Local Flight Interview

Joel Arquillos is a humble man but don't let him fool you. He's a very intelligent, creative and productive human being. Joel has a musician for many years; first fronting the Sonoma county-based band Patch in the mid 1990's. Then, he moved onto solo work, doing several albums under the moniker Jorrell. He's also collaborated with folks on other musical endeavors. If that is not enough, he spends his days as the Executive Director of 826LA; a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students with their creative and expository writing skills. 

1. How did this new project Local Flight come to life?

Glen Murrell, longtime friend, collaborator, bandmate, emailed me out of the blue asking if I'd be interested in adding vocals and instruments to some tracks he developed. I had done something like this with another friend and liked the freedom of being able to come up with something that mixed with what I was given. And since I'm a full timer and a dad, this way of making music is most convenient for me. So I just wrote lyrics and added vocals. I trust Glen and since we made music like this years ago in bands and project we did together, I knew he would give me good feedback and we'd make something interesting together. 

2. As a lyricist, what kinds of things do you delve into with your lyrics? Themes?

It's funny, but I'm more moved by the sound and melody first. I need to feel a melody and from that words just start to appear. I don't always have a theme in mind. It's more of a subconscious thing. And once I'm done with a song I go back and try to analyze what I've come up with and realize it's a snapshot of something I've dealt with in my life or recently. The themes are very universal and hopefully tap into something others may also experience or feel. But they don't really have a point or purpose. They just capture a mental moment.

3. Do you get into a certain mindset to create?

For this project I did. Luckily, my family was out on Saturdays doing other projects so I had the place to myself. I really need to be alone and allowed to just go nuts. I did many takes for this project which eventually led to a sound I wanted. I couldn't imagine people in the house listening in. It can be a cathartic process and one that probably makes me sound like a maniac at times. But in the end, I feel really good. Like therapy.

4. What types of things inspire your music?

Hope this doesn't come across as egotistical, but I try to rise to some authentic place. I don't want to sound like anyone else but acknowledge it's impossible to be purely authentic since we've been influenced by so many people. But I want to find a sound that comes from somewhere in or outside of myself. I don't mean to sound ethereal but with this project in particular, i was given a chance to dig deeper to align my voice with Glen's compositions. I wanted to give back something that worked well with his sound and that made me feel like my genuine voice was coming through. 

5. You played in other bands with Greno, what it is like to creatively reunite after all these years?

I've always enjoyed collaborating with Greno. He's easy to work with and is really supportive. We made great albums together under the Jorrell moniker and his drumming and encouragement always made the process smooth. So getting back together--even if we're not in the same room--has been fun and easy. Greno's a natural producer. He really encourages you and keeps you moving. Love that.

6. What kinds of bands/artists do you listen to nowadays?

I'm all over the map lately. From jazz to classical to new age to experimental. Still tend to go for the singer/songwriter stuff but am loving the more nonlinear music lately. Have enjoyed stuff from Light in the Attic Records a lot, especially the Japanese soundscape stuff from folks like Hiroshi Yoshimura and music by Haruomi Hosono. 

7. How do you like living in Los Angeles, having lived near NYC for a large portion of your life? Similarities? Differences?

Los Angeles is a city and suburb all rolled up into one big metropolis. There are so many neighborhoods and so much segregation that people tend to stay in their "hoods". You're either a west-sider, east-sider, south-sider, or from the Valley region. But inside of all of that are pretty incredible communities, museums, venues, restaurants, and all kinds of diversion. It's mind boggling. I work all over the city so I spend a lot of time in my car watching the city through my windshield.

What I miss about NYC is walking for long distances or taking the subway and being wherever I needed to be within that 5 mile city in a matter of minutes. So much life everywhere and stories on every stoop. And I'm not talking about Brooklyn which is a whole other world. The NYC I knew from the 80s and 90s, no one cared where you came from, it was how you showed up.

I dig LA and it's where my family is settled. We have access to every distraction we need here. 

8. Do you plan to play any instruments on upcoming LF releases?

I'd like to. I've been messing around with the electric keyboard/synth more and piano. I have the guitar and sax always ready if needed.

9. Favorite venues (could be to play at or see shows at or both)

There are so many great ones. I always prefer the smaller rooms though. The Zebulon is great. Saw a noise show with Kim Gordon that blew me away. The Teregram, Largo, and Bootleg are great but my favorite venue by far is my friend Reuben Cox's guitar shop called Old Style. I've seen intimate shows with Andrew Bird, The National, Mike Viola, Jim James, and tons of incredible artists. The shop is also the best guitar shop in LA. Reuben designs guitars for folks like Jackson Browne (who also played a show in the shop) and Carrie Brownstein among many others.

10. Best Mexican food in Los Angeles?

Damn, this is going to get me in trouble. But I love Señor Fish and CaCao Mexicatesan in Eagle Rock where I live. Great margaritas at La Fuente, too. But the best tacos are from trucks in Echo Park. Really cheap too.

11. Are you a Dodger fan now? God,I hope not as you were a NYY Fan before, then an A's fan, shame on you bandwagoner - .ed (Kidding!!!)

Man, I've jumped around too much. I don't know anymore. I go to Dodgers games and route for them. They're fun and the stadium is great. Let's just say I'm a fan of baseball. 

12. What's next for Local Flight? Video plans?

Not sure. Working on a few tracks Greno sent me. Let's see what we can do. 

13. Anything you would like to add or say sir?

Thanks for the questions and for all the great music you're making. So cool to be a part of this community.


LISTEN/BUY Local Flight music
www.localflight.bandcamp.com