James Pants

by Jason Birchmeier
Stones Throw Records affiliate James Pants is a one-man band whose humorous dance-funk music style is informed by early-'80s R&B/soul and old-school hip-hop as well as whatever thrift-store gear he comes across in his sleepy hometown of Spokane, WA. Born James Singleton, he's a multi-instrumentalist (drums, keyboards, guitar, etc.), a skilled beat-maker, a capable soul singer, and isn't afraid to infuse his music with a self-depreciating sense of humor. He became acquainted with Stones Throw label head Peanut Butter Wolf after a DJ performance, when he offered to take him record shopping the following day. Peanut Butter Wolf gladly accepted the friendly gesture from Pants, and the two stayed in touch for years. Over time Peanut Butter Wolf grew increasingly impressed with the mixtapes and production work of Pants, and beginning in 2006 with the placement of "Do a Couple of Things" on the Peanut Butter Wolf Presents Chrome Children compilation, he began releasing his music on Stones Throw Records. In 2007 Pants released the Kash 12" EP, and also that year, the track "Murder" was compiled on Chrome Children, Vol. 2. Along with another 12" release, We're Through, in 2008 Pants released his full-length album debut, Welcome. In support of the album, Pants toured as a DJ with Peanut Butter Wolf and Jamie Lidell, respectively.