Exposed Vocals just caught an exclusive interview with musician, Thadeus Gonzalez
I’m Thadeus Gonzalez, a singer/songwriter from Oakland, California. My music leans towards alternative hard rock although I am a fan of all music. Some of the musicians that have left a lasting impression on me include PJ Harvey, Matt Pike, Jason Isbell, and Rick James.
My new album, Opposite Faces, is available now through Rebel Waves Records. This is my 3rd album and I really dig it! My previous albums were Utopian Society (2014) and Silver Inside (2018).
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Hello Exposed Vocals, I grew up in Northern California. I was terrible in school, caused trouble, fought all the time, but I sure loved rock n roll. I started playing guitar around 9 years old. Music definitely did not save me or anything like that. Rock n’ Roll exacerbated that way of life for me. I’m very fond of my teenage years now. I never thought of being an artist; I was just always interested in writing songs. I liked the imagination involved in the process.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Don’t burn bridges, take a double take of most things that you are interested in and don’t disregard anything.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
If you were a band like Polythia or Steely Dan mistakes are not rad. People want to see Tim Henson play guitar the way he does on those albums. Tim is a wizard. Mistakes during live shows are the whole reason why rock shows rule. My live shows are full of chaos and mistakes; it’s the best part of me performing live. My recorded music is mistake free and thoughtful.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
I do tour and speaking of mistakes, well it may not be a mistake, but I was on tour in England earlier this year and my voice went out for 3 shows. I had to speak at most of the shows and have the crowd sing the songs cause I was a mess. The shows stayed energetic and upbeat and that was cause the audience took over.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
I don’t mess with studio equipment. I have a Piano, a couple of acoustic and electric guitars and I write songs on those instruments. When I record, I talk to producers and see if we jell then I record at their studio.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
I promote my music any way I can. Touring is a very important way for me to be seen and heard. Social Media is a juggernaut. Also, being deliberate with what art I’m putting out in the world is a solid way of promoting.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
I had the Ramones album Brain Drain but the significance of the Ramones went over my head for many years. I would bet money that CBGB’s was a shithole, but I would dig to play with the Ramones and Blondie at CBGB’s in the mid 70’s. Hahaahaa, that would be an amazing show.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
I have a new single, Leopard Skin, coming out September 14th. I’m looking forward to putting it out. I’m also looking forward to hitting the road in October.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
I’ve been a butcher on and off for many years. I will still pick up shifts as a butcher whenever I can, but it’s been a while. So, if I stopped playing music, I would go back cutting meat.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?
Next year I’ll be releasing my fourth album, Street Fights Are Starting To Hurt, along with some touring and some new music videos. Definitely keep a look out for my new single “Leopard Skin” coming out in the next few weeks.
Exposed Vocals: Any Shout-outs?
I’m giving a shout out to the new Depeche Mode album that should be coming out, the Batman sequel and the Las Vegas Raiders. Also, thanks Exposed Vocals for the interest in my music.
