Unsigned Spotlight: Hot Shot Kixxx
Call Hot Shot Kixxx a rock band, and they won’t argue. They’re certainly ferocious enough: the overdriven guitar riffs sting, the drums rattle and pound, and the inimitable, unforgettable shriek of singer Juan Villalobos bespeaks hours spent in a practice room, battling it out with amplified instruments. The three members of Hot Shot Kixxx cut their teeth in rock clubs, thrilling audiences with the intensity of their attack and the uncompromising nature of their performances.
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Juan “JC” Villalobos - Vocals, Lead Guitar
Damian Gray - Bass
David “Choko” Ponce - Drums
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Hot Shot Kixxx? How long has the band been around?
JC: For myself, Hot Shot Kixxx has been my first and only band.
Damian: I came into the local scene with Coyote Blue, then also was in Mountain Vibes, Ultimate, Foxy Mojo, and then Hot Shot Kixxx. :) I almost did a small national tour with Great Shapes as their bassist too. I've only been in Hot Shot Kixxx for half a year now.
Choko: I have been a drummer for bands like La Divina Puerca and Kitapon.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
JC: The band’s name has always been Hot Shot Kixxx, and the name originated from the idea of wanting a name that truly did not mean anything and that at the same could form a visual representation of the band in someone’s mind when hearing the name. Since the words “Hot”, “Shot”, and (especially) “Kixxx” do not hold any intrinsic meaning when grouped together, it allows for something that is originally empty and unclaimed to be appropriated exclusively for the band and it’s image.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
JC: I usually write the majority of the music. For this particular album the music was written by myself and with contribution from a previous band member, Josh Phillips, who was also one of the founding members the band. The topics of the songs all revolve around one central idea, and it’s the notion that sometimes when things happen in the world that are bad, taboo, evil, vile etc... Our first instinct is to blame the devil, or some crafty demon that must be operating behind the scenes to cause some type of mischief.
This is because it often becomes easier to shift the blame for all these things towards something that must be beyond our grasp, and that is therefore beyond our ability to control, while completely absolving us as people from any type of responsibility that we may naturally have towards making the necessary changes to improve our lives. As such, and because it obviously must be the devil’s fault that bad things must naturally happen, it is almost like saying “Oh there goes the devil starting shit again, everyone watch out because the devil is at it again.”
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
JC: I have been obsessed with two bands in particular lately that have truly become part of my main rotation. One of these bands is Angelmaker, a metal band that I discovered years ago and that has been putting out excellent material since I first discovered them. Their album “Dissentient” in particular has been a favorite of mine. The other band is a big Japanese act by the name of Dir En Grey.
I have been listening to Dir En Grey since I’ve been in High School and I have been unable to stop listening to what I consider to be the crown jewel of their work, the album titled “Arche”. It’s a masterpiece and I am happy to recommend it to anyone owning a set of ears.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
JC: To be honest, no. I grew up listening mostly to Latin Pop as a kid, none of which truly inspired me to be a musician. I believe at some point during my life I decided that playing guitar was cool and that was it.
Damian: I grew up listening to all kinds of music. I think I always wanted to be a musician, so I just kind of played around with music a bit aimlessly at first but then the idea of wanting to grow musically and be a part of something started to develop. I'd get inspired by artists like Santana and Tears for Fears, and also listen to Phantom of the Opera soundtrack and also metal bands like Iron Maiden and Meatloaf...I'd want to do everything.
What do you do to prepare for a show?
JC: Sleep. When I can afford it I sleep as much as I can before a show, and when I can sleep up to at least an hour before a show is the best. I love sleep. Seriously. You have no idea.
Damian: I usually will fall asleep in the same clothes I'm going to play the show in the next day, and tequila right before the show. Definitely, definitely tequila.
Choko: I mainly focus on the songs as though putting myself in a trance, enjoying every movement and every sound that is produced when I hit the drums. I give it 100% as though it were my last day on earth.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Damian: I don't know if I'm the best person to answer that, but my honest opinion is the biggest highlight of the band's career so far is simply the fact that we've been able to carry on despite whatever setbacks. Finding that out about yourselves and about the life of your project can show you a lot about it's potential. The highlight is the music!!
JC: I agree with Damian, especially as I am now the only original band member in the group. I feel happy enough just knowing that I can continue to pursue my dreams.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Damian: The Moving Units!! I've seen them here in El Paso a couple times at Lowbrow Palace and the old Warzsawa, as a three piece they rock and have all of the groove and intensity that I love out of music, and they just have a fun energy to be around.
Choko: Deftones, Korn, Slipknot, Resorte Sekta core and System of a Down. I think those are bands that have been a great influence in my life and it would truly be a pleasure to share a stage with them.
JC: I would love a tour with Carly Rae Jepsen. Carly Rae is bae.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Choko: The rock movement in the border is incredibly difficult to be a part of, because there is such a clash of many diverse cultures, but I believe that Hot Shot Kixxx will change the concept people have out here. I am from Ciudad Juárez, CHIH., I have lived most of my life there, and I am fighting against my own culture to change the concept of rock as it exists. I believe Juan, Damian and I will achieve that.