Equal parts Cameo, Mr Scruff, and Blues Explosion, genre-bender James Pants will be at The Shelter on November 21.

SH: If your music had a texture, what would it feel like?
JP: Faux velvet. But I don't know if I can actually categorize my music. I like all styles, but I want to have a unique sound that's consistent across many genres. Having said that, I don't mind too much if other people try and pigeonhole my music. I've found that it's really hard to get people to buy your CD if you can't describe the genre. So thanks to the critics and marketers!

SH: Tell us about your album Welcome.
JP: I had no idea how it would turn out when I first started recording, as I was just recording songs at the time for fun. I gave around 100 or so songs to Peanut Butter Wolf and he compiled the album. It's kind of a Best Of as my debut album, ha! Peanut Butter Wolf has been a real mentor figure for me – we both like weird music.

SH: What's the best way to listen to your album?
JP: I don't know... a road trip? At home with your pet? A party with girls? Please send me your suggestions.

SH: What can people expect from your live show?
JP: I think I'll be doing a DJ variety show. That means all genres, drum machines, and karaoke.

SH: Are you looking forward to coming to China?
JP: I've never been before, so yeah. I'm really looking forward to the food. Maybe it's because I'm hungry right now...

SH: You're organizing a festival and can choose acts and artists, dead or alive, from any era of music. Who are your three headliners and why?
JP: Gary Wilson – to scare people; Silver Apples – to hypnotize; The Doors – just because they’re my favorite. The music I listen to changes all the time though. Right now it’s Eric Burdon and The Animals. It seems like there’s a lot of good stuff right now too. Animal Collective, Ariel Pink, Madlib, Broadcast – and that’s just a few. I try to keep my record collection pared down to only the heat. I’d say it’s around 40 crates or so at the moment. As far as my craziest record, it’s probably either Gary Wilson or ‘80s funk band Prophet.

SH: What’s next for you?
JP: My wife and I are having a baby. A little beast! – Jake Newby