Interview with Levi Vinci of SOUR DIESEL

By capitalchaostv on October 31, 2018 • ( 0 )

Sacramento’s Sour Diesel combine elements of hard rock, metal, and hip hop to create a unique 7 string groove they call Pot Metal. Lead guitarist Levi Vinci took some time between shredding and bong rips to answer some of our questions.

How did you first get in to music? Who or what turned you onto rock/metal?

It was my mom, she would have Pantera or White Zombie playing in the car on the way to take me to Elementary Christian school, haha.

What got you started playing music and how old were you?

It was in 6th grade (12 years old) at my school they opened up some art classes and I chose guitar .

Have you always been creative?

Yeah In some way shape or another. Being ADHD makes you want to do a lot of stuff..at once.

How did Sour Diesel come about?

In 2006ish my friend (our drummer) decided we didn’t want to let our instruments go to no use . So we started at his jamming and have been there ever since. We also have another jam spot in Colusa/Williams, where the other half of the band lives.

How did you become a guitarist? Are you proficient in any other instruments?

After my mom took me too my first concert in like 95 (Red Hot Chili Peppers) I fell in love with that instrument ,even more so when I seen Pantera live.

Who are some of your influences? Which of your influences can we hear in your guitar playing and your music?

My influences range from a lot of different people/bands . A good friend of mind who is no longer here Mr. C . Taught me a lot about life at an early age and it has always stuck with me. I can play pool thanks to him. Dimebag would be a huge influence , dude was a shredder as well as a really nice and funny guy. Oh and my dog Rufus , he’s always happy. He never lets anything get him down. Oh and Bob Ross is cool also.

What was the local scene like in the beginning, was there a particular band you aspired to be like, favorite local bands back then, favorite local bands now?

When I first started out it was in the late 90’s with my punk band “Ginu Force” and that was hella kool to be playing shows with bands like Final Summation, Broken Society ,FYH ,Team Karate Warehouse and many more. Some of my Favorite local bands now are Horseneck , Kill The Precedent,Dog Party, Malcom Bliss , MC Rut. There’s a lot more I’m forgetting.

What makes a good Sour Diesel song?

I think it takes the whole band to be on that certain vibe and connect. Basically feel it and lock it in.

How soon can we expect some recorded music from Sour Diesel?

I’d say by April 20th

What was the first music you bought, and what have you bought more than once?

N2 Deep’s “Back to the Hotel ” single and Green Day’s “Dookie”

What would you say is your greatest musical achievement?

Being able to have this band stick together after 12 years.

Who have been some of your favorite bands you’ve hung out with and shared the stage with?

Twitch Angry. Green Jello/Jelly were pretty cool, I got to hang out with Mike from Suicidal Tendencies when I was 12 when they played Eldorado Saloon back in the day, hella chill ass dude. Alien Ant Farm may have been the biggest band besides HED PE that we have played with and both were cool times.

What can we expect from Sour Diesel in 2019

A lot more of kool lighting FX and lasers at our shows,if the venues allow them haha. We’re also writing some new songs as well as getting this 2nd album done. It should be pretty dope.

You’re on a desert island and only have three albums to listen to for the rest of your life, what are they and why?

Man that’s a hard question. I’m going to say off the bat, Pantera – Vulgar Display of Power , Faith No More- Angel Dust , Deftones -White Pony