We had the good fortune of connecting with Almighty Pi! and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Almighty, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
A conclusion I’ve came to and often remind myself: the anxiety that comes to me before I get up on the stage is really a surge of powerful energy. This energy is something that is felt when one is about to undertake an act with potential to impact others, as well as themselves, in a profoundly positive or negative way.
This energy must be faced, and it must be utilized to bring your passion in the boldest form to whatever artistic medium you practice! This is something that in the past had made it difficult for me to embrace the stage and really give it my all, being unapologetically myself. For awhile now it has been my mission when performing to leave nothing unsaid, nothing undone, to the best of my ability. No matter how long or short the set, how small or large the crowd.
The trick is to circulate this energy throughout your body, for me this can be done by doing some light cardio, deep breath, simply the thought/command of the energy to circulate so that you may embody it entirely will do the trick. Once you hone this energy (the process will be different for everyone) you can then direct it to the audience in whatever way you so choose. The next step is to receive their energy they send to you and circulate that to further empower yourself, as well as cultivate a deeper connection to them while in the act.
Performing music live is more of a beautiful art style than I had ever considered earlier in my life when I was crippled by stage fright and anxiety at the mere thought of performing in front of groups of people. This technique has helped me tremendously! I’m curious to see how it can help others and learning how others go about this process is just as fascinating.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I wouldn’t dare say that things have been easy for me on this path; however the experiences that have been set for me certainly played out in a way that feel natural & very intentional. I know I am apart of something much bigger than myself, so it is my duty to use my gifts to inspire others to give their gifts too. Something you can count on from Pi! is my ability to hop onto a stage at virtually any kind of show with different styles of music to appeal to different demographics. The same goes with merging into crowds and making friends, it’s always been this way for me. I am very versatile with my artistry. I am a writer, recording artist, producer/beat maker, mixing engineer, promoter/show host, graphic designer, and photographer.
I am a creative who is not afraid to get in a zone where I’m uncomfortable, and I put my heart & soul into my music performances. I care not about being the coolest, most famous, richest, flyest guy out here. I just want to touch hearts and inspire evolution in others whether that be spiritually, creatively, socially, whatever the case may be. I can’t control how the vibes hit for other people, but no matter what I do people always tell me they love my energy because the intentions are pure and I give a whole lot of it.
I’ve overcome loads of self doubt, depression, stage fright, and negative outlooks on my own art due to unchecked perfectionist mindsets. A lot of this was done behind the scenes through a host of self work, but getting out there and continuing to make the music, perform, meeting other artists & learning from them has given me the push to overcome myself. The only true obstacle that could ever stop me is myself, and I believe the same is inherently true for all of us.
I want people to know that my music and arts in general are very subjective. It means a lot to me hearing what they take away, and my biggest aspiration is to bring a more positive and uplifting vibration to my environment by any means necessary!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a pretty simple guy haha
There would be a few different restaurants on the list. Some of my favorites are: Ban Sai, Namaste, Neehees, Portias Cafe, Bombay Garden, Tlaquepaque, Nile Vegan
We’d have to hit a few of those spots.
Definitely some hiking at Black Hand Gorge, several spots at Hocking Hills, Spring Valley Nature Reserve, Rising Park, and really any other woods that seem appealing and adventurous.
Otherworld is a super dope place in Columbus, I’ve been a few times and it’s a really trippy and exciting experience. I’d love to see more people’s first time reactions. Fun fact my girlfriend and I ran into Kenzie and Zach on our way out the first time we went.
It’s always fun to go rave at events like Lost Lands, and shows by Raiden Labs. I used to show up to Satellite events at Juniors Bar and Grill weekly for awhile to dance and sweat everywhere.
I’ve been meaning to check out more botanical gardens and art museums so I’d have to throw those on the list. Definitely an escape room too
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a major shout out to my family at home in Newark Ohio, as well as Columbus Ohio, the people there have always treated me as one of them and most of the biggest moves in my career thus far have occurred there.
A few people in particular I’d like to mention are Sam Rothstein, Toof, SkinnyboyQ, Wyatt Elkins, Kenzie Hawes with Kundalini Kreations, Zach Fry aka DJ BakPakZak, and Shawn Smith + MANY more
Sam played a major role in the development of my career by booking me shows that provided major opportunities, introducing me to the artistic community of Columbus that have embraced me with open arms. He’s affirmed my greatness and also gave me constructive criticism in areas where I needed it without hesitation.
Toof was the touring act of the first show Sam had ever booked me for, and the words this man spoke to me that night forever changed things for me. In a nutshell, he let me know that I had what it takes and if I kept going I would achieve my dreams. It wasn’t only his words but also the professionalism and experience that exuded from him that made the things he said that much more meaningful.
SkinnyBoyQ is a long time friend and supporter of my musical journey. We had first crossed paths at my first job at Walmart when I was 18. It wasn’t until years later we met again and a mutual friend had told him that I do music, so we instantly hit it off. I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing him really get serious about his DJ career and the consistency paired with his passion and love for his work never ceases to inspire me in my own. Q also has ran sound for a few of my shows including the first time I had reached maximum capacity at The Newark Hub!
Wyatt Elkins is a very skillful photographer who I worked with for years on end. Our friendship is what drove us to capture the pictures that would come to play a major role in developing my image on social media for my music. He is also a long time fan of my music, giving my sounds a listen way before I had found my place in it all and providing me with creative ideas that helped me experiment further.
Kenzie Hawes is a great friend, supporter, and artist all around. She went out of her way to draw a design based upon a picture of me Wyatt Elkins had taken. I had no idea, so when she sent it to me and asked what I thought I was like, “Holy S*** that is awesome!!!” From there my first merch line was born, and it saw much success Spring-Summer 2021. It is very empowering and downright beautiful to see people wearing those shirts and hoodies. Word on the street is that we have a new design in the works for this summer!
Zach Fry has been a huge help in both formulating show ideas and bringing them to fruition by making sure the sounds, the lights, and the knitty gritty behind the scenes are all in check. We’ve worked together to host many shows the past couple years & it has been instrumental to both of our growth in our respective fields. He’s also a great friend who’s always supporting not only my music, but any artist who is passionate has a supporter and friend in him.
I really could go on and on but within the past few years these are a few among many people who have been key to the growth and development of Pi!
Website: https://m.soundcloud.com/imthatpiguy
Instagram: Imthatpiguy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatPiGuy314/
Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCoeN6LkIJzRPe8OPftdikpw
Other: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/pi/xtra
Image Credits
Wyatt Elkins, Sage Photography, Ben Flixz, Low Low Leo