Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Combo Diablo

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

When I was 3 or 4 years old I remember listening to my parents’ record, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass “Whipped Cream and Other Delights”. I’d pick up a candelabra and pretend I was playing the trumpet. I was also quite curious about that iconic cover!

How did your passion for creating music begin?

It really began as a fan and a listener. I started writing poetry in high school and my English teacher suggested I try putting it to music. I was already moving that direction. It was a pretty clear path to start playing with friends and making it a reality.

What’s the story behind your current music project?

After 40+ years of writing songs and playing in working bands, I had taken a year or two to work on some recordings. But I missed the camaraderie of playing with friends and gigging. After forming COMBO DIABLO, I was immediately inspired to write some new songs and begin performing with the band. 

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

Soul scorchin’ rock ‘n’ roll

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

I love the DIY approach. Building a home studio opened up the flexibility to create at will and experiment freely without time and financial constraints.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

Nothing can replace surrounding yourself with good friends and musicians. Other than keeping guitars/instruments in sound working order, a good keyboard controller and acces to an array of virtual sounds/instruments is important. I also keep many real percussion instruments on hand. I work in Pro Tools and have a simple interface and good recording mics. Recording, engineering and production come much easier when you start with a really good band. It’s very exciting to be able to bring a song from conception to the final mastered version using no outside sources. 

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

I’m not really listening to much contemporary music at this time. I’ve been more entertained exploring late 60’s spaghetti western instrumental music beginning always with the great Ennio Morricone! I’m also enjoying discovering obscure mid-60s garage and surf instrumental bands that never achieved commercial popularity or recognition.

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

The two are inseparable. Most everything that I do, see or experience in life is reflected in my songs and music.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

I don’t really anticipate or think too much about what a listener will take from my music. I do hope they enjoy it as much as I do creating it and bringing it to fruition with the band.

 What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

To not let go of the creative things in your life that give you satisfaction, whether as a  profession or hobby.

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

I don’t dream of playing a particular venue or festival. However, I do like the idea of performing and bringing my music to a wider geographical audience. I’d love to tour Europe at some point in the future. 

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

I prefer to enjoy the artists I respect and enjoy as a listener and fan. I’m quite content making music with the friends and musicians in my immediate circle.

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)

Soundcloud https://on.soundcloud.com/oR6AFHqC8UjgWxNGTr

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=6157449390805

Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?

To continue being creative, writing, performing and recording music…hopefully to a broader audience to enjoy!

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?

Songs that I write and music that I make. Hopefully they’ll enjoy it as much as I do creating it. 

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