LA Velvet Interview with hard rock guitarist and singer Laura V Bustillos. In this interview we talk about The One I Love album, endorsements from Jackson and sex appeal. Interview March 24, 2012
LA Velvet Interview
1. How is 2012 starting off for you Laura?
Hi everyone. First of all thank you for this interview I feel honored. I started this year actually performing in Las Vegas and it was a great experience. It was amazing to see all my beautiful Velvets on such an important day and receive the New Year with them doing what I love. From there I’ve been touring nonstop and working in the studio on my third album! I feel blessed : )
2. Can you tell me about the process of recording the latest LA Velvet album The One I Love?
Recording “The One I Love” was an incredible experience. Severe Records helped so much during 2011 and working with producer Chris Sevier was great. We were blessed to work in great studios and recording gear, for example I got to record with my favorite microphone the AKG C 12, one of the first famous tube microphones in the history of recording. We wrote the music and lyrics together and I’m so happy to know that the songs from this record are already part of several TV shows. It feels like a big accomplishment and it really fulfills my heart to know that my music, my songs, the stories of my life are out there and are being listened to by a lot of my fans because I write for my fans to fulfill their hearts. So mission accomplished! The first song to be on MTV is called “Broken”. The CD is available in my website: http://lavelvetband.com/ and the songs are also available on Itunes, Amazon, etc.
3. Laura what’s your take on the sex appeal in the music industry?
Oh oh! ; ) I think that music is energy and for me this is the way I can touch million of hearts with my light. Everything starts with a song and thru my art. Now image is important but it is also necessary to be yourself because the audience knows and feels a lot during the shows. I like to be myself and be girlie but that doesn’t mean that I’m not brave, tough and I have been told I’m ball of fire lol I guess that combination is what makes people say I’m sexy lol.
4. What are your current endorsements?
Im proud to represent Jackson Guitars since 3 years ago. I love the power on my guitars and how versatile they are. I’m also endorsed by Coffin Case and recently got Fargen Amps. They are amazing cuz they sound like vintage custom Marshalls but they are made in the US. My new Fargen Amps has some outstanding classic tubes that makes me sound modern and unique but still very AC/DC and Led Zeppelin.
5. Where did the idea come from to play a Pink Jackson Flying V?
I started playing Gibson Les Pauls and I love them but then I wanted something unique that could represent me and my music. The first time I went to NAMM in 2010 I went straight to my favorite company and went to check out all their guitars: Jackson of course. Then I grabbed a Randy Rhoads Flying V Pink Guitar and started playing it and when I looked around I had a lot of photographers and press surrounding me and taking pictures and filming. I connected this amazing monster to an amp and realized how powerful it is and how cool looking and they way it felt was perfect. I love V Guitars and Randy Rhoads is my hero so those are two big reasons. This guitar truly change my life!
6. Could you describe your guitar and amplifier collection?
I still own a Les Paul but most of my guitars are Jackson Randy Rhoads Flying V. The newest one is from the X series and it rocked SXSW like nothing before haha It is a dynamo ! My new amp is a Fargen Olde 800 MKII it has a classic high gain similar to a Marshall JCM 800 but with added sustain and super thick harmonic crunch tones!
7. How is the Current Music scene in Los Angeles?
It is great for me. In the beginning it was tough because of all the competition. But once I start touring and proving myself all our shows in LA started getting really crowded for some reason. The music industry in general is in a temporary chaos because the CD sales are falling down. I am an optimist and my fans are not letting me down. They download my songs and most of them buy my CD’s, get the signature and love the real deal. I love the fact that people still appreciates the art work. CDs are rare collectible items these days ; )
8. What’s your vision on the Internet as a tool to promote and market Music?
It is the best tool. I love the social network because it gives me the chance to communicate to thousands of fans from all over the world and keep them posted about my upcoming releases on a daily basis on www.facebook.com/lavelvetmusic
9. With all the bands coming out today.
Do you keep updated with what comes out online, etc? Yes I really like Pandora and Spotify but honestly Im a workaholic and most of my time I’m in the studio writing my own music.
10. What would be your main influences?
So many!!! Well let’s start with Classic Rock: Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Van Halen, etc. I also listen to all kind of music because a good song is everything. I love to mix rock and dance music these days and the whole mix is unique. When something sounds like somebody else it is boring!
11. Where do you find inspiration to write music?
Life, touring, going to new countries, cities, meeting new people…
12. Are there any other products or projects we can see from you in 2012 and in the future?
Yes, I’m working in my third album with Skip Sailor (Foo Fighters, Guns N’ Roses, Tom Petty) and it will be released soon. Jackson Guitars is going to make me a Laura V custom signature guitar and Fargen Amp is working on my signature amp as well! Also we just released a new logo for my t-shirts and it is selling great at: www.lavelvet.bigcartel.com
13. Could you describe what goes on in a day in your life as a musician?
The perfect way to describe what goes on in one of my days is in my new video: “Here in Hollywood” Now you all have to watch it ; ) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtGU2BEgqew
14. Are there any tours lined-up for LA Velvet in 2012?
Yes there are many clubs and festivals that are requesting us to play. We just got back from playing all the West Coast and Mid- West. I’m leaving to play in Germany and Greece tomorrow and trying to get some shows in the UK because I have a lot of fans there. Also Canada is one of my next targets. We are planning to go to Canada in summer and hit the East Coast as well. We will be where they want us more! Request us at www.facebook.com/lavelvetmusic Thanks for the interview! Much Rockin’ Luv! Laura V – LA Velvet.