Prince Poppycock is Alive and Kicking so Get Out of the Way! Part 2

Part two: questions from fans

1) From J.M.
What advice do you have for people being taunted or bullied just for being themselves?

PP: I would give them the advice that I personally try to give myself every time I start to feel sorry for myself. Life in and of itself is an absolute miracle. It is and always will be the greatest, most magical thing you will ever experience. The simple fact that we get a chance to be alive is basically like winning the lottery. Think about the infinite number of possible lives that could come into existance that will never get a chance to be. But you are! That's pretty mind-boggling to me and I don't think that it will ever stop being that way. It's fairly humbling and it makes me grateful for every moment and every breath of my life.

Don't let anyone else tell you how you should feel about yourself. Your moods are like magnets, and while it may not seem like it, you have the choice of how you feel at any time. The hardest lesson to learn is that we are in control of our reactions to events in our lives. We can be victims or we can be heroes. I would encourage any kid growing up today who is dealing with injustice to (like Gandhi said) be the change that they want to see in the world. We can make a better world one kid at a time who believes that each and every one of us is equal and has the right to live out our dreams.

2) From J.C.
How have you dealt with discrimination that you have faced in your life?

PP: Discrimination that I faced in my life has made me stronger. Rather than being motivated by my ego, I'm inspired every day to add my tiny little effort to create a world where egalitarianism and justice prevail.

3) From C.R.
Does His Royal Highness have any advice for young people wanting to pursue the arts as a career?

PP: I would encourage you to focus on the reasons why you are pursuing the career that you chose. Hold onto those reasons, no matter what. Forget about lifestyle, or trappings, or glamorous things. Grow a thick skin and become resilient. Each and every time you encounter a setback get back up on your feet as quickly as you can (but don't beat yourself up if it takes you longer than you would like sometimes). Cherish the mentors that come in your life. Develop a thirst for learning that isn't attached to any kind of outcome. And always, always, always follow your heart.

4) From S.D.
What are the pros and cons of being an independent artist given the state of both the economy and the music business?

PP: When I first moved to Los Angeles my goal was to work in the record industry while pursuing my own creative goals. I got to witness first hand as the record industry crumbled from the inside out. It's akin to the downfall of the old Hollywood studio system in the 50s. As a result there are positives and negatives for artists. Unfortunately, people are no longer willing to take risks on untested talent for a record contract. They only are willing to roll the dice if they know that the album will turn a profit. On the plus side, however, an independent artist gains an awful lot more creative control and freedom. They are no longer controlled and told what to do. So while I would not turn down a major label contract, I very much enjoy being my own boss at the moment.

5) From C. D.
How is your home recording studio project coming along?

PP: I am very passionate about recording. I started using computer recording technology when I was about 12 years old, basically when consumer software allowed home users to be able to rudimentarily edit audio. I then got my first four track, and first synthesizer not long after that. I wrote and self produced (if you could call it that) all through high school, and started in on learning MIDI editing when I was in college. While I love it, it also tends to be a bit of a curse, because what I want to achieve is always a bit too ambitious for me to achieve just by myself. Mixes can become tangled webs that are easy to become lost in, technical problems can plague projects, and there always seems to be something just out of reach. While I wouldn't give up what I've learned for the world, I am looking forward to the day where I can record in a studio, with other musicians and a proper producer. That said, the productions that I'm working on now are moving forward. And I'm confident in saying that they are my best works to date.

6) From C.D.
Just curious -- How do you manage to store and deal with so many fantastical costumes, props, etc. when not using them?

PP: Luckily, I live in a lovely old house here in LA. Because of this we have a detached garage, a spooky old seller, and I have a large closet. The dining room is home to several eight-foot tall champagne bottles, as well as all the unbroken ceramics from the "Bohemian Rhapsody" performance. The basement is filled to the brim with props, shoes and odds and ends. The garage has the Pagliacci cape and the Nessun Dorma Helmet, all the diapers from the Caesar's Palace New Year's Eve show, sitting next to the lawn mower and garden tools. My bedroom is filled to capacity with wigs and costumes. The only place left to go is up now! We may have to start storing things in the unfinished attic!

7) From rumorville
Is the rumor true that you will be on "X-Factor?"

PP: Nope

8) From P.H.H.
Will the Prince not found a country where we can all move?

PP: I believe that Poppyopolis already exists in my heart and inside the heart of everyone that has supported and believed in me over the last year. I think it's a place that we can all go to for comfort and fun and frivolity any time we want!

Thank you Prince Poppycock for sharing part of your life with all of your "Poppies."

If you missed part one of the interview here is the link: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8123711/prince_poppycock_is_alive_and_kicking.html?cat=49

www.princepoppycock.com
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"In my carefree poverty I squander rhymes and love songs like a lord. When it comes to dreams and castles in the air, I've the soul of a millionaire." Prince Poppycock