Nick Guerrero
Speaks Out

Interview by
Cornelius Wiley

This interview was held at the new Gun Gallery studio in Grass Valley, CA. on September 21, 2001, at 12:00 p.m.

Cornelius Wiley: How are you doing today?

Nick G: I'm doing all right, thank you.

CW: What made you break your silence now? Why this particular time?

NG: Well, I'm not sure. I just have been getting the feeling that my fans have been getting wrong ideas about me. I feel the press has been painting a wrong and unfair picture of me, that's all.

CW: What "wrong picture" has the press been painting?

NG: Actually, I'm not sure how they're painting me or if they're painting me at all. I just thought that sounded like a valid reason to break my silence, so I said it.

CW: What's the reason for the Gun Gallery move from Hayward, to this desolate location 150 miles away?

NG: I just wanted to get away for a while, so I moved and the Gun Gallery came with me.

CW: Will this be your permanent home?

NG: No, not at all. It's only temporary. I have full intentions of returning the Gun Gallery to Hayward.

CW: When?

NG: When it's right.

CW: It's rumored that your sudden move was the result of a falling out you had with Russell David and Jonas. Is there any truth to that?

NG: No, nothing like that took place. I enjoyed working with them both. I think they are very talented people, and I look forward to working with them again.

CW: When did you first pick up a guitar?

NG: I started learning to play guitar when I was 13 years old.

CW: Were you self taught?

NG: I can't really say that I am. I'm sure no one can tell, but I took lessons for a couple of years in Junior High.

CW: Why did you stop?

NG: I decided it wasn't helping me any.

CW: Did you instantly start writing songs when you began to play guitar?

NG: No, I lacked the courage. I probably didn't write my first song until I was 15 or 16.

CW: Did you have other musical training?

NG: Yes, I was forced to take piano lessons at a young age, but I finally convinced my parents to stop making me take them. I haven't really played piano since. Since I have a piano in the new Gun Gallery, I may try to incorporate it into some of my songs on the next album.

CW: You have new album out this year, entitled: "God Hasn't Blessed Me Yet." Why did you name your album this?

NG: It seems to be the them to all or most all of the songs on the album. I think all the songs off that album tie into that theme in one way or another.

CW: Can you explain what you mean by "God hasn't blessed me yet?"

NG: It is the feeling that God has forsaken you. There are a lot of feelings that come out of that feeling of hopelessness, and not being able to stand up, or measure up, to anything.

CW: Do you believe in God?

NG: No.

CW: Are there any songs in particular that you like on the album? Any favorites?

NG: There are a couple of songs that I like. I think my favorite is "When I Leave This Place." I think it's a really beautiful song, and it goes directly to the point.

CW: What point?

NG: The song is about dying and leaving the Earth. I find the song very calm and lonely like I imagine dying to be. I am a little bitter in the song too, which is kind of nice.

CW: Any other songs like that?

NG: Yeah, my second favorite would probably be "Alas."

CW: Why?

NG: Because the song has the "God hasn't blessed me yet" theme the most. I mean the theme is right at the core of the song.

CW: How so?

NG: The song is basically blaming God for all my problems and not being able to cope with daily life anymore. If he created me, then he created my problems too.

CW: In your mind, how does the new album compare to "Mr. G?"

NG: In my opinion, contrary to what most believe, "Mr. G" is better because there are a few songs on "Mr. G" that I like a lot more than the songs on "God Hasn't Blessed..."

CW: You've encountered a lot of criticism. A well known critic, Juan Jose Rodriguez Del Mundo (of the Brasilian Music Defense Alliance), has been quoted as saying, " ...(Nick G.) is the most untalented musician on the face of the Earth...he can't keep rhythm...his deep and untrained voice cannot keep or hit any notes...his lyrics are terribly written...I could write an album tonight, put it out tomorrow, and it would be 10 times better than any album Nick G has, or will ever, put out...they should pass a law to stop this guy from making music because he sucks." What do you say in your defense?

NG: All I can say is that I must deal with the abilities and resources given to me. I really want to make music and be sincere in the process. There is not much I can do about my song writing ability. The way I write songs is the way I write songs. I can't write songs like anyone else. The same with my voice. I was born with this voice and this is the only one I have, therefore, I must use it. In my life most things are not really by choice, but by force.

CW: I hear you'll be coming out with a new single shortly. Is this true?

NG: Yes. There isn't going to be an official release or anything. It's more of a sneak preview of the upcoming album, which will probably be released sometime in 2002.

CW: I have listened to the single. A song called "Relapse" sticks in my mind. What's this one about?

NG: It's about being abandoned and feeling the after-effects from it. One of the after-effects is loneliness. I don't think feeling lonely ever completely goes away. To me, it always feels like it's revisiting you. Like a relapse.

CW: Well, our time is up. Thank you, Nick G, for doing this interview.

NG: Sure, no problem. Thank you very much for conducting the interview, Cornelius.

Nick Guerrero ’s second studio album:“God Hasn't Blessed Me Yet” is available for FREE to all who are interested! Visit our catalog for more information.