Interview with Omar Rodriguez-Lopez

Watch AMBY's interview with Omar Rodriguez-Lopez! I am absolutely thrilled to share my interview with Omar Rodriguez-Lopez with you all. Not only is Rodriguez-Lopez in amazing groups like At the Drive-In, The Mars Volta, Bosnian Rainbows, and Crystal Fairy -- he also started a series where he's bi-weekly releasing around twenty-four of his own solo records. The artistry and passion this man has is awe-inspiring.
Omar Rodriguez-Lopez is one of the most insightful and intriguing guests I've ever had on AMBY, so it was a true pleasure having the opportunity to sit down with this musical genius to pick his brain. Indulge in our conversation as we discuss creating films, going out of his comfort zone, being a history buff, loving photography, and how music moves you.
I would also like to share a special shout out to my friend Teri from Le Butcherettes for some of the insider info (she was my secret source on this one!)
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[@tuyonobazeng1250]

....and from my mother

[@comaprophet5760]

I'm a well-known musician (locally; the area of the southern Californian "high desert"), so now and then I get questioned by fans or for small online-newsgroups...... and I'm definitely gonna steal that line for the next one.

[@carlosm.munozramirez1351]

i want to say, i love my mother shes seen me skate venice beach. =D

[@CHRISTISKING209]

Omar totally seems like a guy who never talks but when you get him to open up he won't shut up. And yet would probably have a lot of interesting things to say.

[@kjguzman23]

This guy never ages!

[@Rio-mq7ll]

TastyTendrils ikr I can't believe he's almost 42

[@nagual7040]

TastyTendrils es porque le gusta la brujería

[@tonytonytone1731]

So true! Met him in person at antemasque in San Francisco. He looks young af. Cool as fuck too, he actually had a long conversation with me and my freind. Cool as dude.

[@GyroLamb]

Really hard to believe since he's lived a rough and weird life.

[@jbasti227]

TastyTendrils Really? The guy barely looks 30!

[@travelingteacher693]

This is what a genius looks like.

[@Gibble3226]

fr, people think some of the mars volta's songs are partially improvised but nah, he orchestrates all of that shit and its crazy

[@Oracol]

I had the pleasure to meet Omar backstage after a Mars Volta show about ten years ago. The guy is super nice. Literally the first thing he did was offered drinks, and ran and got me and my friend some beers from across the room, and actually sat there and talked to us a bit. He looks a bit shy/nervous here (more than usual) ... And I don't blame him, that girl is RIDICULOUSLY gorgeous..

[@jaguarandi2]

I think he was subconsciously trying to woo her.

[@Jenny2dicks]

He’s gay.

[@Mysterywhiteboy78]

I understand everything he is saying. He is shy, and he is obviously a very deep guy.

[@mollypicklesimer5906]

“And sports is nice, too.” -Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, 2017

[@carlossantiagogomez888]

Biblical

[@adrianr4095]

Haha i thought the same. He's too nice.

[@lstlvls2521]

@@carlossantiagogomez888 Violence

[@Elena-er7zp]

He is so compelling. I don't know why but I can listen to him talk forever.

[@AliciaAtoutOfficial]

Me too!

[@schrodingerscat3912]

Me three!

[@cpuassassin1422]

What a lovely human being.

[@cel2808]

this is so great. I'm so happy that this exists. Omar Rodriguez Lopez is human. so great!

[@alexhennigh5242]

carol licerio As opposed to not human? I'm all for lsd but come on now lol

[@johnborat3113]

I'm literally thinking the same as well... He has a voice. I could never hear a voice for him in my mind.

[@wrestlingcommunity]

The first time I ever ditched school was because of a free at the drive in show during school in 1999? Maybe 2000.

[@wrestlingcommunity]

15:23

[@groovydeath]

You conducted this interview beautifully. You are such a congenial and sweet person with a lot of warmth, and you're actually a OLR/TMV/ATDI fan, too. With just a few words, you made him comfortable enough to go into such great and passionate detail about everything. Wonderfully done, sets an example for other interviewers everywhere.

[@ryanmelton3679]

You can tell by his mannerisms how smart he is.

[@analogies]

The interviewer is so beautiful💕

[@mikevgpt3504]

Hearing how much thought and precision he puts into his thoughts proves to me that he is absolutely a creative genius. After hearing all of his music I had like virtually no doubt but hearing him talk (the first time for me) proves that he has a very legendary musical mind.

[@MelloSav]

MikeV@GPT - Yup

[@matthewwattles4977]

Immense and massive respect toward the Mars Volta. I was lucky to have the privilege to see the band 5-7 times. Myself as a musician is still influenced by Deloused in the Comatorium, Frances The Mute, and very much so Amputechture. Viscera Eyes was one of my first songs on the guitar, and I recently gave away a vinyl record of El Grupo Nuevo de la Omar Rodriguez Lopez to a neighbor of mine in San Antonio. We as texans really appreciated the tem up with Zach Hill, and are looking forward to preserving the legacy of Pridgen and Theodore alike. Muchos Gracias por la musica Omar y Cedric. Stay benevolenica!

[@TheKnifeWon]

I'd watched this a while ago and watched it again on a whim. . .I like how you sit there and let him get where he's going, I feel like a lot of people would've tried to 'help' and wound up awkwardly redirecting the conversation. Although when he was searching for the word 'critic', I did blurt it out with perfect timing to him thanking the person off camera.

[@ramsesziz]

Great observation

[@johnrubio3748]

he is super shy

[@johnrubio3748]

SancheNusS Stackhouse yes my profile pic is a pro wrestler

[@pipe6365]

SancheNusS Stackhouse dude, shut the fuck up. Relax.

[@diegosepulveda4669]

Yeah

[@breanntheartist1989]

Just my type!

[@EdoLS_]

I think he's more of an introvert -which is not not exactly the same, and a bit of a scatterbrain too

[@swingonthespiral]

How the hell is he 42 years old?

[@GhANeC]

Because he has the answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, The Universe, and Everything. And that question is WHY DID JIM WARD FKNG LEAVE ATDI

[@bdgrey]

Check out the interview where Cedrick admits it was a mistake firing Jon.

[@ericrodriguez7981]

bdgrey link plz

[@ItUnidentified]

Plant based !

[@adrianr4095]

Basically he still has hair and isnt fat

[@MelloSav]

I love the same thing he said about film. To make the most outstanding work, you HAVE to have other people. Film is an extremely collaborative art. Even when you're writing, directing, and starring, you still need a team.

[@johnborat3113]

I never thought he could speak. Never imagined him having such a normal person voice. I love you Omar.

[@rachellbruceta2440]

He escuchado a Omar Rodriguez López hace un tiempo atrás, he explorado sus álbumes ( no todos porque son muchos), después de tanto tiempo hoy me entró curiosidad de escucharlo hablar. Después de ver esta entrevista mi admiración y mi amor hacia el ha subido de nivel. ❤️ Espero poder verlo algún día tocar en vivo.

[@shirvy]

WOW!! I LOVED THIS INTERVIEW!!! 😁😁😁 he is just the most interesting person I've listened to in years, I love how he tries his best to describe things and just the way he comes across, I was just smiling for the entire video 🙂 love it!! I will watch this a few more times I'm sure

[@AliciaAtoutOfficial]

YAY. Thanks for watching!

[@GhANeC]

You mustve been more high than he was...

[@kamilc18]

man, he goes on forever

[@AliciaAtoutOfficial]

I loved that about the interview. He has some really fascinating stories and views.

[@MelloSav]

A Music Blog, Yea? - Agreed

[@CHRISTISKING209]

Ya really

[@Nick-Nasty]

Omar is so awesome. I'd be just as nervous, for sure. So excited for new Volta.

[@carlossantiagogomez888]

!!

[@captainpiefox9133]

Nick ?!

[@evanl.3748]

This is probably one of the best ORL interviews out there. Thank you for it.

[@kerplunk2809]

Omar esta sumerguido en la musica, se nota, como habla, como se expresa, este hombre es pura pasion musical, es increible.

[@youngsuit]

one of the better interviews with him ive seen. good job alicia!

[@OfficialSERFATRON]

Omar Rodriguez, thank you for taking this interview and being the most sincere musician/artist the planet has ever seen. I truly enjoy hearing your perspective, would be interesting to see you on the Joe Rogan podcast!

[@jozam958]

dude you on the money. I feel that joe would dig the crazy jam stuff that the mars volta do. and would be a rad convo. awkward but rad!!

[@dyr234]

Omar is a cool dude and one of my most influential guitarist I have discovered this year. Puerto Rico ceiba,fajardo and luquillo represent! cheers brotha.

[@LAXTravels]

I love that he said "Sing in the Thing" and made a microphone gesture with the hand that was not holding the actual microphone at 09:10 lol Love this guy

[@whyyoulittle4537]

Wow she's very pretty ❤

[@Theboringartist72]

Omar is super self aware and intelligent. Over all insightful guy.

[@nicholascirilo8221]

Incredible interview you did Alicia with Omar Rodriguez- Lopez.

[@AliciaAtoutOfficial]

Thank you so much!

[@DrEnword]

A Music Blog, Yea? You deserve so many brownie points for interviewing this legend!

[@yomommagay300]

BigElephant nice avi bruh

[@mollypicklesimer5906]

Look at him go. What a dude, I love it.

[@Mysterywhiteboy78]

I was speaking to Andrew Scheps on saturday here in the U.K ( De-Loused in the Comatorium · 2003) and he only had good things to say about Omar and Cedric and their creativity.

[@Marsvoltarules420]

The sickest artist….love Omar’s words

[@memomedrano2333]

I have always loved Omars music. If I went up to him and said hi I am sure he would hate me at first sight. its all good.....rocknroll

[@snabelsnas]

The best Omar interview!

[@AliciaAtoutOfficial]

Thank you so much!

[@leonkamran7931]

One of the best things in life is when you're in " the in- between" , "the process". digging this interview and, the whole channel (again)!!

[@AliciaAtoutOfficial]

Haha! Thank you.

[@skatetown100]

fav band of all time!! of all time!! i said

[@EthioBlackLion]

My man Omar! It's dope as hell that you got to interview him. Hope you got an interview with Cedric lying around somewhere.

[@AliciaAtoutOfficial]

Thanks! I'm so stoked on this one. I quickly chatted with Cedric but it was off camera when meeting him. Maybe will get him on the show one day!

[@QwayczarMusic]

Beautiful hostess, and great interview!

[@Glass_Caskets]

Nice. This guys a legend.

[@SoloElROY]

He is THE legend. :')

[@jamesmorris911]

I saw the hurricane...and i thought of you. I hope your family is safe and keep evolving!

[@ambercalhounmusic]

He's so nervous. He's adorable

[@jakez1930]

This interviewer is beautiful, also great interview with an amazing musical genius!

[@vanessavasquez5394]

Great questions, getting to see who he is as a person. History 👋, is awesome.

[@AliciaAtoutOfficial]

Thank you!

[@777theneighborofthebeast9]

I feel like im on a really bad date lol. Omar is a fucking legend. True artist.

[@adrianr4095]

Omar Rodriguez Lopez el chingon de los chingones

[@quigglyz]

My man casually dropping Hugh Thomas in there 🔥

[@zagyex]

Interesting, he really is like me in communicating. I also live on his music, strange coincidence.

[@isaiahdelacruz8703]

zagyex same.

[@punktart1555]

he’s so cute!!

[@irregularmana6216]

ok I just saw "what's in my bag?" with Cedric. to be honest after listening to Cedric i don't know if I love listening to Omar or if I hate it. He has a kind of a self esteem, Elliott Smith-ish type of perspective and yet entertaining, I like it sometimes. I love TMV and ATDI though don't get me wrong

[@SIGHBOY6]

Great interview!!! i wanna hear more about the solo albums tho ahhhh!!!!

[@AliciaAtoutOfficial]

Awesome - thanks!

[@pamelapisani5681]

i love him :'D

[@AyCucuy]

My hero

[@guitaoist]

The ONLY musician i get goosebumps from still UPDATE: I made this comment about 1 minute into the video, and then at 7:30 he mentions goosebumps.… yes hes part of my destiny fo sho

[@silvannunes02]

Totally dope! hahaha Thanks for share!

[@berthink]

I don't know how I missed one of my favorite musicians of all time and the coolest new wrestling personality I've found lately and also very very pretty 😍

[@vihamra1991]

I want to be his friend ❤

[@breanntheartist1989]

I have a raging crush on this guy! Maybe it's because he looks like my future husband? 😍😘

[@Outsider_aa]

freakin' genius; and of course, amazing job by the interviewer

[@luismi212]

Amazing interview ! keep it up Alicia! Can't wait for the next one.

[@AliciaAtoutOfficial]

Thank you!

[@oranjeguice]

you stay you omar

[@joshuamichaelcook1987]

that was awesome!

[@therealgrapesoda]

Wow you did great as an interviewer

[@ulisesfonseca7937]

visual contact give us conviction , he would be stronger, the other day I saw him on an interview and it was superb but here I don´t know what happenned , he is married i think !!!!!

[@Rio-mq7ll]

Hey did you interviewed Cedric too? Cause I saw your photo with him the other day

[@AliciaAtoutOfficial]

He wasn't doing any interviews! We only spoke off camera briefly!

[@VideInfra]

Amby needs an interview with ced, Jim, Tony, and Paul.

[@piotrekzieliniewicz334]

i love the basic concept of Omar's interviews: very pretty lady asks the questions, than listens to the very eloquent answers, laughs and repeats the process :D.

[@sagemode1088]

Am I the only one who is still waiting for the next antemasque record?

[@luisnavarrette8675]

Clearly

[@rhytmicparadox]

Hey nylons call for a new Mars Volta album.

[@0xbepresent]

He looks diferent. There are some other interviews and you can see the difference.

[@diegosepulveda4669]

Maybe he is just various persons making a conspiracy

[@bleachbomb_666]

Damn Omar is crazy and probably the hottest guy I've ever seen.

[@valemusichq]

catty looks at the camera make everything better

[@danielalexander2551]

he was interesting

[@mvcerda99]

one more mars volta record...

[@doomerius1300]

5!

[@jbasti227]

Apparently it might happen!

[@michaeloshea6640]

Ooooommmmmmaaaaarrrrr He's the fucking bomb!

[@Marsvoltarules420]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@marnatural7748]

calista phoenyx I agree with you my god, hot😂😍❤.....and the way he plays the guitar!!💋

[@ThePromisedWLAN]

I'm pretty sure Omar Rodriguez-Lopez is somewhere on the spectrum.

[@brandonlastname889]

ThePromisedWLAN ok.

[@stevebruh5019]

Certainly on the genius spectrum.

[@rndm8078]

or cocaine spectrum

[@woopsiburntstarIV]

probably encompasing a large amount of it

[@cosmonaut379]

No, he's just a bit weird, and that's a good thing for us. Also he's probably high.

[@BREAKOUT444]

He, Guillermo Del Toro, and Grant Morrison need to get together and talk.

[@GyroLamb]

And from my mother

[@carlosm.munozramirez1351]

what he says of invention and historical evolution is the mars volta. but equate every space mars dreamed of but space is now so lets evolve. turns omar to omac haha all his effects. woot! putting the credits on for matisyahu one day. haha

[@jbasti227]

Oh my god 😮

[@rjadavis5865]

genius is a term, thrown around far too often in contemporary media as more a form of delusional self obsession as well as self promotional critics seeking validation from their celebrity idols.Artistic genius comes by only as the rarest of forms. Joyce's Finnegans Wake comes to my mind as the perfect example a work so forward thinking in conceptual origin and of infinite temporal relevance as to be worthy of a "GENIUS" . There are of course others potent enough to justify an equal consideration but for now lets focus on the collected works of Omar Rodriguez Lopez. I was 16 when I was introduced to Frances and Deloused, untill that event I while an eternal dreamer who's life revolved around the written word, music and film. Musically I was exposed to the greats of 1960's & 70's rock, blues and jazz by my Dad's record collection, then at 11 through 13 the nu-metal pop music of Korn and Limp Bizkit. at 14 TOOL came to Alaska, my home and while I didn't attend, by proximity to older kids was exposed and fell for. Omar changed my life at 16, I heard his cosmic space cowboy guitar and the realms of my inner creativity grew exponentially, everything I sought in terms of artistic media had evolved dramatically, I was watching Kubrik, Bergman, Kurosawa, Lynch, modern sci fi masterworks such as Dark City and Pi, I started listening to my Dad's records again and discovered Deep Purple, The Who, early Genesis, Chic Corea, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Tim Weisberg. I really started reading for enjoyment, Dune was the novel, the concept of the mind being a conduit of omnipotent power should you possess the right molecular structure to alter brain chemistry. All of this and so very much more, ignited by the unique power of Omar's profound message, expressed through one being's unstoppable force of will, to communicate the energies inside his every neuron, billions of silently screaming voices emerging from the depths of an individual, who at his surface was but a mere 21st century human male, bound to the suffering of mortal existence, an endless wellspring of love to give, with only his artistic soul equipped, a shy boy who looked out on all the regular kids falling in love, fitting in, and asked the omnipresent mind in the sky, while in his bed during sleepless night," Why did you make me this way?" A voice replied from out a depthless void within his body now a twisted coil of psychadelic sensory, "You are of the chosen, my child, conceived within an interstellar womb, nurtured by muses inside a cosmic belly, until flushed out you went as a torrent of crimsom jelly wrapped up in fragile skin, tied together by sinew and flesh, canals pouring with an oxygen rich, organism infested chemical soup which as did the Roman Aqueducts, satiated the thirsting Empire of Omar's neurons, fueling synaptic action potentials for use as reflexive motion, aimed by his mind soul collective force.

[@ramsesziz]

What the fuck that was awesome 😮

[@paigemurphy109]

Bro is so awkward 😂😂 I love it

[@Danlighter]

Vive sin drogas

[@amongotherthings5696]

Is this about interalia??

[@LaxicaViruta]

ay mi amor omar. ay ay ay

[@tuningintoDivineAscension]

yo tengo la proxima

[@booge98]

8:00

[@OvAeons]

sooo Mike Patton soon? :D

[@doomerius1300]

that would be great

[@endezeichengrimm]

Why is he looking at the ground? Also notice: the President's Choice water.

[@thomasslattery8993]

I know what he means about releasing an album. How it's the "end" for the writer.

[@Lame-Over]

Thomas Slattery way to make this about you bro

[@buttayobread505]

Seems like he's back on smack so his next few releases should be very interesting

[@gregjames970]

He has tourettes. Hes not on drugs.

[@comaprophet5760]

As much as I hope its not true; he does show a lot of sudden, bright, a-typical red flags of opioid... and maybe stimulant, induced behavioral modes... and body language. I spent the last 14 years around and on those psychoactive... so I Have developed a strong sense for that sort of thing..... BUT, like the gentlemen before me said, he does has tourettes .... and he is in his forties... and we all get a little more quirky as we age. His mom died recently enough to grind away at ones nerves, also.....

[@emmanueljimenez1574]

@@reggiehammond1420 Why do you seem to like the use of the pronoun "we" as if you wanted to generalize something?

[@xeroenemyx1]

anyone know what kind of sunglasses he's wearing?

[@incawarrior1495]

Man Omar on joe rogan podcast would be epic!