Joseph Arthur is a modern day renaissance man. In addition to his talked about music career, the Ohio-born, Brooklyn-based artist has produced some critically acclaimed paintings, which have allowed for him to travel overseas to show his work. But in the meantime, he’s on tour of the U.S., stopping here in L.A. at The Troubadour on Thursday night. Before his tour, BestNewBands.com caught up with Arthur at PJ20 to chat right after his set and here’s what happened.

Daniel Kohn: Firstly, let’s start with the West Memphis 3. It’s about time they were released

Joseph Arthur: Took a long time but justice was finally served. A return to freedom is a beautiful thing.

 

DK: How was the set today? Do you think your upcoming tour is going to be incorporate the same songs that you performed and how do you think the reception was?

JA: I think it was good. I didn’t know exactly what to expect and of course, when I got joined by Mike (Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready), Matt (Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron) and Jeff (Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament), that was pretty awesome.

 

DK: Do you think that was an affirmation that ‘hey this guy is legit’?

JA: Probably. It was a haul to get down here. I wish we soundchecked, but we drove down from Montreal to Woodstock, where I had an art show, then to Brooklyn where I live, then to Milwaukee and here we are.

 

DK: Playing a festival is a different beast than playing at your solo gigs. How do you think it went considering many audience members probably weren’t familiar with your material?

JA: I think a little bit of both. When you’re on stage, you’re kind of aware of the typical gig when the audience is with you and here you have to win them. There’s a bit of that energy going on, but I don’t necessarily think that’s bad. It’s good to get out in front of new people, so that’s working. At the same time, you have to get up and do your thing.

 

 

DK: So do you think it was mission accomplished by winning over some new fans?

JA: I certainly hope so.

 

DK: Which form of the art you recreate do you find to be more rewarding, your paintings or your music?

JA: They both work in tandem. I’m getting to Europe as I said and I have two shows over there, one in Paris and one in Brussels. It’s nice to be able to vary things, especially in today’s music business, to make it anyway you can. It’s harder for people to download an original painting.

 

DK: What’s your plan the rest of 2011 outside of your tour?

JA: I have an art show coming up in Europe, and then of course the American tour. I’m gonna play at Austin City Limits, which is another huge festival so that will be cool.