TimPermanent is an openly gay singer and released his second EP Marker this year. He has performed with the likes of Adam Lambert, Fantasia and Deborah Cox. By donating proceeds from recent shows to organizations such as the Trevor project, he hopes to leave a permanent mark on our community.
JN: (Jerry Nunn) Hi, Tim. After listening to your music such as your single "Asymmetrical" I hear influences such as Erasure.
TP: (Tim Permanent) Yes, people say that. It is a flattering remark, thank you.
JN: Who else influences you?
TP: It is hard to say who are my musical influences. My whole life I have been listening to all sorts of music. But probably people like the Pet Shop Boys, Missing Persons and Erasure. Their sound was when I was little so that is where I my roots are. I love a good pop or jazz song. If people ask me what kind of music I like then I say good music.
JN: Where did your name come from?
TP: It was a marketing idea. The first EP I put out was called Permanent Record then this one is Permanent Marker. If I ever have a greatest hits it will be called TimPermanent Collection.
JN: Where are you from?
TP: I am from Connecticut originally. I went to school in New York City and I lived there for nine years. I moved to San Francisco for a couple of years. I live in LA now.
JN: How do you like the West Coast?
TP: I never thought I would love it the way I do. I really like the weather.
JN: Don't rub it in!
TP: I was just talking to my family in Connecticut and I am very grateful to be out here.
JN: You performed for LA's Pride a few years ago.
TP: Yes, I did. That was a kick off to a bunch of festivals that I got to play. It was a great experience. They whisk you in and then before you know it you are offstage. There is a little window of time to drive up, get onstage, get offstage then get the hell out of there!
JN: Is it usually an acoustic set?
TP: My shows are usually eclectic. I like to play a little acoustic part in the middle. There is usually a mix of things that I will do in a given show.
JN: Have you been to Chicago before?
TP: I have been to Chicago a couple of times but only very briefly. I would like to spend more time there since I hear such great things about it.
JN: You are working with the Trevor Project?
TP: For my next performance I am donating the proceeds to the Trevor Project. They are amazing what they are doing. What Dan Savage is doing is pretty amazing too. I did a video for It Gets Better myself.
JN: I watched it. I love some Savage Love.
TP: Me, too. It is the dirtiest stuff and so interesting.
JN: It is graphic sometimes.
TP: Yes, very over the top with those crazy situations.
JN: What are you working on this year?
TP: It is all about hustling this record. I am hoping to begin writing the next one. I am hoping to call it TimPermanent Resident and will be an LP. I had the opportunity to write with some really great people that have shown up. The universe has been really awesome to me since I started doing this project. We are trying to play all the major Pride festivals in the country. I am hoping to get those gigs while playing shows locally.
JN: One last question, are you single?
TP: Yes, I am.
JN: Well, don't write that one in permanent marker and good luck with a permanent career.
To purchase Tim's music let your fingers do the walking to TP://www.timpermanent.com" target="new">www.timpermanent.com.