Omar Rodriguez-Lopez (The Mars Volta, At The Drive-In) Interview | Ryan Minic, Ryan's Rock Show

Описание: In an interview with Ryan Minic of Ryan’s Rock Show, Omar Rodriguez-Lopez of The Mars Volta and At The Drive-In shared insights into his musical upbringing, early influences, and approach to collaboration. He discussed growing up immersed in salsa music, with legends like Eddie Palmieri and Larry Harlow shaping his understanding of composition and band dynamics. Even after moving from Puerto Rico to Mexico and later to the U.S., salsa remained a core part of his household’s musical identity.

Rodriguez-Lopez reflected on his teenage years in El Paso, where he first discovered punk and metal through bands like Overkill, DOA, and Black Flag. Skateboarding culture and liner notes in records led him deeper into the underground music scene, eventually inspiring him to form At The Drive-In. He recalled early garage and backyard shows, highlighting how the DIY scene shaped the band’s energy and ethos.

Discussing his work with producers Ross Robinson and Rick Rubin, Rodriguez-Lopez acknowledged how each experience taught him to let go of control and trust outside perspectives. Working with Robinson on Relationship of Command was a major shift, as he and the band were used to more hands-off engineers rather than someone actively shaping arrangements. Later, recording De-Loused in the Comatorium at Rubin’s infamous mansion introduced eerie, seemingly supernatural experiences, including locked windows mysteriously opening overnight.

He also spoke about his project Bosnian Rainbows, describing it as an exercise in relinquishing control and embracing a true collaborative effort. Unlike The Mars Volta, where he dictated the creative direction, Bosnian Rainbows was intentionally structured with band members who were all songwriters, producers, and engineers in their own right. He emphasized his belief that control can be a sickness, and that stepping back allows for more organic creative chemistry.

Throughout the interview, Rodriguez-Lopez expressed his fascination with experimentation, whether through genre-blending, unorthodox recording techniques, or exploring new band dynamics. His passion for pushing boundaries remains at the heart of his musical journey.

The original interview was posted here: http://www.ryansrockshow.com/intervie...