Interview: Marco Mendoza

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

MM: Music became a best friend of mine at an early age. You can say I got addicted to it and learned to love everything about it. If I weren’t a musician I’d be a pilot.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

MM: I try to stay as physically active as possible. I’m a big fan of water sports and working out is a big part of staying healthy. When I take care of my body, my body takes care of me which reflects in my creativity.

How long has your band been around?

MM: On and off for the past 6 years.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

MM: ‘I'm based out of Los Angeles where it is still a mecca for the music industry. Living in LA has been instrumental in my career ie. artists, producers, recording studios, live venues etc…

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

MM: Marco Mendoza is my name and I wanted to be clear about being a solo artist after all my other work and collaborations. I will consider calling it Viva La Rock at some point.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

MM: Far too many to mention! In Poland a festival called Woodstock with the Dead Daisies with a 64 piece orchestra, and Slane Castle in Ireland with Thin Lizzy was special. Download Festival with Whitesnake and so many more!

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

MM: Again, too many to mention. One place I would like to perform is Wembley Stadium & the new Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles and many more cool places!

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

MM: Paul McCartney, Steven Tyler, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Bonham…

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

MM: Stay away from drugs and alcohol, do it for the love of music, practice, play, get better and play out as much as you can in front of as many people as you can.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

MM: Stay away from drugs and alcohol. 100%.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

MM: They all have their important meaning to me, it’s like asking if you have a favorite child, hahaa! They all are!

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

MM: Viva La Rock, Sweetest Emotions, Sue Is On The Run and Leah. These songs also get the most requests.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

MM: The writing is between the producer and myself, then the players come in and do their magic then we prepare by rehearsing for the live shows.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

MM: I try to be as positive and uplifting as possible as I believe there’s enough darkness and negative energy on the planet today.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

MM: Yes we do from time to time. I like to always be open and be sensitive to opinions and egos alike but always being clear, I need to be supported in my vision.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

MM: I’m excited for my UK tour early April! I’ve got a cool line up in the band and we’re playing great venues all across the UK. Check out the dates and buy tickets here: www.marcomendoza.com I also have a new single coming out April 13, followed by another and a full album in the summer to be announced. That will be my focus to support this album as much as possible and get back to playing as many shows as possible.