Tony Acquarelli Interview

I can safely say I would never had started playing music if not for the influence of Tony Acquarelli.

He's been my big brother since I was 10 years old. Tony introduced me to the world of punk rock music and my life was never the same. He was the first person I knew that had a band and rode a skateboard. I looked up to him like no other. Still do. Tony Acquarelli is a wonderfully talented and kind hearted man. Like most of our team, he's as humble as they come. Hopefully, in the following interview, you can get to know the guy that influenced a lot of Poway musicians of the past, present and future. 

1. What is Barefoot Hockey Goalie up to these days? 

Thanks for the question. We are working on a new opera. The story is about a kid growing up in Clairemont, California in the late 1970’s. It’s the sad tale of a kid who grows up too fast, broken family, drugs and alcohol, gains fame early, hits rock bottom shortly there after, finds love and turns his life around. We have about 5 or 6 songs at this point. The working title is F you, I’m From Clairemont.

2. Are you writing new songs right now?

I have been writing since the shutdown. I haven’t really written much in the past couple of years. I want to put together 19 songs of recordings by the end of the year. I’ve been writing birthday and graduation songs while we’ve been shut down. My writing partner lives in San Diego, and we only get together a couple times a year. I’m starting to write alone and with my family. I talk over lyrics with my sons and we end up writing a lot together. They also tell me if my new song sounds just like my last song which they typically do. They are great producers.

3. Where does the inspiration come for songwriting? 

I get ideas from things I read about. I like to think about a character and go from there. Since I am sober now, coffee certainly helps.

4. Do you have a specific process when you write? Routine? 

I like to come up with a line or idea and go from there. I have a hard time writing the music and then adding words. The music and the words for me have to be put together. I like to write when everyone goes to sleep and I have to be a little quiet. It seems to focus me.

 5. What are some of the artists that inspired you to start playing music?

The first 45 I bought was Cheech and Chong “I’ve been Framed”. Who knew how influential that would be. I got my first guitar when I got into the punk rock, but I didn’t really play it until college. After going to see bands like Social Distortion, Channel Three, The Descendents, etc it just seemed like so much fun. Then, when I moved into a house with musicians I was inspired to give it a shot. When I went to college at Humboldt State there were a lot of great bands that inspired me to try it myself.

6. You've been doing this for many years now. Have you had to re-invent ways to enjoy playing in a band this long?

Never. The band is always fresh as a daisy. We have played our operas hundreds of times and it is still as fun as it was when we started. Being a loose band also helps. We all enjoy improvising and not taking ourselves too seriously.

7. What are some of your favorite San Diego bands of all-time? 

I thought The Dragons were amazing. They put on a great show. I loved the Rugburns, Three Mile Pilot, Lucy’s Fur Coat, The Macananys, Uncle Joes Big Old Driver, Rocket from the Cript, Outrage. El Vez. My favorite of all time would have to be Convoy. I loved their sound and they wrote great songs. Their Pineapple Sessions is one of my all time favorite albums. They were a great live band too.

8. How does the Bay Area differ in terms of places to play, scene, local bands than San Diego?

I don’t really get to go out much these days and Barefoot Hockey Goalie has not played in SF in years. There are some amazing musicians and bands here.

9. Do you prefer Flipside or Maximum Rock and Roll? Why?

I always liked Flipside. I thought Maximum Rock and Roll always had some shit to talk about the bands they covered. I thought Flipside was more supportive and probably covered the bands that I like more. (agreed - ed.)

10. Best Mexican food near you?

We have a Peruvian spot by us called El Toro Loco. He makes a mean burrito as well as Peruvian food like guillena and seafood. There is nothing like the San Diego Mexican food. My spot was Los Dos in Pacific Beach. There is world class Mexican food on almost every corner in San Diego. I miss that.

11. How does being a Dad influence your music and songwriting? 

Well, now that my son Milo is playing piano and guitar, I like to write and play as much as I can. I want to model for him how I practice and write songs. We have started recording songs together which has been super fun. He picks things up really quickly. The only downside is finding the time and space to be alone to write and record. The boys have also been an audience I have never had before which has allowed me to gain confidence in my singing and playing.

12. What music are you listening to currently that you really dig?

I just finished a Warren Zevon biography so I am listening to all of his stuff. I never really knew his music or knew what he was about. Amazing songwriter. I guess I’m listening to a lot of singer songwriters; Chuck Prophet, Blaze Foley, Steve Earl, Brian Fallon. I am loving this band The Shivers from Wisconsin. New stuff would be Coriky.

13. BHG has has a lot of members over the years, what was it like having a drummer like Danny Heifetz(Mr. Bungle, Dieselhed) in the band? 

 I was living with Danny when his friend and ex bandmate Blair Hatch came up to visit him. Blair went to Humboldt State too, but I didn’t know him. Blair and I hit it off immediately, so Danny has a lot to do with the creation of Barefoot Hockey Goalie. Danny is the most talented and humble musician I know. Why else would he play with Mr Bungle, Link Wray and Dieselhed and then play with us and our three chord simple songs. He has always been so supportive of us. We went on a tour with him once and he brought along a kid’s toy drum kit. He could make that thing sound so good. I guess that explains why how he helped Barefoot Hockey Goalie. He played on Darius and One Part Thomas Edison.

14. What's the best record you guys have made?

Looking back I really liked Fediks Butcher Shop. We had a lot of fun doing that and I think the recording came out strong. 15. Are there any plans to record new material any time soon? We would love to record the new opera.

16. What bands do your sons like? 

They are like me. They like it all. They go through phases like we all do. The Clash is their favorite right now. They love The Descendents, No Means No, The Fratellis. Then they like John Prine and Brian Fallon, singer songwriters. They also like Hamilton and musicals.

17. Most memorable punk show(s) from the early San Diego days? 

First show I saw at the North Park Elks Club(?) It was TSOL and Battalion of Saints. It was a tiny hall with no stage. The bands were right there on the same levels with the audience. I thought that was so cool. And Jack Grissom was such a strong front man. It was so different than anything I had ever seen. There were just a bunch of kids and an older guy who was Marc Rude running the whole show. It was before the TSOL shows got super violent, so we got to see the whole show. The Adams Ave shows were all amazing as well.

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

Dangerous Days Interview

I met Dangerous Days a few years back when my band Menagerie played some shows with them. I was always impressed by their songs and overall consistent vibe. They were loud yet melodic. The band had hooks but also a blues edge. Plus, they are a great bunch of guys! Brock is also a prominent graphic artist in the scene, he does all their artwork, flyers, etc. Recently, I interviewed Brock (bass,guitar,vocals) and Tyson (drums). They are celebrating the release of their new live album LIVE AT THE BLACK SHEEP on Colorado Springs based label Anonymous Collective.

1. When did the band start?

B: Tyson and I started the band in October of 2016. My wife’s coworker heard Tyson asking the teacher at his kids school if she knew anybody that played music and Crystal knew that I was looking too and I texted Tyson that night and we struck up a conversation.

T: The band started in late 2016. Around September, I started itching to play my drums with other people pretty bad, so I put an ad out on craigslist. I am pretty shy and did not know what would come of it. Around this same time I was at my sons preschool talking about music and a friend of Brock’s wife overheard me and offered to pass along my information to Brock. Again I honestly did not think much of it really. By October Brock and I met at the comic book store downtown, Escape Velocity, after exchanging emails. We discussed art, comics, movies and music. After we figured each other for the appropriate amount of weirdness we went to jam that day in my garage. Then, I cant remember if it was actually that same day or a day or two later but Palmer responded to my craigslist ad and so Brock and I met him at a coffee shop in Old Colorado City. We chit chatted over again with Palmer then Brock and I invited Plamer back to where the drums and guitar was already set up and we started jamming. After that we all pretty much made an agreement to get together whenever we could and make music together. It was fun and weird to hit it off right away.

2. Were you guys always a trio?

B: Kinda, within like maybe a week of playing with Tyson he set up a meeting with Palmer at Mother Muffs and we went and met and talked then right after Palmer came over and we started jamming that day.

T: We were always a trio, though I believe we did originally want a fourth member but it just never panned out or rather we stopped looking.

3. Do you guys write as a band or individually or both?

B: Palmer had some songs he brought, I had some songs at the beginning but as we started rolling and playing more the music just came out. Tyson would sometimes throw me a drum beat that he was doing in his garage and send it to me, but most of the time we would spend most of the first part of practice just playing until something good started happening. Palmer already had Mismanaged Delta Blues 100% and we just came along for the ride. I had songs from all over the place and the one that stuck was Six Shooter 2. Palmer was the main lyricist in the band and always have so many ideas for lyrics it seemed like it was easy for him. I would always say things like “it has to say something like.....” and I could see that Palmer would kinda laugh and be like “Okay Brock....” hahahahaha! Tyson would always throw out this set of lyrics “Come with me and you’ll see” every time it seemed like for a song. It became a funny little thing because we would always laugh about it when he did it. Nothing was out of bounds when it came to writing the music so any one of us could do what we wanted, I felt like we could have all exchange instruments very easily all the time if we wanted to. Tyson had this innate ability to just play his drums in a way that it fit perfectly, it was precise and not overstated, right where you needed it. Palmer is and incredible musician and he can play anything he touches and his guitar playing was just phenomenal to me because he could come up with these leads and phrases that complimented anything that we did. And then you got me just trying to keep up.

T: We all came up with music together and worked on the lyrics together except for what Palmer brought us (Mismanaged Delta Blues, lyrics, poems) those we just polished up or made them “ours” as opposed to “his”. Brock also had Six Shooter almost all the way there, just needed a nudge to became Six Shooter 2.

4. How would you describe the bands sound?

B: Our sound was very hard to define and I know that is very cliche to say but it was. We could go from alternative, rock, blues, metal, stoner, electronic, whatever and I sounded like us. We only used a couple of tunings on the Guitars and Tyson’s drums were very small like a club kit. But I think that’s where his precision came from.

T: I would not know how to describe it other than saying “Rock” or “Rock music”, “Rock ‘n’ Roll”.

5. Describe your role in the band

B: I played Bass and Guitar in the band. I really enjoyed playing both instruments and coming up with new ways on stage to switch. I have my own little setup that’s not too complicated but takes a little concentration. Adding to that I had to bring at least one spare guitar or bass for every tuning too. So sometimes I would have like 6 instruments with me to cover any eventuality or problem. I also did all the artwork for the band, all the social media, all the demo recording and mixing, pretty much everything. It’s just who I am. I already had played over 200 shows with other bands so since I had that experience I was kinda put in the role of getting shows too. I didn’t get all of our shows Tyson and Palmer did arrange a lot of shows too.

T: I played the drums and threw my 2 cents in when I thought it would make a difference. I’m not so sure we had “defined” roles as we all worked together. I guess at first we had practice at my house.

 6. Favorite show(s) you played? 

B: There were so many great shows that we played, the ones with Hipbone, Menagerie, Smellblind, they were all fun, only one comes to mind that sucked. And I won’t get into that one.

T: Well I was always super nervous about playing music in front of people, but never as much as the first time we played at the Black Sheep which also happened to be the first time we, as a band, had played live in front of people together AND the first time I myself had ever played music live. So my favorite show has to be the set we played at The Black Sheep in 2017.

7. Tell us about your new releases!

B: So the first couple of things we released were our full length album “It’s Morning In America and We Are Violence” was a re-release on Anonymous Collective. We envisioned the album, at least in my eyes as a picture of America and everything that goes on behind the scenes that most people want to overlook because they are happy in their own little world. At first the record was going to be lined up with different songs all about the downfall of society and the songs told about society crumbling and leaving behind a world reclaimed by the earth itself. It’s still in there that way but there are different songs that took away from that narrative. Not too different but different from the original idea. It took on a new life after we got to recording it. I will say when we started looking at some order of the songs, the way it naturally came out it took on a life of its own. So with everything going on two years later the message was still strong. It’s a common theme throughout Americas history that is right there on the surface of your not to afraid to look. We released the singles “More Than I Can Stomach” and “Mismanaged Delta Blues” during this whole pandemic and black lives matter and the messages still ring true so we needed to put it back out there. Then we had three recorded songs we didn’t release from that recording session. By the way, Jessie from Rewind was so awesome and patient, accommodating that it wasn’t hard to get our music recorded. He gave us awesome suggestions and really shined us up. We recorded everything over a weeks period and it was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. The three songs we had left were a very heavy and different overall tone for us. At least the first two, High Priestess and Prince and The Fallen were all down tuned and were in a direction musically that we were just beginning to explore. Short Round was a song I loved, it was instrumental and had a driving force behind it that never let up. Tyson always hated playing that one but when we recorded it we did it in maybe 3 takes and that’s the limit we put on it and it came out great. Then when the opportunity to put those out on Anonymous Collective I jumped at the chance to put those out there. The last release was our very first show that we lucked into at The Black Sheep. The sound man recorded it and sold us a copy for 50 bucks and we always held onto it for later release.

T: The Fallen EP has 3 tracks we recorded with Jesse but never put out. There is a video of us playing High Preistess live at The Zodiac and an old recording of Short Round used to make a music video. Those as well as a “heavier” track, The Prince & The Fallen are available now/soon. Some other unreleased recordings may also be making their way online too.

8. Any future plans for the band? 

B: The future is always the future and if I had more time I would be able to put a little into more and it would be great. Now it’s just doing what I did before we got together and just write and record and hopefully the time will come.

T: Perhaps some past music and video footage can be unearthed in the future? Who knows.

9. Favorite venue in town? 

B: The Gold Room. Period. One of the coolest places around. The stage is really cool, the venue is awesome looking, and Mark is awesome! I just wish more people would come out because it’s so intimate and bitchin’!

T: I don’t feel super qualified to answer this because we only played a handful of shows but, The Buzz, The Zodiac, and The Ancient Mariner were all very cool to us and way cool to hang out and jam at. The Gold Room was a venue I would have LOVED to have packed full of people.

10. What are some local bands you like?

B: Hipbone is one of the coolest bands I’ve ever watched but to me what makes them so cool to me is that they are all super cool guys and it’s awesome to be friends with them. To be friends with one of your favorite bands is so cool! Your band Menagerie always kicked ass too! Colin, Andrew, and you Glen have always been super cool guys and always fun to play with. But your music was always bad ass and worth every second of watching you guys play. We played with Smellblind once and those guys blew me away and they are just tremendous musicians too!

T: Always really dug Hipbone and Menagerie.

11. What are members doing now? 

B: I’m still doing all kinds of things as always. The Dropped Culture Podcast keeps me pretty busy. Running the website, almost all of the social media, marketing, artwork, producing, merchandise, I’m always super busy. I still make posters for people and during this pandemic stuff it’s slowed down on the poster front. I love making the record covers and my own posters but I’m about to start a new semester in school. I still want to get back to painting because I love the serenity of it and want to fall back into it hard. Plus the Sunshine band, working with Colin, you on your solos and now the collaboration record it seems like every minute is taken. I love it!

T: I am not totally sure where Palmer is at in his journey. Brock does the Dropped Culture Podcast as well as school and work and family duties. I am trying my best to be a good family man these days. I also read a lot of comic books. My name is Tyson and I like movies and The Dark Tower but not the Dark Tower movie.

12. Any other thoughts? 

B: I just can’t wait for the new Fanzine “Rocket USA” getting back into writing is something I’m going to love too! There are just not enough hours in the day!

T: I want to say the whole experience was one I am extremely grateful for. Making music with other people is an indescribable feeling that I have yet to replicate on this level before or since. I am very proud of the music we made and the album we were able to record and have down on record saying "We did this, I helped make this.". I find a lot of what we were talking about then in 2017, the album as a whole; the themes, lyrics, music, art, attitude, etc., extremely relevant NOW in 2020 and this makes me feel lucky as I feel that is one thing an artist/s strives for.

You can listen/purchase Dangerous Days music at dangerousdays3.bandcamp.com

NEXT ISSUE : JORRELL FROM LOCAL FLIGHT (AUGUST)

Creative Dreams and Wishes - The Story of Greno's As You Wish

Interview by Vince Giracello. Photo By Miriam Murrell.

Vinnie : Your last 2 full length releases (Soul Love, Rainy Day Girl) seemed to follow a theme which has quite nicely tied together with your latest As You Wish. Did you envision such a seamless and smooth trilogy when you started in  the process? Was there a particular point or release that made you think in the direction of a trilogy?

Greno : I didn't even think about it too much until summer of 2013, when I was making Rainy Day Girl. Honestly, at the time, I really felt Soul Love stood as a completely singular and unique record in my catalog. And I did take a lot of time between those two records, 23 months. I did the same thing for the new record, too lots of time to let things permeate. I am getting older and wiser so I don't have to make a record every year if I don't want to. Though, this year I plan to make four of my own. I guess the trilogy is a way of saying goodbye to a certain mindset and farewell to making records by myself for awhile. 

Vinnie : The new disc is much more varied than the last few releases but still effectively tells the Greno story in its work. What was the inspiration at the start of the project?

Greno : I was hungry to do a new record when this year began. I started a new improv project with family and friends, called The Florence Nightingale Effect and it was totally inspirational to be making that type of music again. So, in the middle of January, I wrote and recorded seven of the nine songs in one week. I usually recorded one song a day but got lucky on one Sunday and nailed three. It was one of the quickest and easiest Greno albums I have ever done. 

Vinnie : What is your favorite song on the album and why?

Greno : I love "Ganja Girl". I have never written a song like that before and I think it is sexy as hell. I know some of my friends that are girls really dig the song, so that says something. Who doesn't like a song with the word fuck in it? Well, a lot of people I guess.......Joke 'em if they can't take a fuck.

Vinnie : Will there be any extra material from the trilogy that may make any appearance at some point? Perhaps, a "rarities or extras" of other cuts from this span of effort. How about any videos for the new album?

Greno : Um, probably not. Most of the material recorded for the last two were used for the albums, not many out-takes. As You Wish sessions did generate some bonus material but it will be available on the singles coming out. Plans to do a video for "Ganja Girl" are in the works. We are just waiting for the buds to get as big as possible before we roll the cameras. 

Vinnie : The material from Soul Love and Rainy Day Girl was well received in recent live performances. Is it difficult recreating these musical self-portraits live? What is the process like for you?

Greno : It is difficult because the song will never be the same once my band gets their hands on it. A song like "Magnificent One" is a prime example. The recorded version is very tame as it was recorded with a drum machine. Now, my band Blue Fir plays the song but it is completely different, much more rocking and edgy. I guess the best thing to do is just let go of the recorded version and see how things fly on their own with the band. Plus songs always evolve as you continue to play them in a live setting. 

Vinnie : What was your most memorable recording experience from the As You Wish sessions?

Greno : When I recorded "Sometimes I Wish", I imagined the song on my way home one night from work and did a demo when I got home. Unsatisfied, I went to sleep, woke up the next morning and destroyed it. It felt fantastic. 

Vinnie : It has been a remarkably creative and successful last few years for you and Anonymous Collective. So, what are your future plans with both? What would you like to see happen next?

Greno : We just want to keep doing what we do best and that is make music and play shows. We like to keep the roster to folks that are like family and understand our budget and marketing restraints. We are going to celebrate our 5 year anniversary this summer. Hopefully, some friends will be able to make it out to Colorado and be a part of it. For those that live here, no excuses. And some new music coming out this Spring/Summer from Ravens Orchard, Papa Future, Florence Nightingale Effect and more. 

Vinnie : Is there anything you would like to add about your musical journey? Past, present and/or future?

Greno : My past is my roots with my friends, growing up playing music. I would be nowhere without my musical co-horts throughout the years. I play and write music because I have to. I need music in my life. When things are fucked up, music is there for me. Just the same as when things are great, music is always there for me. I will always strive to create new and hopefully interesting music that comes from my soul. I ask the universe for clarity on this matter every day. Not to end on such a deep note. Actually, if you know me, it is not possible. And the album title does come from The Princess Bride. I know, inconceivable. 

You can purchase As You Wish at www.anonymouscollective.limitedrun.com

Thanks!!!

mobdividual interview

mobdividual loves toys

It is indeed rare to find an individual who loves music as much as mobdividual's Brian Elyo. It shows in his own artistic work as well as his community efforts to bring music back to local roots. The psychedelic sounds of mobdividual brings one back to a better time in Indie Rock. Here is the man himself........

Interview by Anonymous Collective

AC - When did you start using the name Mobdividual?

2010, after i recorded the music that became A Year From Monday. i thought of the name a long time ago and wrote it down for later use. 

AC - You play live by yourself but explain your unique live set-up?

i use three amps, a guitar amp stacked on a bass amp that work together and the third is a guitar amp that has two 'ins', so i have three signals all together.. i use a chorus pedal as a splitter, and i have echo/reverb1 and reverse delay2 daisy-chained together (in a specific order) and stereo-out both of them.. i use the foot-switch of the guitar/bass setup for distortion. no looping, just long delays, reverse delay, echos and weird-open-droney chords..

AC - How many releases do you have now?

as mobdividual 3 EP's and 1CD which is a compilation of those EP's and another cd i call 'a time before..' but ive only given it to select friends. 

AC - Tell us about your new record.

noisy.. it's 24:47 broken into 4 parts

AC - Name some guitarists and other musicians you admire.

john cage, steve albini, john mcentire (drummer, tortoise), jim o'rourke..    

AC - Favorite musical moment of chaos.

i dont understand the question. but one of the most badass rock music experiences was the trip to attend all tomorrows parties curated by sonic youth and was held at ucla. over the four or so days in la 2002 - we (my then girlfriend now wife) spent two days at the festival and one of the those days thurston moore and jim orourke were djing at amoeba records and i got to talk to thrurston, give him a four-track fuckers cd, got to talk to jim o'rourke.. at the festival we saw Black Dice, Boredoms, Bride of No No, Cat Power, Cecil Taylor, Eddie Veder (on uke and some kind on violin) DjOlive with Lee renaldo while lee's wife showed abstract films, Merzbow, Nels Cline, Sleater-Kinney, Television, Stephen Malkmus/The Jicks, Destroy all Monsters, Fred Anderson.. was amazing 

AC - How do you balance family life and your musical life?

just try to be as aware as i can of everyones time.

AC - What music have you been listening to lately?

local stuff, classical, stereolab, mogwai, the clogs,  

AC - Has the local music scene grown/improved over the past 5 years?

certainly.. grown in quantity, quality and variety. seems to be bigger every year. we have some very supportive venues. we need a more supportive public.

AC - Name some things that inspire your music to be created.

really, only the desire to manipulate sound in ways i cannot find a band or musician already doing. if someone else was doing this, i probably would not be - especially live; the live presentation of my music really has nothing to do with my records. they satisfy two different needs for me and attempt to fill two different 'holes' i see in rock music... but also the fun of sonic discovery while recording or making noise

AC - What were some of your former bands/projects?

hehe.. Lego Dynasty was first band i was in; the opening Am-C i sometimes use to soundcheck with live is a tribute to that.. and the Four-Track Fuckers which can be found on bandcamp. a variety from 2-5 of us would jam punk inspired rock music and i would record every session on a four-track.. but we never worked on songs, it was new every day

AC - What place does improvisational music have in today's world?

for me, not much. not as mobdividual at least.. i want to say something very specific as mobdividual. but if i collaborate with someone; improvisation is key to getting along musically.

AC - What would be your 5 Desert Island discs? (I know, only 5)

mogwai - rock action

godspeed... - lift yr skinny fists...

low - secret name

slint spiderland

smashing pumpkins - MCIS

AC - What do you have planned for 2013?

focusing more on LocalFM and hoping to come thru on some music collaborations.  

AC - Thanks for your time, Brian.