Summer time and the livin’s easy. The lyrics from the old Sublime song Doin’ Time describes Rome Ramirez’s upcoming summer tour with 311 perfectly. For the past four years Rome has served as the frontman for Sublime with Rome; touring the world and making beautiful music. Sublimes previous lead vocalist, Bradley Nowell, died of a heroine overdose in 1996. Before his death, the band served as a leading force in the Long Beach Ska/Punk movement, and sold over 18 million records worldwide. It was not until 2009 that two previous members, Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh, decided to reactivate the group. In need of a new frontman, they asked 21 year old Rome Ramirez to join them. They released their first album in 2011, and it proved to be a huge success. This week kicks off their summer tour with reggae/rock legends 311. We were lucky enough to talk to Rome before he comes to Pittsburgh’s own Stage AE this coming Monday.
Are you excited for the upcoming tour with 311?
Yeah we’re very excited! It’s like we’re getting shipped off to summer camp. We’re loading up all of our luggage and our mommies and daddies are kissin us goodbye. Tomorrow is the first day so we’ll settle into our nice little bunks and get ready.
I know you have toured with 311 before, are you guys close?
Aw yeah, those are my homies.
They have been part of the music industry for some time now without breaking up or taking a hiatus. Do you see yourself sticking with it that long?
Well I think we all like to see ourselves lasting that long, but more along the lines of I hope we do.
Any funny stories you can think of from past tours with 311?
One time we were playing a show in Arizona and this band called Linkin Park snitched on us for smoking weed backstage. They called the cops, haha it was ridiculous.
So that is true! Did you confront them after the fact?
No, by the time we were done playing they had already left.
You announced earlier this year that SWR is planning to release a new album in 2015. What can fans expect from this new release?
Just a different sound. Ya know, its not gunna sound the same as Yours Truly, nor should it. Everything is constantly evolving. We want to continue improving and refining our sound with each new album. Fans can expect something new and fresh.
You recently released several new solo singles including “Scream”, If the World”, and “Terrorista”. These new songs sound much different then your first solo EP in 2012. First, why did you decide to peruse a solo career? Second, why the sudden change of sound and style?
Well, I always wanted to do my own albums. Before I knew I was going to be a part of Sublime, I wrote a bunch of my own songs back in the day. Now that I’m working with Sublime, I have the time when we aren’t on tour to focus on my personal records. Iv always wanted to do that. It’s been my plan since I was 18. As far as the direction of my music, everything changes based upon what I’m currently listening to. At the time I was listening to a lot of pop and reggae so I tried to implement that into my most recent singles. At the time of my 2012 EP, I was really into a harder style of music. I was going through a certain phase where I was getting back into big guitars and big drums. My writing is usually influenced by how I feel and what I am currently listening to.
Bud Gaugh left SWR in 2011 to focus on family. How much did he affect your sound style and writing? Will his departure affect the new album?
When Bud was with us, he kind of did his own thing. As far as the impact of him leaving goes, not really too much. I think that regardless of him being with us or not, it would be different music. His influence doesn’t leave a huge footprint on the sound. He was never a huge writer.
How is it playing with the infamous Josh Freese on drums? He’s played for bands like Nine Inch Nails, A Perfect Circle, Guns’n’Roses, etc. Do you enjoy collaborating with him?
Aw yeah, he’s one of the homies. Great dude. He’s really talented and great to be on the road with. He’s defiantly a guy you would want to go and travel the world with, ya know? He makes the whole experience really positive.
What’s it like playing with a band you used to idolize as a teenager?
Really it’s just hard to believe man. You grow up listening to those dudes, and then all of a sudden you’re hanging out, it’s a great feeling.
You’re the youngest member of SWR. Whats it like playing for a band with a legacy almost as old as you are in age?It’s just fun man. You travel the world playing the greatest music. It’s literally just fucking awesome.
You took the place of legendary front man Bradley Nowell. Those are some pretty big shoes to fill. Do you feel that you bring your own style and influence to the group?
As far as bringing my own style, I think I do. We’re totally different people. I’m 26, born in 88’, so we’re from different realms, different eras. He was and is such an inspiration though. He defiantly left a permanent mark in my style.
Do you use Sublime’s old sound for inspiration?
Not so much. Iv heard every song so sometimes I guess. I kinda like going a little farther back.
While on tour, what do you enjoy doing to relax?
Smoke, go fishing, wonder around town; see if we can get into some trouble or something.
Both Eric and Josh have families of their own. Do you see yourself settling down anytime soon?
Na, not anytime soon. I have a lot of things I want to accomplish.
If you could tour with any group/musician, alive or dead, who would it be?
Stevie Wonder. I just like to listen to him play every night.
Check out Sublime with Rome on July 14th at Stage AE in Pittsburgh!
