A big thumbs up to Luis for taking the time to do this interview!
What aspect of making music excites you the most and discourages you the most?
What excites me the most is the creative aspect of how emotions intertwine with sound and finding the best way to convey what feeling you want to through making music?
What discourages me the most about making music is the things that can get in the way of that, whether that is some aspect of business or technology. Don’t get me wrong, both of these things can have a very positive impact and help you make the music or make it better. But I have seen these things hinder the process when handled by the wrong people with the wrong intentions.
Music-wise, what are you up to now? (Current or upcoming recordings, tours, top-secret projects...).
Obviously Bo Bice. I have also been involved with a website called esession.com which allows music makers from all over the world to collaborate online. I can record parts out of my home for songwriters and producers and they don’t have to live in the same town as I do. It is also cheaper and easier than most people think so many people are just starting to get wise to it.
I also play a few live dates with various other artists whenever time permits.
How did you first get involved with Bo Bice?
I was recommended to him by a mutual friend. He called me; I came over to his house, jammed with him and Thomas and got the gig. I love the fact that Bo was very hands on in selecting the band members.
Have the places you've lived affected the music you create or your taste in music?
Absolutely. I believe any person, musician or not, is affected by where they live, family and who they hang out with. My family is from the Caribbean and the music they played on the stereo when I was very young affects what I might play. I find that influence coming up in my playing and note choices more that I thought it ever would. My family settled in central Florida. Southern rock was the thing there so I wound up playing everything from Skynard to Molly Hatchet. I also was hanging out with the musician crowd that introduced me to progressive rock like Rush, Yes and Kansas.
How would you describe your musical style? Was it deliberate or did it just sort of emerge on its own?
A big stew! Everything mentioned above and then much more. I have been lucky enough to perform with rock acts on the charts, country music legends, jazz bands, blues bands and salsa bands. The one thing that I always try to do and keep in mind is to play what is right for the song. Sometimes I can step out musically and show off and other times all the song needs is me to play the fewest notes possible.
Who are your main influences musically?
The first guy that got me into playing bass was Geddy Lee from Rush. Reason being is that I used to play keyboards in a band and when I saw his doing keys and bass at the same time, I thought it was the coolest thing. I have way too many people I could sight as influences on me as a player but a few are John Entwistle from The Who, Paul McCartney from The Beatles, Rocco Prestia from Tower Of Power, (he can make anyone dance), John Paul Jones from Led Zeppelin and LA session great Abe Laboriel.
Favorite group?
Too many to narrow down. King’s X, Rush, Kiss, King Crimson, Queen.
Favorite singer?
Also too many to narrow down. Freddy Mercury from Queen. Luciano Pavarotti. Doug Pinnick from King’s X. Pat Monahan is getting my attention.
Favorite song?
Again, Too many to narrow down. Possibly What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong and Don’t Give Up by Peter Gabriel.
What's the most unusual place you've ever played a show or made a recording?
In somebody’s tool shed right out side Sebring, FL. It was a biker party and some people were in the shed with us and the rest of the crowd spilled out the doors into the yard. We had a blast playing Guns N Roses, Iggy Pop and Led Zeppelin tunes with the roar of bike engines blaring away.
Was there an individual who influenced your decision to be a musician?
There were several people.
Who was it and what did they do?
My Mom was the first one. When I was 6 we started piano lessons together. She also started me on oil painting and pottery. I flourished with the music and she with the painting. After that my Dad encouraged me to pursue higher education in music. All of my music teachers in school were also encouraging.
Were your parents supportive of your music?
Very much so.
When did you begin playing guitar/bass and What was it about the guitar/bass that attracted you?
I started with the bass about 20 years ago. I love the sound of the bass and wanted to pick it up. I thought to myself, “How hard could it be? It’s only 4 strings and it is layed out in a simple way.” I found out quick that even though understanding the instrument was easy to someone with previous musical knowledge, actually playing it well was far from it. I still felt that the bass was the instrument that I really wanted to purse.
Do you play any other instruments?
Yes. Piano, Baritone Horn, Upright (acoustic) bass.
If you could accomplish one thing through your career, what would it be?
Longevity as a successful musician. So far, so good.
What’s the hardest or most challenging thing about being a musician?
Getting your foot in the door in the music business and making people aware of who you are and what you can do whether that is with management, a record company or with other musicians and artist.
What is a "successful musician" to you? Is it mainly someone who makes a lot of money, or are there other ways you think about success?
One of my private bass instructors at Berklee once told me that a successful musician is one who can make a living at it. Once you have done that, then you have made it. Not necessarily be rich and famous. I also believe if you are happy playing music, no matter how much you are making or even if you are not doing it full time, then you are successful.
What's the magic formula for success?
Determination + Persistence + Fun.
What really drives/motivates you?
The raw emotion that is created by the interaction of the music, the musicians and the listeners. I love to hear from different people and how each of them can interpret the same piece of music in very different ways. Also, making my family proud.
If you could go back in time, is there anything you would do differently?
Nothing.
I'm good at...
Useless music, movie and sci-fi trivia.
I'm very bad at...
Any type of handyman or auto repair tasks that do not involve anything stereo or TV related. That I can do.
A common misperception of me is....
That I speak with an accent when people see my name.
Luis on MySpace
Other interviews (in case you missed them):
Philip Shouse (Bo Bice band member)
Dan Hardin (Bo Bice co-writer)
~Diane~
Posts
