JymalotMusic

Over time, a lot of fans have emailed in or otherwise asked a lot of questions about Jymalot Music and the band's founder, Jym. We have consistently tried to get Jym to keep in touch with his fans, and, all things considered, he's done a pretty good job of addressing their questions and concerns. Since, much like Bob Dylan and Diana Ross, he rarely grants interviews, the last one being about six years ago, we put together some of the questions (in italics) he either didn't have time to answer or was afraid to answer and, after getting him three-quarters drunk on rum, we got him to give some answers (in plain ol‘ text). So, here we go….

Is this Jymalot Music a real band? --Clyde from Arkansas

Yes, Clyde, Jymalot Music is a real band. We rarely perform live, preferring to concentrate our efforts on CD production in the studio. The studio happens to be in the study of my house, and, no, it is not crowded because the band is pretty much just me. In fact, it's ALL me. That might be because I prefer to avoid compromising my artistic integrity, often a requirement when there is more than one musician in a room. Or it could be because I'm not good enough to be in a band with other people. Either way, it's just me. All the instruments, all the vocals, all the noises, it's all me. Love it or leave it.

You are a funny dude, Jymalot. What happened to your hair? --Simone's boyfriend from N.H.

I get that question a lot. The hair is gone. Seriously, hair is a waste of time for guys. I used to have it, and it took up time washing, drying, combing, stuff like that. Look, I have too much to do to worry about hair. I mean, I have to get ideas, write songs, record them, go to work, mow the yard, feed the dog, fix the jet skis, paint my toes, change the oil in the truck, go drinking in bars, eat out, play Fantasy NFL, entertain green-eyed girls, check the mail, go to Walmart, love my friends, hate my enemies, talk on the phone, watch NASCAR with Court, all kinds of stuff. So, hair? Please. And tell Simone I said thanks, she was great.

Hi Jymalot Music. Your website is interesting, but I am curious as to what end this means exists. What are your goals, your aspirations, what do you hope to accomplish by revealing such of your depths and intimate inner feelings? --Meagan from California

I dunno.

I LUV that Jymalot Music man. How can I meet him and get to know him waaaay better? --Sasha from New Orleans

Well, babe, New Orleans is really close, so email me and we'll set something up. Bring a duck and a plastic hat. And a wooden spoon.

Yo, what up dude. I got to HAVE a numba on that spicey VIXen, that CLM, she DRIVES me crazey, yo, G, and more pics, man." -- Petey from the trailer park

No. It would be wrong to post her private phone numbers and various pictures on a website where it would get out all over the internet. Just wrong.

You play a steel-string acoustic on most of your songs. Have you tried other types of guitars or instruments? --Tanya from South Wales

Yes, I have tried other guitars, and I am just not comfortable with any guitar but my old Applause. It's like Willie Nelson. He could, of course, get any guitar in the world but he plays that old piece of crap with a hole in it. He loves it. It's like it's part of him, he is one with the guitar, married in a sense, in loving embrace with his guitar. Well, that's some sick shit if you ask me. I just prefer my Applause, is all.

Why don't you do some Lynard Skynard? --Billy Joe Junehill from Mississippi

Who's the best kisser, Billy Joe…. yer momma or sis?

Do you play at weddings? --Shasta in Vermont

No. But I know people that do. And I'll go to a wedding. Well, not the wedding so much as the reception. Those are fun, sometimes, if there is free food. And rum. But, as I have said many times, Jymalot Music is a studio band, not so much a live band. If you are a friend of mine, you most likely have heard me play live. Yet, still you are my friend. Amazing.

I listened to about 30 seconds of one song on the latest CD and I'd say it's painful. What do you think of that, Jymalot? --Robbie from Bakersville

Don‘t listen anymore.

Could you do a song about fencing, fighting, true love, hate, revenge, giants, hungers, bad men, good men, beautiful women, snakes spiders, beasts of all natures and descriptions, pain, death, brave men, cowards, strong men, chases, escapes, captures, lies, truths, passions, miracles? --Krystal of Summerset

As you wish.

Please, bald dude, got to get HER. We BE perfeck for EACH other. The NUMBA. -- Petey from the trailer park

No. What's wrong with you?

Your songs seem like they are personal to you. Is that true? --"Stormy" from just outside the city limits

I have been asked that a lot, too, Stormy. But it's a good question. The ideas for songs usually have an origin in an event in my life, or are related to something I have seen, heard or experienced. The original idea might or might not be what into which the song evolves. But the original thought will be fundamental to the evolution. For example, the title track on the new CD definitely originates from my personal state of being, but I make the song more universal so it can be to which is related by listeners. It does not lose it's uniqueness as it pertains to me personally, and it gains understanding in terms of what listeners can conceptualize. Run that up your pole, Stormy.

Is that really you on all the songs on that "Robin's Nest" CD? The voice is different on different songs. You must really have a bunch of singers in your band. --Rusty from Louisiana

Just me. All the instruments, all the vocals. But I do intentionally try to sound a bit different now and then on a song to mix it up a bit… but only if it fits the song, like in, "You Had To Go." The chord progression is almost the same as Neil Young's "Ohio," but it's a slow, acoustic number. Singing in a voice somewhat reflective of Neil Young's voice seemed to fit. To me, it sounds like a song he might have done. Sort of like Tom Petty's "American Girl." When Roger McGuinn first heard that song, he asked, "When did I record that one?" Same kind of deal.

Jymmy, you know my question, baby. Tell me, sexy. --"Cherry" from Way Down South

Ten inches, Cherry.

Do you really think drugs solve problems? Your song, "We Should Drug The Whole World" says just that. Shame on you, Jymalot Music. --Pastor Luke John, Assembly of God Church, Finger Pointe, Alabama

Actually, I kinda do. It's like this… if EVERYBODY was on, say, Vicodin, well, who would care if somebody cussed you out, or cut you off in traffic, or if your boss yelled at you, but he wouldn't because he's ON DRUGS ! Nobody would care much about anything and nothing would get done, but so what? Everybody's loaded. Ha! I think that's a scream to think about. Lighten up, Pastor. Go smoke something.

How about some nude pics of Jymmy on the website, pleeeeease. --"Cherry" from Way Down South

Page isn't long enough, girl.

Who does Jymalot Music listen to? --Samantha

Fair question. First, let me say, I once heard an interview with R.E.M., wherein they were being compared as a band to The Beatles, and Michael was asked if he was influenced by John and Paul. Michael said he had never even heard a Beatles song, never listened to them and was certainly not influenced by The Beatles. What a goofy liar, that Michael. No musician since 1964 is not influenced, directly or indirectly, by John and Paul. Other than my own Jymalot Music, I appreciate The Beatles beyond all other musicians. I like Neil Young, Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crowe, Bob Dylan. I like 60s rock, KC and The Sunshine Band, bluegrass, especially Allison Krauss, old Poco with Timothy B. Schmidt, Leslie Gore and Little Peggy March, Bach's Fuge in D-minor, Charmer, Nik Kershaw and, lately, I've been enjoying The Veronicas and that Gnarls Barkley song. I shy away from hip-hop, although they are clearly trying to catch me ridin' dirty, but ain't fresh as I'm is, and I run like a frightened girl from country, although I keep listening to Shania's twang. I guess I kinda like it all, but have some favorites. As it should be.

The "Change" CD has a weird cover. Are those your feet? Do you paint your toes? Are you gay? --Philip

Yes. Yes. No.

I have never heard three part harmony on a Jymalot Music song. Nor have I heard a female voice on a Jymalot Music song. Why not? --Lori from Gonzales

I have tried some three-part harmony and it just didn't work. I can get by with the top and bottom end, but the mid-part harmony is beyond me, and never has worked out. I may keep trying. Perhaps if David Crosby stops by one day, I'll solicit his help. As for a female voice, that is an idea that needs fruition. I have discussed it with a number of females who for some reason do not want so dear an association with Jymalot Music. But I'll keep that in mind and work on it. By the way, there is, indeed, a female voice on a couple of Jymalot Music recordings. Most recently, Little Amy performed as a guest her original song, "Remember," which is the last song on "Robin's Nest." Long before that, my daughter and her friend, Amanda, can be heard deep in the background of "Negro Woman," on the "No Shame" CD.

Jymalot, I need advice. While listening to your music, I met this man, he's a janitor who used to deal drugs, but he's a good person now, and to prove it he left his wife and two little children to be with me as soon as I left my husband. We are together so we can have children now, and it's all because of your music. How do ya like that? --Stacy from Idaho

Uhhh, I'm not an advice columnist, but really, the world does not need more of your genes in the gene-pool.

Your CD covers always seem heavy with symbolism and hidden meaning. I have been trying to figure out the cover, inside and out, of the new CD, "Feels Like I'm Waiting…" I am at a loss. Are you willing to give a fan a little insight? --Maggie and The Pies

Thanks for being a fan, and, while I will not simply answer your questions, I will ask YOU a few, in the spirit of helping. If you can answer these, you will be on the way to solving your own puzzle. (1)What is my real name? (2)What time(s) is it? (3)Can you count the verses in that "book?" See, nothing to it.

I want to meet Mr. Jymalot, anytime, anywhere. He is so deep and complicated. --Lolita nearby

Lolita, I am not so deep and complicated. I am simply a narcissistic exhibitionist voyeur with bondage tendencies…I just want to see myself peeking at you watching me, tied up naked.

I like some of your songs, but some suck. What about a "Best Of" custom made for me? You could do that for your fans, they could send in the songs they like the best and you could put together a custom CD for them with their favorites. --Bianca

You could do that yourself by just getting all the Jymalot Music CDs, picking your favorites and burning your own "Best Of." But, you know, that's not all that bad an idea. Bands are always releasing a "Greatest Hits" or "Favorites" album, and the songs on there are who's favorites? The marketing guys! Well, if you or any fan will send me a list of YOUR favorite Jymalot Music songs, I will, if time permits, put them on a single CD just for you. I'll do you a custom cover and autograph it. The cost will depend on your level of devotion to the band. To hell with the marketing people, huh?!!!

Twelve CDs, fans everywhere, a lasting legacy of creativity for generations to adore. What more is there for Jymalot Music? --Jan from Cousins, Louisiana

You'd think that would be enough, wouldn't you? But, it feels like there is something more out there. Feels like I'm waiting.