KickActs interviews Rick Elliot!

Welcome to Kick Acts. Tell us a little about yourself and were you can be found online.

My name is Rick Elliot and I’m a no good, varmint shootin’, country singin’, redneck

from North San Diego County.  You can find my music on iTunes.

Who are your musical heroes and influences? Why?

I have many musical heroes ranging from Merle Haggard to Jimmy Buffett to Django Reinhardt.  My eclectic taste in music has led me into creating my own sound and expressing myself through music.  I listen to music that I can identify with or can feel the emotions of the performer.

Do you have any advice for someone just getting started in the music business?

RUN!  HIDE!  No I would say be ready for anything, keep an open mind, stay true to yourself, and hold on tight because it’s a wild ride.

What piece of advice did you ignore that you wish you hadn’t?

I have learned that you should never ignore any advice regardless if you agree with it or not. Anytime someone is giving you their opinion it is crucial to spend time and give it a thorough evaluation.  It may turn out to be quite useful.

Do you have a greatest gig story or worst gig horror story you’d like to share?

I can’t say I have a best or worst gig but there are a few good ones that stick in my memory.  I will never forget opening up for the Marshall Tucker Band at the Coach House in Orange County, CA.  We got a standing ovation and were able to hang out with the Marshall Tucker boys.  After the show their lead singer Doug Gray came up to me and said “Ya’ll was cookin’ down there!”.

I enjoy playing music just about anywhere.

Some of the more “low profile” gigs were the most fun.  I had the time of my life playing at the Silver Dollar Club in Elko, Nevada.  The place was a complete dive bar and everyone in the place was hammered, but they were the nicest folks you could ever meet.  Unfortunately they don’t all go as planned…  We have only walked out on one show and I’ll spare you the details…  Live music is a series of ups and downs, and the only thing you can do it ride the waves.

“CHECK OUT RICK”S LATEST VIDEO RELEASE “

“Dust in the Road”

Do you have any other hobbies other than playing music? Collect stamps? Collect hats from off the side of the road? Draw pictures of peckers or boobs? Make sock puppets? Sit in the dark and eat Cheetos?

Haha replace eat Cheetos with drink Whiskey and then we can talk.  Actually I love playing darts, fishing, driving, and hanging out at the beach.  Once Summer comes around, the only place anyone will be able to find me is at my favorite place on Earth, Downtown Oceanside.  It’s my little slice of heaven.

What do you think about the current music scene or lack of? Care to address that?

It’s purely economics.  It is much cheaper for a club to hire a DJ than it is to hire a LIVE band.  It’s amazing to think that people can be so cheap but it is what it is.  Bars that have live music tend to be more successful anyway, I think. I do see the light at the end of the tunnel now that live music is starting to become trendier.

Do you think reality shows like American Idol, X Factor and The Voice have helped or hurt the music industry as a whole?

They have done nothing in my opinion.  The music industry is completely unaffected by these so called “talent contests.”  They are completely rigged and in my opinion, they demonstrate a fictional view of the real music world.

What is your opinion of unauthorized music downloads?

Seems everyone is streaming music now and I’m not sure how the artist makes money.   I say that if you like someone’s music then please pay the 99 cents to buy it and support them.  Send us some love!

Tell us something about you/each of your band members that we wouldn’t expect to hear.

I just got my first smart phone last week and I’m technologically challenged.  I have been described as an “iconoclastic anachronism.”  I should have been born 60 years ago.

Hypothetical situation. You’re on Gilligan’s Island and you get to hook up with only one of the survivors… Which one and why?

I like the “girl next door” so Mary Ann!

Do you know what a vinyl album is and have your ever purchased one? If so, what was it?

 I have many vinyl albums.  The most recent one I purchased is Spectrum VIII by David Allan Coe.  It is one of my current favorites.

You’re marooned on an island with Justin Bieber. Do you choke him out the first night in his sleep or what?

No comment… I’d hope that it’s a large island…

What is your opinion of Miley Cyrus? 

Not a fan but to each their own.  She certainly doesn’t let anyone censor her.

Which would you rather hear in concert? Lip-synching or real vocals?

Lip-synching is completely unacceptable.  If you can’t sing live then don’t pretend to.

Who, or what, is the next big thing?

I wish I knew haha.  It’s one of those things that has infinite possibilities.  I think outlaw country is making a strong comeback but you never can tell for sure what will trend.

One artist you can’t get enough of and can’t live without is… Why?

Willie Nelson.  He has done virtually every genre and exceeds at all of them. Definitely one of my heroes.

Confession time. Share a secret about yourself.

I don’t have any secrets 😉

Favorite movie of all time and why?

True Grit.  John Wayne is the best.  For some reason, that movie never gets old and always inspires me.

Our last question is called “Shout It Out Loud”. It’s where you get to talk about whatever you want to talk about. So go ahead and “SHOUT IT OUT LOUD”!

Didn’t KISS do a song titled that?  Check out my new single, “West of the Rockies,” and let me know what you think…