I'de like to start by asking how did you get into music?
I was into music before I knew how to say the word music. My mother was a singer, She played guitar and sang all the time. My dad has always been a fan of good music. So, I never had to listen to any bullshit really.
You have quite your own sound what musicians have influenced you?
I think I am influenced a lot by Cat Stevens on writing, I like singers like Joni Michell, but I can't sing as good as her. I love the flaming lips last few albums. I dig Wilie Nelson. I like Elliot Smith. I like that chick that sings for Gossip. Old Lenny Kravitz, Let love rule. I love the way John Lennon would belt it out. I think Ian Gillan was my favorite singer.
Does were you grew up have an influence on your music/style?
Definitely.
What are some of the first recordings you made, and what are some of the bands that you were in at the time?
Some of the first recordings I made with walkman headphones as a microphone where with a band called FEEDBACK that was me, James Grissom on drums, and Jason Jacobs on bass. Also shortly after that me and my cousin Started a band called THE GRIFFIN, Which was Me on bass, John on guitar, J-sin Robbins on guitar/vox, James Grissom on drums. That was way cool. We used to play a lot of backyard gigs. I was later in a band Called JAH CHILDREN which was my first "reggae" band. We may not have been the best musicians, but we had a great singer and a beautiful bunch of people around us. I think that was a totally great time for me to reflect on in my life.
How did Long Beach Dub Allstars start up?
After Bradley died, the guys wanted to do a show for drug awareness, and M.A.P. called "Enough Already". So, they asked me to jam. We did two rehearsals with just me- bud- Eric and it was good, then the third practice the rest of the guys showed up, Miguel helped get our shit together. He was also on stage for the first year or so. Then he went back behind the board like he was for sublime. Then after the gig we decided to do more.
How was the overall experiance with Long Beach Dub All Stars?
Over all it was something I will always be grateful for. It was bitter sweet because I was playing and singing these huge gigs, and great songs, to get big checks, but it was me because of Brad died. Then there where always people in the band having resentment towards each other, fans trying to hate on me because they felt like I didn't deserve to be there.
How did Long Beach Shortbus get started?
We got started because me and Eric wanted to be a backyard band again, with Trey on guitar.
How was recording the "Long Beach Shortbus EP"?
That was sprack-tacular... Seriously.
What was your inspirations and message behind the record "Flying Ship Of Fantasy"?
My cousin J-sin, and freedom, and Rock n roll.
Anything memorable about recording "Flying Ship Of Fantasy"?
Lewis Richards saying, "for sure, totally!", and me wanting to do mare takes, and it was fun.
Looking back how was the overall experiance with Long Beach Shortbus?
I had a good time most of the time, it was better as far as the chemistry on stage.
Whats your favorite Sublime song/album and why?
Had a dat. Jah don't pay the bills, and it was young-underproduced- full of heart-full of style it was something that I knew as going to be huge. It was a great time to be around.
Where do you usually get inspiration for your songs from?
I get inspirations from my own life experiences.
Whats your song writing process like start to finish?
I will get a topic in my head, then I will get a melody, then start writing, Then the rest of the song goes as it naturally comes to me. I never say "Oh, I better make a bridge here. Better have a pre-chorus here!!! I am never going to be like having the a handbook on writing the perfect pop song.
In all the years you been a musician whats been your most memorable moment?
It was just after 911. We played a gig at the Roseland Ballroom in N.Y.C. as a charity/fundraiser for the victims/ and their families. Anyways, at the end of the show the whole crowd was exiting to the left and I see a guy going against the crowd towards me with a NY Yankees hat. He had to go through it to get to me. Anyways, he hands me his hat, and I say, "Thanks, but I am not Eric Wilson." He then says, I know who you are." then he shook my hand and left. I still have that hat. It meant a lot to me.
Are you currently working on a new recording or any new music?
I currently have a bunch of different songs. Some that are not finished, but close. They are very straight forward, not metaphoric. Some are almost children's music. I read something about Roger Waters writing dark side of the moon. He wanted it to be something a 6 year old could understand. I want to record but I need money to do it. If there is someone out there that has some I would make it worth their while. I need some help.
Have you ever dealt/deal with stage fright in your music career?
Not really. I get pissed off on stage too much to get stage fright.
What places have you liked to travel to the most so far?
I liked traveling to every place I ever went, maybe not at first sometimes.... but I always did in the long run.
Do you follow any current tv shows?
No.
Who have you been listening to as of late?
A lot of David Bowie, I like MGMT. Somehow I always end up listening to some rootsy stuff, like Israel Vibrations. There is way to much bands for me to remember. I love Ween, Radiohead, Flaming lips, all ZEP, Floyd, Cat Stevens. I dunno. I like good music.
Do you have any advice for musicians just starting out?
Do whatever you do whole heartedly. You can't just rock, you've got to roll too.
Anything you want to say to your many many fans out there?
I just really love them, and I want to go out and play for them again. I had to take some time for my mother, who was ill. She is gone now though, and I really have to start living again. We had many bonding moments out on the road, and my songs touched some of you. I have many more things to do and say, and I can't wait to catch up on what everybody else has been up to, and what there dreams and plans are for the future. Don't give up on me. Don't give up on you either. Rock n roll.
