One of the most “colorful” local performers I know is Gutter. He’s a hard-working, fun-loving musician that doesn’t EVER slow down. Let’s see what he has to say:

Tell me about how you were introduced to music.

     Gutter: When I was just a little kid my Dad played guitar and harmonica plus my Grandfather played classical guitar. I used to sit around and thought it was so cool just to listen to them play.

My mom, may she rest in peace,  was one of my greatest music mentors. To whom do you attribute your love of music to?
Gutter: As a young tyke I used to listen to American top 40… he-he. Plus I hung around the older kids in the neighborhood and they turned me on to Deep Purple, Montrose, Robin Trower, Sabbath and I was hooked early on to some killer rock n roll!

What was the catalyst that  lead you to decide to become a musician?
     Gutter: While listening to my Grandfather play and saw how it mesmerized people, I said that want to learn to do that.

Did you have any formal musical training or did you just wing it?
     Gutter:  yes, I took a few lessons from my Gramps then took guitar lessons at Luchetti’s music store back in the day and learned the basics and pretty much winged it from there.

I know you as primarily a bassist, was that your first choice? Do you play other instruments?
Gutter: I was originally a guitarist. I played guitar in my first two bands but there were no bass players so I bought a Rickenbacker and started becoming a bass player. I still write my originals on guitar and have to figure out bass parts later.

What are some lessons from previous bands that you carry with you through today?
Gutter:  Just be true to yourself and play what you feel and what makes you happy. Playing music is supposed to be great fun and never a chore.

Tell me about the “Gutter” moniker?
Gutter:  Well, back when I was in a band in Hollyweird my only transportation was my motorcycle so my singer & guitarist would pick me and my bass up for band rehearsals and they would always be late. So there I’d be sitting on the curb waiting for them with my bass and they would say, “There’s the Gutter Dweller” and that became my nickname…Gutter Dweller, which was quickly shortened to “Gutter”…hah! and people still call me that to this day.

What are some of the many projects your working on these days?
Gutter:  Well, I’m currently playing in three bands. I’m in an original rock band called “Rusty Tramp” which plays awesome party rock. I also have another darker sounding rock band called “Darken the Day” and we are actually playing our debut gig opening for my other band Rusty Tramp’s CD release party coming up soon. Plus, I have an awesome classic rock cover band called “LocoMofo”

http://www.facebook.com/RustyTramp

 

http://www.facebook.com/DarkenTheDay

 

 

http://www.facebook.com/locomofo.nm

 

People are sometimes surprised at what they find in each others music collections. Are there any surprises in your collection?
Gutter: Oh man, I have a very extensive music collection. There are many surprises from Al Di Meola to Zeke.I have all kinds of styles in there but mostly metal, punk, prog and a lot of obscure stuff that a lot of people have never even heard of.

Speak your mind freely, the floor is yours:
     Gutter:  Well, like I said before, be true to yourself and your music and everybody has to support your fellow musicians and the music scene to keep it alive and well!! Cheers.

Here’s a taste of LOCOMOFO:

 

My man Gutter, thanks!

the Hellion