. Follow Downpilot on Facebook or @downpilot onInstagram. Follow us @PerformanceAnx on social media. Support us with coffee at ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety or merch at performanceanx.threadless.com. And I hope you enjoy my conversation with Paul of Downpilot on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices