Name: Tanner Garza
Bands: Tanner Garza, Black Leather Jesus, Vision Stains, Servant Girl Annihilator, Connolly | Garza | Sandor, Uncle Meat, DJ Snorlax
Websites: tannergarza.bandcamp.com, bookendrecordings.tumblr.com

QRD – How old were you when you first realized you wanted to be a musician?

Tanner – About 3 years old when I first saw my mother’s second husband playing acoustic guitar.

QRD – What are a few highlights of your musical career?

Tanner – Joining BLJ in 2012 & touring with them in 2013, recording with & hanging out with Smegma, playing solo in Seattle, & the live performance of Vision Stains in 2014 (considering we live in 2 different states).

QRD – At what age did you decide you wanted to become a father?

Tanner – Always knew I wanted to be, just a matter of actually having a child.

QRD – What are some positive & negative impacts your family has had on your career?

Tanner – Only positives. Living in Texas I accept the isolationist part of it all so not playing every single show all of the time doesn’t bother me.  My partner, Courtney, & son, Bronson, provide me with endless inspiration & are always pushing me to do more with my sounds.

QRD – What are some positive & negative impacts your career has had on your family?

Tanner – None, honestly. I’m not very far into fatherhood, but I’ve had no trouble managing when to do music & when not to.

QRD – Has your SOn effected the music you make &/or listen to?

Tanner – Absolutely. When Bronson was born I took my sleep music aesthetic to the next level in order for Bronson to have calming sounds. I also tend to listen to exclusively “instrumental” music, meaning any music or sounds without lyrics or singing. So, Courtney asked me to play more common man music when I play things for Bronson. He gets a good mixture of things I think.

QRD – Do you think being involved in music has made your SOn different than HIS piers?

Tanner – We won’t find out for a few more years, but I doubt it. We all have our own things we are into & parents are parents regardless.

QRD – Have you had problems with the lack of steady money from a musical career providing the security you feel necessary in your household?

Tanner – No. I’ve never relied on my music to make my life comfortable. I just can’t imagine that as a maker of experimental music.

QRD – Given the limitations having a family has on being a touring musician, would you have toured more earlier in life if you’d known?

Tanner – I guess? It’s fun, but I get burnt out being away from home. I like seeing new cities & all, but no bed is quite like mine.

QRD – Do you think being a father or a musician has a greater impact on your community?

Tanner – Not a clue. Not yet at least.

QRD – Would you rather see your children eventually become musicians or parents?

Tanner – I just want him to be happy. He can do whatever it is that his little heart desires.

QRD – What do your kids think of your music?

Tanner – Bronson smiles big & falls asleep, I take it as a good thing.

QRD – Do you think you could ever do a musical project with your children?

Tanner – Sure. Seems fun.

QRD – Any words of advice to young people?

Tanner – Don’t take yourselves so serious, slow down, & enjoy shit for once. You’re not even halfway dead.

QRD – Anything else?

Tanner – Thanks for having me aboard.