1.) WHICH RECORD HAS HAD THE MOST PROFOUND INFLUENCE ON YOU?
THE HATERS “Tractor” LP. This was the main influence. The first time I heard The Haters, Nurse with Wound, The New Blockaders, and Merzbow had a major impact in what I wanted to do.
2.) HOW MANY HOURS DO YOU SPEND A WEEK RECORDING/PLAYING/CREATING?
As an experimental artist, I record about 2-4 hours a week. Sometimes more depending. I am also an avant-garde fashion designer (under the alias Richard Saenz) and that takes up the majority of my time.
3.) WHICH OF YOUR OWN CREATIONS IS YOUR FAVOURITE?
My favorite solo release would be “Gashes”. My favorite with Black Leather Jesus would be “Drummer” (a collection of live recordings).
4.) WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST REGRET?
That my partner, Sean Matzus, and I didn’t become a couple much earlier.
5.) WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX?
Watch fashion documentaries. Watch horror films. Listen to music while designing clothing. Designing clothes is relaxing to me.
6.) OTHER THAN FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHAT IS YOUR MOST CHERISHED POSSESSION?
My Visionaire No. 20 Comme des Garçons book. Very rare.
7.) TELL ME THREE OF YOUR HEROES/HEROINES?
Rei Kawakubo (Comme des Garçons), G.X. Jupitter-Larsen (The Haters), and my mother (Graciela Ramirez).
8.) WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD?
I really love London, but I love the Mark Rothko Chapel here in Houston. My favorite.
9.) IF YOU DIDN’T HAVE YOUR ART WHAT OCCUPATION DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD BE DOING?
Making horror films.
10.) IF THERE IS ONE THING THAT YOU WOULD WANT THE WORLD TO KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT YOU HAVE NEVER CONVEYED IN AN INTERVIEW BEFORE WHAT WOULD THAT BE?
I am a huge Olivia Newton-John fan. Some would know that, but I don’t know if I’ve ever said that in an interview before.
