Interview with Ajax Garcia

Perhaps you’ve never heard of The Napoleon Blownaparts before – although, if you haven’t I wonder what box you’ve been hiding under since the early 90’s. Then again, it’s quite possible you’ve been a fan of Ajax Garcia and his work since 1995, when The Blownaparts first hit the scene with their distinctly unique sound.

Not only does Ajax have his music going for him, he’s also a respected artist who has managed to carve not only a niche for himself in the ever-evolving music world, but also a place where he can express himself through his art. He’s built up quite a following, and that’s no surprise given his immense level of creativity and dedication.

I recently had the chance to talk with Ajax Garcia and get a better insight into his personality not only as a musician/artist, but also as a unique presence on the blueprint of humanity. The interview follows below; my questions are in bold, followed by Ajax’s answers.

1. What are your long-term plans for The Blownaparts, and do you intend to reinstate a presence within your local or national scene in the foreseeable future?

(AJAX)

Long term goals can be very tricky, either good or bad but what ever I do I try not to get lost in the process of fulfilling these goals. I've learned that long-term goals are great but they can also make a man complacent. Balancing time is a difficult thing to do that not many people, let alone musicians, can handle. As far as the presence of my band goes? The kids will have the ultimate say in regards to the validity or presence of the NAPOLEON BLOWN APARTS. I just come up with the truth, record it and then deliver the message. From there it is all up to the fans on the streets whether I stay or fall by the wayside.

2. Listening to your music, it's hard to put a definitive spin on who you sound like. So, who would you say has had the biggest influence on your musical sound, and how do you feel The Blownaparts have transformed over the years?

(AJAX)

The fact that you can’t hear my musical influences is a good thing and I consider this a huge compliment. Thank you.

The Blown Aparts sound has gone through some changes over the years I guess but I think the over all vibe is still there. I dig the swagger of bands like The Stooges, The 70's Stones, old KISS, and I also love the blues. My roots can never be replaced or up-rooted. Rick Ruben said that he doesn’t want METALLICA to reinvent themselves as much as he would like them to make a defining new record. That says it all to me and that is something that I strongly believe in and try to practice throughout my career. With that being said the new Napoleon Blown Aparts record will venture into the hip-hop world and not by trend but only because I grew up in the ghetto and family members were gangsters and thugs who listened to rap and oldies so I guess you can say that my past caught up with me with "Goin’ Back To Zero," the new Blown Aparts record.

3. If you weren't making music anymore, would your art become your primary focus, or is there another hidden passion you'd like to pursue?

(AJAX)

Not making music is out of the question but hypothetically speaking if I decided to hang it up for what ever reason I think it would only be natural that I go into marketing and business in the art and music field.

4. You list a lot of bands on your website that you've toured with. Which band did you have the best time with and why? If you'd rather not mention specific names, can you tell me about an interesting story without mentioning another band?

(AJAX)

One of the best tours we did was back in 2000 when our 2000 tour added some KISS dates. Some crazy shit went down but it was all magic, baby.

5. Are you the driving force behind the music of The Blownaparts, or isit more of a collaborative effort? How has your songwriting process changed over the years?

(AJAX)

This is a tricky question and I will try to answer it leaving no ambiguity. The Blown Aparts in many ways are like a Social Distortion where you have Mike Ness as the most recognizable person up front. Another great example would be Marilyn Manson. Originally I formed the band and brought in some players but for whatever reasons things didn't work out so we split. Despite what any of my past players my think I respect them as people and most of them as musicians and keep them close to my heart.

Yes, I am the driving force behind The Napoleon Blown Aparts. Regarding song writing I write all of the material with an exception to some older songs. I also write all of the lyrics and guitar riffs and then I may bring them in and arrange them with other members of the band. At this point? I only work closely with Jesse Mendez, The Blown Aparts drummer for the past 7 years. Jesse has come along way and has proven to be one of the best and most important musicians in my life.

6. I noticed that the videogame ManiaDrive used two of your songs on their soundtrack. How did that come about?

(AJAX)

Not too familiar with the way this all played out but I believe they write video games and then sample them in their preliminary stages. I have a licensing group working for me and their job is to seek out licensing opportunities for the band's music.

7. I read about the incident you had in the late 90's with a radio DJ. Care to tell me what really happened with that?

(AJAX)

I know I have a reputation for having a hot head but the truth is that I just strongly believe in what I believe in and when someone crosses or challenges those beliefs I react. This is something I have been working on for years. While you should stand firmly behind your word as a man it is also best to pick and chose your wars and that particular incident was definitely one I should have walked away from but, I am only human. Old legend has it that I became upset at a radio disc jockey for dissin' me and I responded in a very immature way. This is the truth. It caused me a lot of grief if I remember right and ya know I like to think that I learn from my mistakes. Really, that is about all I would like to say about that.

8. Do you have any pet peeves when it comes to the music industry?

(AJAX)

Credit needs to be given where it is deserved and earned and in this industry you have people who like to steal the spotlight or not give credit. I see it happen all the time and it is a shame. This is my pet peeve.

9. You seem to have a bit of a following with your art - how did you getstarted? What project are you most proud of?

(AJAX)

I really turned a disastrous life into a positive with my talent and love for art. I had many chances to go down the wrong path and did like an eighteen-wheeler with no breaks, man. But at some point in my youth facing an extended stay at the California Youth Authorities (7 years to be exact) I decided it was time to face all this pent up angst that lived in side of me and turn it towards a more positive and safe direction. Drawing came naturally to me and I used to pass time in Juvenile hall drawing. All the other locked up kids used to ask me to draw for them also. I have always enjoyed being an influence in some way or another.

I genuinely love all those hard working folks out there who support me and my arts. I see orders for my art and Blown Aparts stuff come in from all over the world and you just never take that lightly and this is something I will just never get used to. Thank you to all of you and I love you all!

Hands down the KISS ICONS are my proudest art moment. A true highlight in my short career. I kind of felt like the phoenix rising from the ashes, I look at the opportunity to draw for my childhood heroes as personal vindication. I lived a hard life right from the start being raised by a single Mother on welfare who had Alzheimer’s disease. Drawing KISS was so much of a release for me as a kid and then to grow up and create the KISS ICONS was amazing. Someone called KISS ICONS the Golden Arches of rock n’ roll ha ha ha - how’s that for validation?

10. Is it true that you were approached by Guns N' Roses a few years ago to filltheir vacant guitarist slot? If so, what were your first reactions to that?

(AJAX)

Oh God what a nightmare that turned out to be. That whole mess was really nothing more than a misunderstanding that got blown way out of proportion by over zealous fans and one particular media source. Let’s just say I did speak with Tommy Stinson on the phone and my music does speak for its self and anyone can listen for them selves at http://www.myspace.com/blownaparts

Once again, a warm thank you goes out to Ajax Garcia for his thoughtful answers to my interview questions. You can find out more about him and The Napoleon Blownaparts by visiting their official website or Myspace page.

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