Meet Roger Astudillo

An Interview with Roger Astudillo

Hi Roger, where do you currently reside?

I live in Wanaque, NJ.

How many years have you been playing?

I started lessons at age six on the accordion, the guitar by age ten, and the trumpet and oboe in elementary school.  At age 12 I watched The Beatles on Ed Sullivan.  That changed everything!  That was 50 years ago.

What musicians influenced you?

Elvis, Everly Brothers, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Dion and Ricky Nelson before the British Invasion altered my perception.  Motown was a big influence, particularly on my bass playing.

How many bands have you been in?

Crusader Rabbit, the Begotten Sons and Young Innocents on lead guitar before switching to the bass with Debra Harry in the Stilettos.  That opened up the downtown NYC scene and I formed deWaves playing my music and working our way up to headlining C.B.G.B.'s and Max's Kansas City.  I played a few years with Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders after Don Kirsner's "Let the Good Times Roll".  I was able to tour with the Four Seasons, the Hermits, Gary U.S.Bonds, Tommy James and much more. 

What's it like to gig or tour?

Playing is a blessing.  Hauling, maintaining, traveling and scheduling is a drag!  The camaraderie is cherished.  The experience is priceless, traveling and connecting with the audiences.  Music is a universal language.  We toured Europe, Canada, and the U.S. 

How often do you practice?

Daily...maybe guitar, maybe bass, vocals or Irish Tin Whistle.  I enjoy charting songs for my performances and at the request of friends.  

Tell us about your gear.

I currently play a dependable, sturdy and historically significant Fender Precision Bass.  I've had an active five string, fretless acoustic, many four strings but there's nothing like the voice of a Fender in the rhythm section.  I use Mark Bass Amplification.

What advice would you give a newbie musician?

Listen!!! Less is more.  It's important to pick times to be silent and restrained in order to appropriately Explode the One!  Remember that you're a rhythm instrument not merely a baritone guitar.

What was one of your accomplishments as a musician?

Currently playing original music with the Zeke Carey Band and recording two CDs.  To be able to make music with talented musicians as opposed to simply playing songs.  To share a silent language that communicates emotions via dynamics and groove and connects the musicians with the audience.

                                           

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