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Break It Down: Between The Pine

When traversing a musical landscape where image tends to take precedent over talent, it's refreshing to come across an artist like James Diotte that lets his music speak for itself. Furtively avoiding the glossy PR photos that sell most acts, fans meet Diotte solely through the intimate experimental folk he creates under the moniker Between the Pine. On his latest album, Friends, Foes, Kith & Kin, the Rhode Islander delicately weaves together compelling layers of melody and timbre to create a sonically emotive reflection of the introspective themes his lyrics ruminate around.

We recently caught up with Diotte over email to get a quick glimpse into his elusive mind to learn about influential professors, liposuction and an obsession with ogling a certain variety of organs.

What have you been listening to lately?

I've been really into Gannon's Oh Look, It's Morning Again

Where's your favorite place to chill?

At home with my wife and five-month-old daughter.

What's the most dramatic thing you ever did to save money as a starving musician?

Besides that I didn't, nor will I ever be able to, quit my day or freelance jobs?

Tell us one of your favorite song lyrics.

"All my favorite singers couldn't sing" - David Berman (Silver Jews)

What is your most cherished musical instrument or accessory?

Any of my instruments. Although, I'd gladly give up guitars.

If you could change one thing about the music industry today what would it be?

I don't know enough about the actual industry—but I wish the physical world of albums still existed. (records or even CDs vs. mp3s)

What never goes out of style?

Overeating.

What's the theme song to your life?

Randy Newman's "Davy the Fat Boy."

What movies, artists, authors or athletes inspire you the most?

I had an amazing professor in college named Charles Goslin who really busted my chops but taught me how to think. I took so much from his class and applied it to everything.

What's your favorite way to stay in shape?

Liposuction.

What non-musician(s) would you most like to meet?

Michael Beirut, Paula Scher, Hillman Curtis, Marian Bantjes...

What's your biggest guilty pleasure?

Ogling over organs. (Not the blood & guts kind)

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
01.09.09