LAist Interview: Tommy Guerrero

Tommy Guerrero is a living legend. Not many musicians can lay claim to being former member of the infamous Bones Brigade. Guerrero recently signed with quannumm and released From the Soil to the Soul last fall. LAist stumbled into a 7-11 and ran into Tommy, so we hit him up for some Q&A.

What is the best and the worst thing about being Tommy Guerrero?
best-my son diego
worst- the gears never stop churning

Now that you are focused more on your music, is there still any time for skateboarding?
not really...with work, music and of course the familia taking priority there's negative time left in my life to skate... But i did skate today before work... Now my knees are killin me...

What are some of pros and cons of being part of a band (Jet Black Crayon) and/or being a solo artist?
solo- pros-you don't have to worry about 5 guys trying to paint the same picture...
cons- trying to decide which colors to use...
band - pro's- different perspectives/ideas r always good...
cons- i like pink and most guys don't...

What is your song writing process like?
hmmm.. I don't really write songs, they just tend to happen when i'm recording. Most of what you hear on record is a spur of the moment thought or inspiration... From the gut.

Who are your inspirations and influences?
Bill Withers, Gang of Four, New Order, Jobim, Coletrane, Grant Green, Latin Playboys, Eric b and Rakim, P.E. to name a few.

What is this newest album "From The Soil to the Soul" all about? How is it different from things you have already done?
Just about me i suppose... A cathartic exercise?... It's just something i have to do to keep sane...
some of the tunes are a bit heavier than past stuff... More aggressive ... Plus there are a few with vocals. That might be the main defining factor from past releases. I think that's left to the listener. I try to remove myself to some degree.. I'll just get in the way...

When can LA expect to see a Tommy Guerrero Concert?
good question..we played at the knitting factory no too long ago...half my band lives on the east coast so it's a bit of a challenge to make it happen.. financially mostly ... Are you still part of Real Skateboards in any way?
i'm here at deluxe 4 days a week...i take fri off to hit the studio... [ deluxe makes real,antihero,krooked,spitfire wheels and thunder trucks.]

Which musicians would you like to collaborate with?
bill withers would be insane...david hidalgo, ...beastie's would be fun...

Why is there always this un-spoken feud between SF and LA?
different animals...some strive to "make it" and some strive to make...in my humble opinion people come to sf to be creative...at least in the past...but i think it's blown out of proportion..i have many good friends down south...good people...

What new projects are you working on?
my brain...and sleep...
it's the 10 year anniversary of my 1st album"loose grooves and bastard blues" so i'm working on a new record in the same vein/approach/style...i want it to be a 2 disc set..the original and the new one "return of the bastard"...i'm havin fun making it...

What do you do for fun these days?
play music w friends when i can...or skate if i have time...hanging w my son is the best..he's so damn happy and funny...

What opinion do you have about medical marijuana in California?
drugs should be legal...

What final words do you have (if any) for the LAist.com readers?
Many thanx for your support and hope to get down there and play soon.. Be kind to each other...thnx...tg