This summer will mark Jason’s third anniversary writing for PKP.  In this time frame, he has been a source of information on many topics.  From music notes to politics to liquor reviews and a few other topics, Jason is glad to share his opinion.  Of great interest is Jason’s knowledge and experience in the world of music that he shares with our readers.  Although I’ve never heard him perform, the passion that exudes for this subject must be evident in concert.

Without further ado, allow me to introduce you to Jason Lightner.

MPK: When you aren’t writing articles, what do you like to do with your free time?

JL: I’ve been working on several endeavors in music, as well as learning new instruments, methods of production, and different pieces of software. The whole process of songwriting fascinates me, and I’ve been studying old punk bands and newer metal acts to gain inspiration. I’m working toward melding electronic and grunge sounds with a project I’m naming after one of my favorite Nirvana songs.

I just moved into a new apartment, though, so while I’m still in the process of setting up my studio I’ve been catching up on some TV shows I missed out on years ago like Lost and Arrested Development. I’ve also been spending some time playing some old 8-bit games, and I’ve been working my way through the Legend of Zelda series for what feels like the 100th time.

MPK: Which publication is your favorite to write for?

JL: I really enjoy writing for Parched No More. Being able to share my passion for the drink with people who aren’t necessarily regular bar patrons is pretty rewarding, and I’ve been able to bring an understanding of fine (and not so fine) spirits to friends and strangers alike who may not understand the jargon, and who might otherwise fall into the dastardly trap of brute-force marketing.

MPK: You’ve written about your life as a musician.  Can you tell us about your band, if you’re currently part of one, and the type of music you most like to play?

JL: I used to sing for a Baltimore cover band called Liquifaction. The guys in that band — Sharif, Ryan, and Scott — are really great guys, and really talented musicians. We’d worked on some originals as well, but when I moved to Philadelphia the commute became too much, and I had to leave. That was November of last year, and since then I’ve been working toward learning guitar and applying what I’ve learned in my short time performing and playing to try to make a dent in the Philly music scene. It’s slow going, but things are happening and the gears are turning, so I can only be thankful for that.

When I’m playing guitar, I really enjoy playing punk rock. The riffs are pretty simple, and they’re fun to play. When I’m singing, however, there’s nothing like a good metal song — something to really wail to, or something to punctuate with a throaty growl. Stuff like Avenged Sevenfold and System of a Down is what I’ve been really getting into lately.

MPK: You also seem to have great passion for politics.  Would you ever want to be involved in politics, either behind the scenes or in the spotlight?

JL: My passion for politics comes not from a desire to participate, but from a desire to see things progress. I’d never make the cut in politics — I’m too honest, and I don’t have the sanitary past that’s required of our elected officials nowadays. Trust me; you wouldn’t want to shake hands with the skeletons in my closet.

I’m quite content to simply point out the flaws where I see them, and to champion those who I feel truly have the people’s best interests in mind. That’s the thing about modern day “journalism” — everyone’s afraid of rocking the boat. Well, everyone except Fox News, but they’re only rocking the boat in a way that appeals to a certain demographic of easily-duped Americans who hide racism and bigotry behind “family values.” They’re laughing all the way to the bank.

My problem with modern politics is the whole the idea of the sound-bite. There’s no real discussion or debate any more. It’s all under 90 seconds for quick consumption. It’s killing intellectual discourse.

MPK: What fun fact would our readers be surprised to learn about you?

JL: I once had a hand in a modest pro-wrestling promotion in Baltimore. This was from about 2000-2004. We ran weekly shows, did tapings, held special events, and even did some cross-promotion with other companies. I was a performer, and I did graphics, video, and music work as well.

Unfortunately, due to some licensing problems with the Maryland State Athletic Commission, the promotion had to stop operating, but those were fun times. I told a lot of great stories with a lot of great people, many of whom I’m still good friends with.