the church were secretly obsessed with Nirvana and Toad the Wet Sprocket and playing Bush on the guitar. I just couldn’t understand covering songs when there was so much to talk about. Now all of those people are investment bankers or work in a grocery store and I’m here making music and talking about how I’m feeling, talking about the world and my place in it, or if I even have a place in it. My boyfriend asked me last week if I would cover a Toni Braxton song. And, I’m, like, sure, I love that song! It’s our song! But I don’t understand why I would cover that. I still have a lot that I want to say. ION: How does it feel to be a heart throb for a lot of gay boys swooning over you and your music at concerts? JP: I don’t feel like that! I have to be reminded of those things. You know, when I have a boyfriend I don’t see that. (Laughs) Well, maybe I do a little bit! I’m bad with compliments or getting adoration. If a fan walks up to me on the street you’ll see me turn into this shy, little hermit. When I’m on stage it’s one thing as soon as I step off the stage I’m just really, really shy. The amount of hook-ups I’ve had while touring is so minimal, in ten years you could could count them on two hands. I get really, really self-conscious, or I might see someone who’s stunning and interesting, but I’m already in a relationship. For whatever reason I haven’t lived the that sex,
drugs & rock ‘n’ roll game too much. And you know what? I’m just such a lover; I’m not so much a fucker. I love to love and to feel love. Tour life isn’t so conducive to an emotional connection because within hours you’re on to the next city. You don’t get much time to know anyone. I want my life to be meaningful—including sex. ION: What can we look forward to from The Drums in your Phoenix appearance? JP: It’s been a while! We have an amazing band—my favorite incarnation so far. People who believe in empathy, who live with kindness. We believe in recycling, and things like that! (Laughs) I think we’re all really good looking, which is kinda nice, since we’re on the road stuck in a tour bus with the same people. We’re gonna play songs from every album. It’s a pretty well-rounded show. We don’t have time to do any deep cuts, but we’ll do all the hits, all the way through! ION: The Drums were the most Shazamed band of 2009. JP: That’s the greatest compliment you can get. All that means is there’s no advertising. Nobody’s telling you what to write. That means people are sitting in cafes saying, “I like this! What is it?” ION: No, Jonny, the greatest compliment you can get is when I tell you that I love you. JP: (Laughs) Awww! That’s always important! And I love you, too! July 2019 WWW.IONAZ.COM 43