We had the good fortune of connecting with PJ Bidwell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi PJ, what do you attribute your success to?
The biggest factor behind my success is that I try to give more than I take. I believe in building real community relationships and helping others without expecting anything in return.

I believe in enthusiastic support, cheering on my friends and backing others who are out there chasing big goals. There’s more than enough success to go around, and helping others doesn’t take away from what I’m building. It strengthens relationships and opens doors that staying in my own lane never could.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I make music that sits somewhere between alt-country, Americana, and raw, blue-collar storytelling. Whether through the PJ Bidwell Band, my solo work, Pelican Museum, or Acoustic Songwriters Arizona, my goal is always the same: to connect honestly with people through songs that feel lived-in and real.

What sets me apart isn’t flashy production or chasing trends, it’s the stories. I write about regular people, hard choices, lost time, and little wins that feel big when you’re in the thick of it. I’m most proud of building something from the ground up that resonates with people.

It’s not always easy, and it’s definitely not been overnight. I’ve played empty rooms, booked my own tours, carried my own PA, and kept going when the money didn’t make sense. But I’ve also built a pretty great network I. The process. Acoustic Songwriters Arizona started as a small local showcase and turned into a respected platform that’s given a spotlight to many working Arizona artists. That’s something I’m proud of.

The biggest lessons? Stay consistent. Be kind. Show up even when it’s inconvenient. And don’t fake it, people can feel it when you’re not being authentic.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me or anything I’m involved in, it’s this: I care deeply about the music and the people who make it. My goal is to build something sustainable and honest, with room for others to grow alongside me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a best friend was visiting Tucson for the week, I’d want them to really feel what makes this place special, the natural beauty, the community, the food, and the music.

We’d start by getting out into the desert, maybe hit Sabino Canyon or catch a sunset at Gates Pass, assuming it’s not too hot.

Tucson’s got a strong local music scene, so we’d spend a few nights catching live shows. I’d also make sure we stopped by Catalina Brewing on a Sunday afternoon to catch Acoustic Songwriters Arizona. It’s become a bit of a home base for me musically.

We’d carve out a day to hop around a few of the local breweries, nothing too rushed, just enjoying what Tucson has to offer. For meals, breakfast at Tohono Chul is hard to beat, it’s peaceful and the food hits the spot. Then dinner one night at The Parish for something a little different, and El Charro another night for that classic Tucson flavor.

At the end of the day, it wouldn’t be about packing the schedule, it’d be about slowing down, taking it all in, and showing them why I chose to build my life and music here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without a doubt, my wife April deserves a whole lot of credit. Having a supportive partner by your side, someone who celebrates the wins and stands strong during the lows, is invaluable. She’s my biggest cheerleader, my sounding board, and my best friend. Her belief in me, even when I’ve doubted myself, has made all the difference. So much of what I’ve been able to pursue and create wouldn’t be possible without her love, encouragement, and steady presence.

Website: https://PelicanMuseum.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjbidwellmusic?igsh=MWdwZGJsY3R4Nm81ZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16cKkiq8Uz/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@PJBidwell

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5FX54Qus2kV1zDQA2F8S6D?si=zN2Rj2yMSN6hUT-uJg0L_Q

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2DhOncyPUnI3lCoknM3LC4?si=i915dflASHqAFNnYYwLbtg

Image Credits
Milton Spivack @StealyourFramephotography

SpryTime

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