1. It's been a few years since we caught up with you, what's been going on with you musically?
To be honest, I'm just getting back in the game, since coming back to San Diego after 4 years in Nashville. Had some issues to deal with health wise, but currently I feel great and the time is right to do what I love most.
2. Are you currently working on new material?
Yes. There's tremendous opportunity to do so at the moment, and I'm excited to be laying down new tracks. It's been a very long time since I hit the studio, and I'm really optimistic about a new release in 2021.
3. Tell us about some of the projects you have going on in San Diego?
It's been extremely difficult to collaborate with fellow musicians this year. I came to SD with plans on getting a band together but until restrictions are lifted here, it's impossible. Like others, I'm working at home and waiting for brighter days until then.
4. How do you like working for Stables?
I am really amazed by the love I receive for what I do. The network is full of talented people, beautiful inside and out. None more so than on "Freedom 2 Rock". I mean, I never dreamed I'd be co hosting a talk show, but Tony Russo and Mark Mancini did. I'm grateful they convinced me to try it, because I would never have dared otherwise. My "soul sisters" Nicole Pearse and Jo Madden are fantastic talents, and real pros. They all make what I do a joy. I can't begin to explain what the Fab 5 and The Stables mean to my life.
5. You started a label called Anonymous Pacific now, let's hear about it!
I wanted to give Indie artists a place to showcase their art. I really have just taken the blueprint from Anonymous Collective where I've been for 10 years, and applied it to my new life here. I learned so much with A/C that it was paramount that I put "Anonymous " in the title. It's a tribute and a thank you. Make no mistake. we are all in the same family
6. Do you have plans to do another solo record? The first one was a smash.
Oh yeah!
I have things to say, vibes to roll and I'm ready healhwise. The timing is right. One step at a time, the ball has started rolling and I'm excited.
7. What have you been listening to lately?
I actually listen to Sirius. I'm blessed to work outdoors so it's great to throw the headphones on as I do and groove while i toil.
Tom Petty has a show called "Buried Treasure " where he plays DJ for an hour spinning discs and telling jokes. He was so gifted in this role, and plays great stuff. I'm so glad they replay these episodes. Cousin Brucie has a show which is super. And Peter Noone is a great story teller. His show is fantastic
8. Do you do most of your recording at home these days?
Pretty much all of it. I do look forward to heading to the Springs and my favorite place to record. The Anonymous Collective Basement. It's the Chess Studios of Indie Rock.
9. Where is the world going next?
I'm the wrong guy to ask. I dont watch TV, disdain talking politics and I have no answers. It's why Tony Russo and I started down this journey into The Stables.
We didnt know how to help. . So we just try to cheer people up and stay positive. It's the Motto of Freedom 2 Rock. Make folks smile for an hour.
10. Did you prefer Tower Records or Licorice Pizza?
Tower for sure. Always after the swap meet. Vinny's daily double of bounty hunting
11. Best San Diego Bands? (does not have to be current)
Manual Scan, The Nephews Outrage. Puzzlebox, F Troop, Barefoot Hockey Goalie. The Chasers. Liquid Dogg
Strichnyne 99 is great, as is Shake Before Us. These guys are all my pals, so I'm jaded
12. Best Mexican Food in San Diego?
Rita's in Ocean Beach. No one comes close
13. What do you think of the music scene in San Diego these days?
I'd heard so many great things were going on here while I was away. I only caught a slight glimpse of it before Covid. I'm convinced there will be a renaissance of epic proportions when doors are open. Even the venues are popping up. This city will uncork musically very soon
14. Favorite baseball player of all-time and why?
I had the opportunity to meet Bobby Murcer not long before he passed. I visited his home in Oklahoma City, met his family and spent 2 hours I'll never forget talking baseball and life with a dying man who was as interested in my story as I was in his. Genuine.
15. What was your favorite episode of What's Happening?
Any fan will tell you it's the Doobie Brothers and Rerun's bootlegging the show in the high school gym.
Hey HEY Hey!
16. Are the Skinny Mulligans working on a new record right now with Danny Bonaduce producing?
No, but we have been thinking about bringing in Robbie
"Cousin Oliver" Rist. ( Brady Bunch) Dude has an epic ear and is every bit the smart ass we are!
17. Mary Ann or Ginger? Why?
The epic question, right?
I can never decide, so I'll take June Nelson from Ozzie and Harriet as a write in vote. Booyah.
18. What album or albums inspired you to play music?
It was people more than vinyl for me. Seeing my friends in Outrage and The Nephews were my inspiration. They made the impossible feasible, so I'm grateful to them for showing me that I could
19. Tell us about your very first band
Well, it was in New Jersey and I was 10. I dont remember a lick about it.
But The TAPIOCA CONVENTION with Fez Wrecker and JD Lorenz was my first working band and I could talk for days about a band that lasted only weeks. But what weeks they were! I sang and played bass. Fez left to go back to his old group. Some band called Outrage. So I grabbed by 6 string and started The Festers. And I found a better singer than myself.
20. Did you go to Yum Yum donuts or Winchells?
Oh man Winchells all the way. The yellow bucket chairs, cute as hell girls at the counter and the smell the place had. I still go there as often as I can for a lemon jelly and my memories
21. Any final thoughts sir?
I'm very fortunate to be here, after the year I've had. But to be thriving, healthy and happy in 2020 is a gift I didnt see coming. I can't wait to celebrate with my friends. I've a ton to be thankful for, and lots to look forward to.
PEACE!
