Recently I sat down with the always entertaining and unpredictable Joe Walla. We talked about his life, his famous song “Crack Whore,” his accomplishments, and the Joe Walla Band’s recent win at the 2007 All Access Magazine Music Awards. Open and honest, we set out to find what makes this amazing man tick.
Joe’s love for music and nonstop performing recently got The Joe Walla Band listed on the country’s top 100 unsigned musicians. Through his many endorsements, Joe has confessed he has a major love affair with guitars. He’s been in this crazy music biz most of his life and is full of experience and wisdom. So I asked him what advice he could offer today’s young musicians. He definitely had some strong words of wisdom. And I found out what his dreams for the band and himself are.
The Joe Walla Band performs mostly in the High Desert, but if you like your music versatile, interesting, and energized, it is very much worth the trip. No drugs, just real rock-n-roll! Joe Walla has that special something: He’s high on life and lives life on the happy trail…
AAM: I love the song “Crack Whore.” Where did you come up the idea for that song?
Joe Walla: Let’s try to answer this in a tactful kinda way... Do you want the real or fictional version? Ha! A friend of mine came into town from Arizona a few years back and we were heading down to Hollywood and he was saying, “Let’s get a crack whore.” I didn’t really think a whole lot about it ‘til we got back to our studio and I had a lil riff that was the meat of the song. The next thing ya know it’s all there! I kinda wrote about a few girls I dated a piece or two, but that wasn’t really all the way it was – it’s kinda a tall yarn. The interesting part of this song is that I debuted it years ago at the Blue Saloon as an all-acoustic solo. 
It was a weird night. There were a lot of guys, playing pool. At the end of my set I had guys coming up saying, “Man, I know that girl, I’ve dated her.” That’s when I knew we had something! The thing is now I’ve gotta play it every show. I was gonna not play it one night… and someone laid into me about “We came to hear this song, it’s gotta be there.” So if I’ve gotta be known for something… I am Saint Joe, patron saint of the crack whore.
AAM: You had mentioned that you don't play L.A. clubs very often. Why? And what is it that makes you love playing in the desert so much?
JW: It’s not totally that I don’t want to play ‘em, but it’s a no-win situation for the bands here anymore. And I’d love to, but logistically it’s a nightmare. First of all, I live closest to Hollywood/L.A. and [bassist] Rich is in Palmdale and [drummer] George is in Cal City, so travel-wise L.A. is 1 hour for Rich and 2 for George. And 45-minute sets are not making sense when you drive 2 to 4 hours round trip – unless you’re truly playing for labels and agents. Yeah, everyone says they come out to see every Hollywood show. “Industry Showcase!” They don’t really pay ya either. You sell tickets and you get a percentage of it…maybe. I think it’s a mutual thing: If you bring so many people in, period, there should be a lil compensation for your time. Granted, it’s got to be a mutual admiration thing ‘cause without these clubs there are no places to start. Believe me, I am very happy to play anywhere, but have come to the realization that if my fan base is outside L.A., no one is gonna bring 100 people to 
a show here. You are damned if you do or don’t, either way. I just wanna play and show new people that we got what it takes to win ‘em over!
But with that rambling said, we’ve gotta look at one very important issue often overlooked: the scene itself. Do people go out as much as they used to? Gas being the way it is, and the general economy, it’s not that they have that fun money any more as well. And the desert communities are amazing. We seem to have become a fixture out here: The Desert Kings! Ha! But I think the reasons we do well are that we put on a pretty good show, the music is solid, we are accessible to everyone, and we play for hours! We started playing at a lil bar in El Mirage, Murphy's. The owner and I became good friends along the way and his locals were asking when we were coming back. It started there and we ended up packing the place all the time. We played the Jawbone store in the middle of nowhere. I was thinking this would be a bust, but this place had a few hundred off-roaders and bikers gathering at the very first show. Needless to say, we have become a fixture there and the people have come from all over the country to see us there. That sounds pretty unbelievable to me as well, but the power of word of mouth is amazing again! So to all my friends and fans who have seen us play everywhere, God Bless yas and we love yas. Thanks for being there for us!
AAM: Your band has been ranked in the country’s top 100 unsigned artists how many times? And what does that mean to you?
JW: I never dreamed… ok, I do dream… that this would happen to us! We have been on this list 2 years in a row. Now it’s time to move off the list and be a bona
fide recording artist for a big label. I know the songs are catchy. I know they relate to people. All I wish is that somewhere, someone who has the power to get us up the road will find us. I am doing all the work alone, and believe me I am very lucky to get this far. Talent isn’t all it takes anymore and record companies aren’t handing out deals like they did in the ‘80s either. But I don’t give up the fight!
AAM: You have great music. Do you do all of the songwriting/arranging yourself, or do the other guys pitch in?
JW: As far as most of the songs go, I have written the most, with my guys along the way helping in a few of the changes and words. I have a head full of ideas constantly. If you were to ask my current producer Kris Traynor he would say he'd like to kill me. I have so much in my head musically and creatively I can’t stop. I know anyone reading this who writes knows what I am saying when it comes to inspiration. That’s the God-given gift there! As far as writing I just start playing. It starts with the music. I set the tone from there 99% of the time. Right now Rich and George are putting in the effort to get more involved with this end too; I’ve got George singing a few songs and I wanna get him to sing new original stuff as well. That way I can play more. And Rich as well. We have a new CD’s worth of songs to record after out latest, “Reverend J. Wicked III,” is released this year finally. I know a lot of you who know why it took so long on this CD: It’s because I keep adding more to Kris's dish. Videos, extra recording projects, you name it. I’ve kept him from finishing this.
AAM: You have played at some biker conventions. What is the best thing about that?
JW: The people! They rock! We have been very lucky to have been a part of a lot of these shows. And being a biker, I know the feeling of unity with all the people together. I love these events! We played the A.V. Fairgrounds for Thunder on the Lot, a charity event with bikes and street rods. We played Qualcomm Stadium last year for the San Diego Bike Expo, and the Veterans Mountain Run in Tehachapi as well. I love playing for these shows.
AAM: And what were you thinking when you were on stage accepting your AAM award?
JW: I can only speak for myself because this was my 4th year in a row winning an award from All Access Magazine. I was very elated! My category had way more talented writers and my thought was that no way was this gonna fall my way. Wow! I am much honored to have received this! Rich and George were both in the running for Best Bass (Rich) and Best Drummer (George). I wanted ‘em both to win. For me the wish overall was for both of the guys to know that feeling of receiving this honor. Rich won, and I was like a proud father. Really. I was so happy then he got that feeling! It’s a great feeling to be among some of the best L.A. talent and win for what you love doing. Thanks to all who voted. I know George has what it takes to go as well, but this year wasn’t in the cards. Hang in, bro.
AAM: Tell us about your endorsement deals, and how it feels to be wanted by these companies and have acceptance by your peers.
JW: I hope this answer doesn't get to long. First I wanna say to these companies a true thank you for making me a part of your families. It’s not that they had searched me out; I had perused these deals with them. I am an avid guitar collector and to be a part of the artist stables for these companies is a dream come true! I will holla out to everyone in a minute, but I believe this in dealing with companies who have what ya need: It’s a mutual thing. First you gotta love what they do, and they must have respect for you as well. You have to offer them the same things in return. I use their products and believe in them and I will tell anyone who asks, and even if they don’t ask. I use them and I believe in them. Plus I believe in giving back to them. I don’t ask for free products, “Oooh, I am an artist.” Hey, wake up, it’s business! “Free” isn’t in anyone’s name out there. Respect any of these companies that are willing to work with ya. All I can say is thank you all for giving me the opportunity to be a part. I believe in my talent and I feel you guys believe in it as well. Lifetime friendships and business is where I see this all going!
I thank these people and believe in what I represent: Cool picks from Cool Music Inc., Rico and Mark, are the best picks ever. Sfarzo Strings, Janine Greg and the crew, thanks for taking a chance on me, you rock. Best strings ever! Peerless Guitars, Jong, Min and Brian, God bless ya for your generosity and I love yas! The guitars are beautiful. Mills Acoustic Cabinets, Dave and Susie, still pissing off sound guys everywhere! These are monsters! All of these guys are my first solid core of endorsements.
I have just a few more to name because these are important as well from this year’s show. They are all the guys behind the Joe Walla machine too. Delaney Guitars, Mike, thanks for creating a first for me, a truly one of a kind. Thanks. Greasy Groove Inc., Dave and Ian, are the coolest pick guards and parts ever. Wilson Bros. Guitars, Tim, You da man! Those Ventures Guitars kick ass! Onori Guitar Straps, Richie, thank you, they’re the coolest straps for all the kids I have, and these guys too. Sparrow Guitars, Turbo Trem, Spalt Instruments, AxeTrak, Madison Amps, AMT Pedals, Lakland Basses, Ludwig, Vader, and my new pals at Meyers Custom Guitars in Houma, Lousiana.
AAM: You have been in the music business for years, but for the last 9 years you’ve really put the pedal to the metal. Did you ever think that you would this far? Are you able to reflect on all you have done, and what you have yet to discover and tap into?
JW: George and Rich have been with me for 2 years. The Joe Walla solo thing took off about 1997 doing acoustic shows, then with my sidekick Geo Mac McGuinness, then bassist Don Marshall, and drummer Gene Towle. Then all these guys – Louie Mazza, Janet Taron, Tony Sequido, and Cindy Tripp. Each one has help project me forward and are all a vital part of what I do. As far as getting here, I have miles to go before I reach where I need to be. Every day I try and pray to go up. I have been very lucky with good people along the way, my guardian angels sort of looking out and helping. I look back, but not as much. I try to keep coming up with good material, and keep focused on bigger venues.
I am lucky also with radio (Internet radio) that helps me know if we are doing well. Outlaw Radio has us # 2 overall in their top rated artists with Skynyrd #1, Bob Seger #3. Metallica and Ozzy made the low end. So it says to me, “Go man go!” We need yas just to listen, and if ya like it tell your friends and come see us live. Tapping into things like a sound, I come from all kinds of music: metal, rock, oldies, country standards. If it’s music I am all over it, and when it’s writing it could be anything. Just listen to the first 3 CD’s, “Roll the Dice,” “Back the Hell Up,” and our “Best Of”; you'll hear everything from metal to big hits – ha! More so recently it’s been straight rock. All I can say is see what we do, you decide.
AAM: You do not do drugs or drink, although just living the lifestyle makes it so tempting. How do you stay away from all of that?
JW: I buy a guitar, that’s my crack habit! I never felt I needed to venture into mind altering. If any of yas can look in my head it’s a scary place now. Drugs may push my evils to reality. I drink on occasion but not as much. I’ve seen too many people, friends and loved ones, fall under! I gotta do what I do and keep focused on the project. This is my high, my passion, my purpose for living. I have always been here in this mindframe, in music. My mom had a picture of me as a kid around a Christmas tree at 2 or 3 years old playing a guitar, wearing sunglasses. Not a whole lot has changed since, I am still a kid with sunglasses playing a guitar!
AAM: You have made several videos. What do you think of the process, and do you always like the end product or does seeing yourself make you want to cringe?
JW: Videos are fun. Anything I do I have fun with. As far as seeing myself on film, ha, I am a ham! It’s what I love: entertaining. My producer always has something crazy for me to do or try when doing these. I say, “Go for it.” Who cares if you’re out to win an award? Sit and be anal about it frame by frame. We are out to get a point across. When we do the endorsement videos that’s Walla’s World! I don’t have a clue but we had fun. I look forward to doing full production on videos plus live stuff. It’s a great medium with the Internet. Come check us out there too, to see all the ones we have done with Krismuzak on YouTube!
AAM: Word on the streets is that you have a mighty big guitar collection. How many, and which is played the most?
JW: Oh yeah, 56 and growing! I have a lot of Fender Strats, Peerless, then into Jacksons, Ibanez, Hamers, Deans, Peavey, Yamaha, Kramers and more! I come home and say I am in heaven. It’s everything to me! My guys always say there’s a guitar intervention coming one day. When playing live I usually bring a minimum of 8 guitars to a 3-hour show! And amps…we won’t go there! Since I’ve been living single a long time, the guitars are my true love. I am just a sick guy. I know that when I have the means there will be a few hundred, maybe a thousand. I love ‘em!
AAM: You have been approached by a label. What are your positions and thoughts on that?
JW: It has been a long time since I had been signed to Atlantic. I was a kid and it was a lil whirlwind for about 2 months. I also owned an independent label too. I think what I need to get is radio airplay and distribution! Seriously, that would be good, and playing live is my favorite thing. I wanna play everywhere all day, every day, ‘til I fall over. It’s all about playing LIVE for me. I will die there. It’s my dream to Rock in Rio with 100,000-plus people singing my songs back one day. I won’t stop ‘til I get there…or I will die trying! I know if I had the means and media behind us we could grow big. Help us out there! We know you’re out there! I can’t do it alone!
AAM: You tend to mix country with heavy metal and everything in between, so exactly what genre would you label yourselves, if you have to?
JW: I love all kinds of music. To place it in one genre is tough. When a label comes along and says, “Make a choice,” I will then. But now I feel I reach out to all people and that’s what music is about: people. How to make ‘em feel emotion!
AAM: What advice do you have for young kids breaking into the business right now?
JW: Write your own music, try to do something no one is doing, and take chances. Have faith in yourself. If I had the confidence I have now back then, who knows where I’d be today. This means confidence, not being cocky! I met a kid a while back and he said to me, “I am a God.” Needless to say, no one likes an asshole. Be true to you and keep your eye on what ya spend your cash on. Stay off drugs – it’s a roller coaster ride and you will need to keep your head in check!
AAM: Anything you would like to add?
JW: YES! Mark your calendars: Saturday, June 21st at the Ventura Theater, 9 pm. The Joe Walla Band will be there as the supporting act for Molly Hatchet! Check out our web site for more info and come see us live! Join the Fan Mob. Of course we have a MySpace for every band member. And buy the CDs! I love yas all and love to say thanks for being our fans. And believe me, I am just as much your fan, and I can’t wait to see ya out there! The fans we've played to have great memories, and have created the same for me!
AAM thanks Joe Walla, as always, for being so entertaining. Get the latest on their upcoming shows at www.joewalla.com and www.myspace.com/joewallaband.
