KING’s X Interview with Dug Pinnick

XM: So what have you been up to so far this year?
Dug: Working on side projects while King's X takes a break.

XM: “Live Love in London” was recently released, how did the band choose what footage and songs were going to be on the cd/dvd? Are there any new albums in the works?
Dug: We did the same set we did in London on the whole tour, there is no album in the works right now, but we will soon hopefully.

XM: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together in King’s X?
Dug: I really don't know how to answer that, because we only make music by how were feeling and hat were going thru at the time.

XM: You are blessed with the ability to play bass and sing. If one of those two talents were taken away which would you rather be left with?
Dug: Playing bass, my first love. Singing is what I do.

XM: I love your vocal style. Who are some of your biggest singing influences? Past or present.
Dug: Stevie Wonder, Paul Rogers, Mavis Staples, Sly and the family stone, Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin, and many others.

XM: Has Yamaha looked into making a 12-string "Doug Pinnick" bass as of yet? What do like most about playing with more strings?
Dug: No, I'm not playing the 12 much anyway, only on one song on tour called (PRAY) and 12 string is hard to play actually, I've talked to many companies about a dUg signature 12bass, but no one has said yes yet.

XM: Having worked on so many different projects, solo albums, King’s X albums and guest appearances, how do you decide on what projects you are going to take on? Which do you have most fun with?
Dug: I take on whatever comes first, and I have fun with all of them, if I didn't I would not have done them.

XM: What are the difficulties and differences between playing live and when you are recording?
Dug: Playing live you rely on the moment, and emotion, the studio is all analytical, a whole different animal.

XM: When people like Mike Inez and Glenn Hughes mention how big of a fan they are of you personally and of King’s X you know that you have made it in the industry. Thinking back, when in your career did you sit back and say to yourself “I’ve made it!” Do you remember what you were doing at the time or how you were feeling?
Dug: When I played my first note on my bass is the day I felt like I made it, the rest has been an incredible adventure, a long winding road of experiences that have made me the man that I am today.

XM: Shopping for a record deal in the 80’s as you know was a whole different ball game then today. What are the biggest differences you’ve noticed in the music industry since you first started out together? Do you think it’s gotten better?
Dug: The record industry is dead in the US, there's a whole new way to sell and make music. And were all scrambling to figure out how to do it properly. The old way is dead. and major record companies are about to be no more.

XM: If you could have been involved in the writing, recording or production of any album, which would it be and why?
Dug: I cant think of any. I only think of future projects that I am involved with, and how to get them to the people.

XM: If you were to get stuck in a decade of music which decade would it be and why that one?
Dug: The 70’s! because it was my favorite erra and I was in my 20’s, the best time to experience music as a musician.

XM: Are there any relatively unknown bands out there that you would like to throw out a plug to?
Dug: The Virginmarry’s, Rival Sons.

XM: What do you and King’s X have in store for the rest of 2011?
Dug: Nothing, the holidays are about to be here, so were going to tour in November it the tentative plan.

XM: On behalf of xplosivemetal.com I would like to say thank you for taking a few minutes with us and best of luck in all of your future endeavors. Is there anything else that you would like to add and/or promote?
Dug: Thanks for your support. I have a lot of new projects in the works, I'll keep you posted.. thanks! dUg