“As long as I know I’m living with purpose, I know it’s for my greater good,” says PawPaw Rod about his new EP ‘Doobie Mouth (An EP From PawPaw Rod)’ and all the work that contributed to where he stands as an artist.
As a self-proclaimed military brat, born in Hawaii and raised in Oklahoma, PawPaw Rod always found comfort in his favorite records despite moving everywhere, from Texas to Germany to Washington. After his first church performance, PawPaw Rod was hooked and has been chasing the same feeling ever since.
On ‘Doobie Mouth,’ PawPaw Rod explores themes of love and self-growth, encouraging people to be vulnerable. Dabbling with a new blend of R&B and pop, ‘Doobie Mouth’ is an expansion of his previously released projects and his signature funk sound.
Elaborating in our conversation, PawPaw Rod talks about honoring his grandfather with his stage name as well as the Pawpaw tree native to North America. He also touches upon shadow work, improving his confidence and running around in square-toe boots.
Besides releasing your new EP, what else is on your wishlist for things to do this Summer?
Go fishing, read some good books, spend time with loved ones, and stay out the way.
What is your current soundtrack to your life?
Some Aly, a band called Mind Shrine, Al Green, to name a few.
You were born in Hawaii and raised in Oklahoma, how did these two places affect your relationship with music and influence your current sound?
My dad was in the army so I moved around a lot. After Hawaii, I spent 7 years in Texas. Then every 2 years I moved around to places such as Germany, South Carolina, Washington, and Oklahoma. All of those places allowed me to understand all of it was for me to soak up like a sponge. No genre is off limits, they are meant to experience and be inspired by.
You refer to yourself as ‘a military brat.’ Could you elaborate?
The kid of a soldier!
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Prince, Maxwell, Stevie Wonder, Wiz Khalifa, Bill Withers, pretty much anything Mowtown. I could go on and on.
Who are your biggest inspirations outside of music?
My Mother and Father most certainly.
Your stage name pays homage to your grandfather. Could you tell us the story of how you first dabbled with putting this moniker together?
It pays homage to my grandfather along with it being a nickname my school friends gave me growing up. They would say I acted like an old man, it’s kind of a hip hop thing to use the nickname you were called in your community. My grandfather always had cool boots and rings, gave me the best advice he could and was just hella chill. I’m on my journey to become a pawpaw god willing.
On August 9th, you shared your new EP ‘Doobie Mouth.’ First of all, what is the title inspired by?
Gettin blazed and listening to music that makes you feel good.
In your opinion, how will ‘Doobie Mouth’ compare to your previously release projects ‘A PawPaw Rod EP,’ ‘Another PawPaw Rod EP,’and ‘This Must Be A PawPaw Rod EP’.
It will be a continuation of a life being lived, not much of a comparison as much as the next chapter, I’m excited.
‘Doobie Mouth’ touches a lot on self-growth and acceptance. What are some of the most valuable lessons you recently picked up and wanted to translate in this project?
That it’s okay to be vulnerable and to let people in on your world. Some may stick around and smoke a doobie with you.
What sparked your initial interest in deeper self-discovery? In what situations do you feel like you learn the most about yourself?
I think as an artist you’re always self analylzing. At least for me, the shadow work I do only enhances my confidence to use my voice in this world in any capacity. In this case, to present my soul through song.
Looking back, what do you think ‘Doobie Mouth’ will represent to you? What stage of your life are you mainly referring to?
It will represent the work it took to get to wherever I will be when I look back at this moment. It’s all for the cause, whatever I do, big or small, as long as I know I’m living with purpose, I know it’s for my greater good.
You already kicked off your ‘Doobie Mouth’ North American tour. What can your fans expect from your live shows? What sets you apart?
The best show ever and possibly weed smoke in the air. What sets me apart is my willingness to run around in square toe boots for an hour, serious business there.
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Photographer: Mike Gray
Words: Karolina Kramplova