By Brian Sweeney
IG: @sparked_interest_photography
Tribal Theory is an independent urban reggae band from San Diego. The band is comprised of Nico Tuilesu- vocals, Peter Cruz- guitar and backup vocals, Rudy Duenas- bass, Ku Hawkins- vocals, and Brian Baker on the drums.
I was curious as to how the members Tribal Theory felt about cannabis. After exchanging pleasantries, and realizing there are 2 of us named Brian, the conversation flowed seamlessly, like sitting with old friends.
Sparked Interest: You guys all smoke, I take it?
Tribal Theory: Most of us. Most of us, yeah!
SI: What kind of influence has cannabis provided for your music?
TT: On a personal level?
SI: Well, yes, in your band, and in your life.
TT: Personally, I find it makes it really easy to create, I guess. I think that’s almost cliche to say.
SI: So, it is a part of your creative process?
TT: When we’re in the studio, it’s not like a ritual or anything, but before I settle in, I like to chill with it. Let the tune vibe a little, then I can express easily on top of that.
TT: Yeah, me too. playing drums, playing the rhythm, it definitely helps with that. It helps ease my back tension, too honestly. Helps me be able to vibe along with my bandmates, my bros.
SI: Do you usually smoke before a show?
TT: Again, yes.
TT: I don’t smoke, I mean, I smoke on occasion.
TT: He did today!
TT: Well today, I mean we’re at CaliRoots!
TT: ‘Cause we was getting creative!
TT: I’m totally pro-cannabis,I mean if it helps you be more fluid. I mean everyone works a little bit differently, but I am definitely pro!
SI: I understand you’re from the San Diego area?
TT: Two of us were born and raised.
TT: We all reside in San Diego, though.
SI: Did you meet in San Diego?
TT: No, we (pointing to a bandmate) played music together, after high school, back home.
TT: He moved out to San Diego first, and ended up joining the band.
SI: How did you meet the band?
TT: Yeah, so, it happened on a Wednesday night. Junior Seau of the Chargers used to own a restaurant. It had to be my 21st birthday and I stumbled in with my Dad. I had only been living here maybe a year. They were playing and I ended up meeting them and the manager at the time. They uh, called me to play bass one week, maybe two weeks later, and everything kind of fell into place. I turned into the guitar player at one point and the rest is pretty much history.
TT: It’s really kind of trippy how it happened. You just stumbled into a restaurant and join a band.
TT: We started in the garage, and all that kind of fell into place. This being like, well, you know? It was supposed to happen. Having them join was real cool, they are super talented.
TT: Brian and myself were born and raised San Diego. We’ve been in The CaliRoots scene for a while now. Just being around it, and being able to create new stuff with everyone. It’s a coming out of the shell kind of thing.
TT: Brian’s new! He just joined like 4 months ago. He’s best friends with Chris from San Diego. Chris is a drum teacher but, he has another job as well. So, he’s like super busy making it hard to tour. We were on tour with the Expanders and Chris was able to catch the January leg of the tour then he was like, I got this friend you should check out. We rehearsed with him (Brian) and he joined the tour from there.
SI: So, you started playing in San Diego in a garage?
TT: Yeah. I miss it though. I’m gonna do this. After we make it and get up there, ya know? I’m gonna buy it back! They turned it into a Buffalo Wild Wings. It’s like horrible!
TT: I’m gonna buy back the whole thing! I love playing Belly Up and House of Blues San Diego is always dope!
TT: A lot of the places we started in. North Park. Oh yeah! North Park with the Expandables!
SI: Any message you hope to share?
TT: Honestly, Thank you to each and every fan and supporter. We appreciate all the love.
SI: What about messages through your music? What do you want people to take from your music?
TT: Be yourself! Whatever it is, from hard times to partying with your loved ones, just be you. Our music reflects that. We talk about having a good time. Falling in love.
TT: Dreaming. You know what I mean? Don’t ever be scared to dream, if you want it as bad as you want it. Our dream is to be musicians, to go all the way with it, and we want that. Straight up! We will get there. Our determination shows in our music. Don’t quit! Dare to dream.
TT: I love talking to the fans. Shaking hands and conversating. It is the general consensus that the best part of it all is the shows, connecting with the audience and fans are always a priority.
