LOUNGIN' WITH LAZ
Irving Plaza, NYC, NY, 09.08.03

We’re sitting outside the venue, Irving Plaza in downtown NYC, in the back of Ill Nino’s tour bus. The lights in the bus are out.

I’m wishing I’d written my notes in day-glo green… Perhaps then I'd be able to read them.

No worries, we’re sitting with bassist Laz Pina; few musicians would make it easier to make up as we went along.



LAZ: How you doing, man?

S&T: Good, man.

LAZ: I apologize about the lights. It’s against the law now to keep the generator running over here. Plus, the dark is a little more fun, right?


S&T: Yeah, that’s weird – why?

LAZ: Um, I think the residents across the street complained. Do you mind if I open the window?


S&T: No, go ahead. What about when it’s the middle of August or something, and you can’t have the air on? That’ll be horrible.

LAZ: Oh, man. That’d be terrible. We wouldn’t be in the bus right now. Very seldom does the generator ever shut down on a tour bus, though.


S&T: OK, let’s talk about Roger (Vasquez) and Marc (Rizzo) [percussionist and guitarist, respectively, who had recently left the band]. When you guys were still touring the first album, was there any indication…

LAZ: No, none whatsoever. I mean, on the road, I think that’s when we got along the most, when we got along the best. We all respected our own space, and when it was time to come together and party, we’d do it. It really came as a shock to the band, considering it was also two days prior to recording the record, we were completely shocked and didn’t see it coming. Maybe I think we were too focused on writing this new record.


S&T: Two guys leaving is weird. Did they both approach you at the same time, like “we’re” leaving, or was it independently but both just happened around the same time?

LAZ: No, Roger quit first and Marc was gonna leave unless Roger was coming back. And it just got to the point where we were doing…after we sat down and talked about it, it seemed like we were going in two different directions musically. So I mean it wasn’t even really worth trying to work things out. They wanted to do one thing, and as it turns out, Roger wanted to sing. He didn’t want to be a percussion player no more. And Marc wanted to do a band with Roger, so they thought it was time for them to part ways. And Marc was also wanting to focus on his flamenco stuff and he also had a project with his girlfriend, so…


S&T: But he still stuck it out and played on the album?

LAZ: Yeah, he played on most of the record. And then towards the end - you know, we weren’t expecting to switch guitar players, we thought Marc would finish up the whole thing - Ahrue [Luster] came into the picture.


S&T: And you knew Ahrue from before, right?

LAZ: Yeah, we toured with Machine Head twice before here in the States and in Europe and we really bonded with those guys and we had mutual respect for musical ability and each other’s bands. So it was like calling up a friend and saying, “Yo, what’s going on? We need a guitar player, do you want to come down and jam?” And originally he showed up with just a backpack, a guitar and an amp.


S&T: [laughter]

LAZ: Yeah, he never left and he’s been here since [laughing]. It was for a weekend, he was coming to check it out but he never left, so there it is.


S&T: To Union City [, New Jersey]?

LAZ: Yeah, he moved to Union City first with Chris [Machado, the band’s singer], and now he’s living with [guitarist] Jardel [Paisante].


S&T: So he’ll just bop around. But now you’re on the road, it doesn’t make any difference.

LAZ: Yeah, now it’s all good. He’s in his real home now.


S&T: How long did it take when he came in? Like did you know instantly?

LAZ: Instantly. Instantly. He was also a fan of the band, you know, so it was easy for him to step into it, he was already familiar with the songs. So when he came into the band, you know, it just seemed natural. He knew the shit inside and out and there was no sense to look any further. There was really no audition, it was just calling Ahrue and he came down. We didn’t have anything planned until after the record, but the whole thing came up and there you have it.


S&T: Sometimes that can provide a shot of fresh air.

LAZ: Oh yeah. His personality fits in great with us, he even looks like us, fucking guy.


S&T: [laughter] So it’s almost two years exactly between the first release and the second release. At some point are you guys itching to start with new music and to put some new stuff out there?

LAZ: Yeah, definitely. I mean, just working on the record we knew we didn’t want to put out the same record twice. Actually, we weren’t ready to start recording the new record – well, we were ready, but we wanted to stay on the road. And the label was just like, “No, no, no. That’s enough, guys.” [laughter] “Party’s over, time to get back to work,” not that being out on the road isn’t work, ‘cause it is…


S&T: We must’ve caught you nine, ten, twelve times on the road last year.

LAZ: Yeah, we played a lot. We didn’t stop.


S&T: After a while though, you figure you’ve hit the same place five or six times.

LAZ: Well, during that time we also did Europe three times and we did Japan. So we weren’t just in the States, though there were ten American tours, I guess. [laughs]


S&T: We did catch you quite a few times.


LAZ: We had a lot of off-dates where we did headlining shows on the side.

S&T: So with the new music, are you guys coming off the road and saying “Alright, let’s start putting music together,” or are you playing around a little bit first?

LAZ: There was a sense of pressure because Roadrunner wanted to get material and we kept telling them we had music. We didn’t have shit. [laughter] We said, “We got the whole album written, just let us do our thing,” and I think they wanted to hear a demo within two weeks. So we got together and I think that we didn’t write on the road because there’s just too much going on, between the routine and the parties and just all the wonderful things that come with the road [laughs]. So I think there was just a lot of bottled up inspiration inside from the last three years of growth and the experiences that we went through and our losses and good times and bad times and it just started pouring out when we went in there to do that demo. So we gave ‘em a four song demo and they were like, “Alright, well let’s record the record.” And we were like, alright, now we gotta go write the record! [laughs] But it all worked out great, you know. We started working with Bob Marlette, who’s a wonderful producer, and Dave [Chavarri], our drummer, co-produced the album. Um, yeah, you know it didn’t seem forced at all. We just went natural, and whatever naturally came out was what we put on tape.


S&T: Actually, I had a question because I see you guys as very much a live band and not a studio band, so I have a tough time picturing you guys in a studio picking out your parts…


LAZ: Oh man, you’d be surprised how involved we are in the studio. I mean, even like when one guy is tracking, the whole band is there. Everyone monitors each other closely, even though on this record I think we have more trust in each other’s ability and musical writing style and we kind of wanted to bring more individuality from each member collectively as Ill Niño. So this album is definitely more stylistic in that sense, that it’s written as a band and we really liked what each other were contributing to the songs.


S&T: More with this record than the first go-round?

LAZ: Yeah, much more. Doing the first album, a lot of that material was written earlier, prior to the band really coming together because Jardel, Roger and I came in like at the last minute of it, pretty much, even though I saw the birth of the whole thing, ‘cause I have my own studio and somehow Dave conned his way into free studio time at my place! [laughter] So I started playing on the demos as well, but at the time I had my own band with my brothers and it wasn’t an option to leave my brothers’ band, but Dave was like, not just taking my studio time and playing on their recording, but then he asked for live shows! But you knew you were part of something special immediately. I mean, the first show was seven or eight hundred kids and a local college radio station, WSOU, started playing the record and the kids just took to it.


S&T: I remember that, ‘cause nobody could get the name right.

LAZ: [laughs] They still can’t! Last night in Albany, they had us as “Il” – they missed an “L.”


S&T: And I remember there used to be “El Niño.”

LAZ: Well, there was a rendition of this band spelled that way. It was Dave, Chris was playing bass and Marc later on came into the picture. Yeah, but that was a different band so [this spelling] was also to symbolize this new band. It’s a different approach to music, more of the Latino tribal rhythms.


S&T: And I see “Ill Niña” on the girlie merch.

LAZ: It’s the female version, yeah.


S&T: You gotta have girlie merch.

LAZ: Well, I think the girls represent at the shows, and they’re no Ill Niños, they’re Ill Niñas, so a little respect for the girls that come out.


S&T: I like that. You are all about the girlies, you guys.

LAZ: I’m not saying nothing, ‘cause my girlfriend’s sitting right up front. [laughs]


S&T: How’s your live show changed with Danny [Couto, the band’s new percussionist] and Ahrue?

LAZ: You know what, I was wondering what it was going to be like, because our first show was just three days ago, you know, together as a band. But the energy is still there and the vibe is still there. I don’t get the sense that I’m in a different band, I still feel like it’s Ill Niño and if anything, I feel this is like Ill Niño the correct way, you know, the way it should’ve been from the start where everyone’s heart and soul was in on this. I’m not saying that it wasn’t at one point, but you could almost tell as far as personality goes that everyone’s pretty humble and down-to-earth, and the rock star shit is just not really our thing. I’m not saying that we had rock stars in the band before, but… there were. [laughs]


S&T: Can you look back and see signs that those guys were on their way out?


LAZ: No, even looking back I can’t really tell because as it turns out they were doing demos on the side, quietly. At it wouldn’t have even been a problem with us, because I didn’t feel like it was interfering with us. And no one would’ve had a problem if they wanted to do a side project and continue doing this. But I think Marc just had a lot of other things he wanted to do, and that’s cool, you know. He’s an amazing player, he’s an amazing person and I still have a lot of love for him and I wish him the best. He’s a wonderful kid and a very, very talented player. And as far as Roger, you know, whatever you want to do, brother. That’s all I can say. Do what you gotta do.


S&T: So this tour wraps at the end of the month, then you guys head to Europe?

LAZ: Yes, we start as soon as this one ends on the 28th.


S&T: What’s the lineup there?

LAZ: We start the Road Rage Tour in Europe, which we’ll be headlining, which is pretty cool. We love going out there and just destroying.


S&T: What’s the difference between touring here and touring in Europe?

LAZ: Well, we’ll start with the food. You can’t get good food in Europe, man. You’re lucky if you can get like a slice of pizza out there.


S&T: You have to get a whole pie.

LAZ: Yeah, there ain’t no such thing as a slice out there. The food is one of them. Being so far away from home that you really don’t have the constant communication, that’s another. And I think, you know, I don’t think I’d be able to tour without my cell phone because I feel so attached to my family that I need to check in every day, I need to hear my mom and my dad’s voice, you know? That means a lot to me. And when you’re in Europe you don’t really have that ability unless it costs you a fortune. And the weather sucks and it’s always dark and gloomy, but the shows are wonderful and that makes up for everything else. And there are certain countries that are absolutely beautiful, like France and Spain.


S&T: What are the venues like, size-wise and quality-wise?

LAZ: Um, you know what? They love music there so much that they take it a little more serious in terms of, like, sound. Like, the clubs care about their sound, they’re not just about making money. And I hope that changes here, because a lot of the clubs where we play don’t really care about their sound system and just want to cram the kids in and take their money. I think they care more over there, I think they take it a little more serious, and the respect they give for the bands for coming out there is tremendous. They just treat you wonderfully, they appreciate when you come around out there.


S&T: I think across the board they have a greater appreciation for music.

LAZ: Especially our kind of music, the metal music.


S&T: Over here we tend to be a little fickle, whoever’s hot now.

LAZ: Oh yeah man, who’ll be the favorite band today? Tomorrow it’ll be someone else.


S&T: Exactly. How about the fans over there?

LAZ: The fans out there are extremely loyal. I think once you’ve got them, you’ve got them forever. And it just keeps going the more you keep going back. So that’s why a lot of bands are able to survive just by touring in Europe, which I think is a wonderful thing. I mean, I’m a fan of music and I don’t just decide one day that I don’t like a band any more.


S&T: Right. Now do they have pits and crowd surfing?

LAZ: You know what’s cool? Over there they jump. They have their pits, but it’s more of a jumping thing. Everybody jumps in unison and it looks absolutely wonderful, like a sea – a raging sea. So yeah, it’s a different vibe when you look out into the audience and everyone loves to jump out there. Over here they want to beat each other. [laughs]


S&T: When I was going to shows on the other side of the ropes, it wasn’t as bad as it is now. I mean, it was bad, you’d get hit, you’d get hurt, a broken nose or whatever. But now it’s like…

LAZ: It’s gotten ridiculous. I mean growing up and going to hardcore shows, to punk shows, I think it was more of an expression and letting loose. It wasn’t about violence.


S&T: I also think that as a group you were kind of violent, but as a group, taking care of each other.

LAZ: Exactly. You fall down, you get picked up…


S&T: It seems like one guy gets in the middle, he throws punches and kicks and he goes out, then another guy comes in.

LAZ: I think we need to write like a mosh etiquette guide. The proper way. I mean, if you really want to go out and have a good time and go home without getting hurt. Naturally, people may get hurt now and then, but keep it minimized. Just have a good time. Don’t get me wrong – I mean, I love seeing the kids destroying shit out there, but I don’t want them to destroy each other, ‘cause you feel fucking terrible when you see someone get hurt and they don’t get to see the show. That’s just the worst feeling. You know, some of these kids look forward for months or sometimes even years to see your band…


S&T: Right. Unless it’s you guys, in which case they’ll see you five or six times a year! [laughter] This tour’s just started, how’s it going so far?

LAZ: It’s great, man. Great bands on this tour. 40 Below Summer is great, and Spineshank. We’ve toured with Spineshank before and 40 Below, it’s a great vibe.


S&T: You guys are co-headlining. How does that work, are you rotating the last spot?

LAZ: Basically yeah, we’re supposed to be rotating. But I think we’re down to like, “Well, you’ve sold more records here, so you close tonight…”


S&T: Right, so whoever’s done better locally will headline.

LAZ: Yeah. So like last night we closed up in Poughkeepsie [, New York]. It’s kind of cool, we’ve done three in a row. I think tomorrow they close, which is cool ‘cause I just want to sit back and relax and watch them play. Otherwise, it’s always preparation while they’re on, so tomorrow we get to see them play.


S&T: Have you had a chance to see Skrape? Have you watched them yet?

LAZ: Um yeah, I watched them. They’re great, they’re awesome. 40 Below Summer is fucking kicking major ass out there. Great guys and a great band. Everybody’s wonderful, man. So getting back to the Road Rage Tour in Europe, that’s gonna be with Spineshank and Chimaira…


S&T: Hardcore Roadrunner lineup.

LAZ: Yeah.


S&T: We haven’t heard your new record yet, it didn’t make it over to us in time, but we have seen the cover.

LAZ: OK.


S&T: What’s with the crossed fingers?

LAZ: Um, I guess it’s more of a superstition, you know, a double meaning - you’re praying but you’ve got your fingers crossed.


S&T: Whose idea was that?

LAZ: We all sat down and starting brainstorming about things when we decided to call the album Confession. So I guess we kind of did a play on religion to get that message across, so you know what we’re talking about. And I think it came off pretty cool. I like it, I’m happy with the way it came out.


S&T: And how many new songs will you play tonight?

LAZ: Tonight? I haven’t even figured that out. Maybe five new songs? Five, maybe six, and then the rest will traditional Ill Niño live songs. There’ll be more old stuff than new stuff until the new album comes out. Otherwise you catch shit from these fans. But they’ve been reacting to the new songs, which is good.


S&T: Yeah, if you can get anything besides a look from a new song, you’re doing OK.

LAZ: When you’re playing a new song that they’ve never heard, it’s almost like you’re a new band. You just want to check it out and see what they’ve got. So they check it out and they start grooving and it’s great, they’re responding.


S&T: Very cool...

interview by scott sisti