Tyler La Cagnina, guitarist for Huntington Beach, California rock band Static Fiction. Interview April 9, 2013
Static Fiction Interview
How was it working on the new Static Fiction EP?
Professional bliss. I couldn’t ask for a better group of guys to be working with. Every guy has loads of experience and creativity. I’ve really struck gold with this group.
What type of guitars and amplifiers do you use?
I have several guitars but I am currently using two for Static Fiction. A 1996 Fender Tex Mex Strat (Alice) that I have ripped apart and put back together a million times. In the current configuration it’s in a HSS set up. Two early 90’s Fender American standard single coils in the neck & middle positions. Then I have a custom made Motor City Pickups humbucker in the bridge. Secondly a 2004 Gibson Flying V (Vivianna). I ripped out the stock ceramic humbuckers for a Seymour Duncan set. But what’s really cool is that I have a RICHMOND(by Godin) Belmont w/Bigsby on order. I can’t wait to get my hands on that guitar.
Amps wise I was using a Orange Rockerverb 100 mkII but I have switched back to my trusty old Marshall JCM900 DR. Played through a 1960b cab w/Vintage 30’s. Another cool thing on the very close horizon is getting to work closely with RISSON Amplification on some new prototypes. I look forward to switching fully over to those soon.
Any tours coming soon for Static Fiction?
Nothing that we have officially released to the public at the moment. We are planning some uber special things for summer ’13 that’s all I can say at the moment.
When writing a song is there such a thing as investing too much time?
Maybe we should ask Billy Corgan about the whole “Siamese Dream” album. You can take it to that level if you have that sort of backing, time, and money. When creating feel good music you can tell usually right away if a new tune “feels good”. Sometimes you can get writers block and that’s when you have to know to step away from the song for a bit. Let it rest. Then come back to it with a clear mind and fresh set of ears.
What do you think of promo videos nowadays with everything going on YouTube?
I adore it. I’m a huge Youtube’r. I really don’t watch TV anymore. This is a “at your fingertips” time in tech. TV is now finally catching up. With YouTube everyone gets their chance to post their content. Traditional “TV” is obsolete. You get to control what YOU want to see. No longer are you subject to what “THEY” think you want to see.
Would you say the overall music scene online is getting better with the economy?
Everyday I try to use the “economy” as an excuse. “My milk went bad because of the economy”. The sharing is a sore subject because people just don’t want to pay for music. As a musician I wouldn’t “share” because I know how much time, effort, and money goes into making a record. So I think that the online sharing if anything is hurting the economy of myself….. the musicians, the writers, the producers, and everyone else that it takes to make a record. Now, online is also awesome because it brings your music to the fingertips of so many. The internet radio stations are a wonderful thing. So it is a catch-22 I guess. Seems like the pros and cons probably cancel each other out in the end.
What were your earliest influences?
When I first picked up a guitar I wanted to play the blues. I had the blues. I was an awkward unpopular prepubescent boy. I could relate to the blues. Hard to imagine how a pre-teen growing up by the beach could have the blues…. but it just made sense to me. Then when I was 13 my Dad took me to see the Black Sabbath Reunion show at the Forum in LA. When they came on stage I was blown away by Tony Iommi. His tone and performance lead me in a whole new direction. Instead of practicing 12 bars the next I was learning War Pigs.
What could we find interesting in your music collection at home?
Vinyl. I LOVE vinyl! I have a full on DJ set up in my room. I like to think I have my own personal radio station at home. My collection spans from the late 60’s through late 80’s. Vinyl records have the beautiful analog depth that you just can’t get in this digital age.
Could you describe what goes on in a day in your life as a musician on tour?
If you’re young…. hangovers, fast food, a cramped Econoline van, and dirty socks. If you’re older…. Yoga, wheatgrass shakes, a huge bus, “facetime” with your family, & dirty socks.
Where do you see Music in 100 years from now?
Still as relevant as ever. Music is another form of communication. A good groove can change your whole day. Music makes life better! It’s a form of therapy. The difference in 100 years is how we will be listening to it. We’ll probably have chips installed in us where we can just download anything via wi-fi and it will play audibly via laser guided brainwaves which you can share by bumping heads together.
Extra questions for Tyler La Cagnina from Static Fiction
Life without music would be: Unnatural.
Favorite movie: The Blues Brothers.
Favorite sport: Chasing women then Surfing.
Favorite food: Hot Mess Burger.
Favorite drink: Orange Fanta.
Favorite saying: “You are the best YOU have ever had”.
Favorite car: 1967 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C.
Favorite book: I’m writing the book.
Favorite band: Queens of the Stone Age.
Star Wars or Star Trek: Spaceballs.
PC or Mac: PC.