Pipe Llorens: An exercise in lo-fi humor
Rarely spotted sans wayfarers or sly smirk, Torreón native Pipe Llorens has been called Coahuila’s bad boy. He’s even joked about getting a tattoo of the phrase (I wouldn’t put it past him). And listening to his songs about pill popping, womanizing, and general badassery, you might get the impression that the guy is kind of a douche bag.
Not to ruin his image, or anything, but when he’s not rapping about how awesome he is, he’s actually a really nice guy who likes hanging out with his cat, eating Chipotle, and watching The Hills. We talked to him about his first band, his interesting solo style, and the Torreón music scene.
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When we hear about music coming out of Mexico, it’s usually from the capital, and sometimes Monterrey. We don’t really hear about anything out of Coahuila, but there seem to be a lot of interesting things going on there. Can you tell me a little bit about the music scene in Torreón and how you fit into it?
There are a lot of great bars and clubs for local bands to play, and there are always kids hanging out in their American Apparel tees. It’s like a mini Monterrey. Hip hop is really big, a lot of major national acts come and play here. But, as far as fitting into any particular part of the scene, I’m not exclusive. I hang with everyone from the Ricky Ricos to the crack dealers.
How did you get started in music?
I started in a band called El Paso when I was 18. But we were just kids and we thought being in a band was all about getting wasted and doing whatever we wanted. It was fun then, just one big party. Eventually the guys in the band went on to form another band, Los Weeds, and I went solo.
What made you decide to go the solo route?
I went solo because being in a band is like having four or five girlfriends at once and they all want different things. On my own I can do what I want.
Have you thought about moving to Mexico City or elsewhere to further pursue your career?
Well, I’ve moved around a lot since I was very young and I still do with my music. But I like having Torreón as my home base. If I were to move anywhere, I think it would be to California. My dream is to move to Los Angeles, open a Chipotle, and just work on music all the time. And become a surfer. With a blonde chick.
Sounds like a good plan to me.
I’m a fan of Chipotle. They have the best music in the universe. I’d rather listen to music at Chipotle than at Beauty Bar or any bar in Brooklyn.
I guess I’ll have to pay attention to the music the next time I’m at Chipotle.
You should!
How would you describe your sound and how it’s changed over the years?
At first it was a very lo-fi affair. I recorded it all myself with the microphone on my computer. Now I’m recording in professional studios.
Fancy.
Yeah, my goal is to sound like a cross between Calle 13 and My Bloody Valentine, but I always end up sounding like Beck. Or at least that’s what everybody says.
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“I’D RATHER LISTEN TO MUSIC AT CHIPOTLE
THAN AT BEAUTY BAR OR ANY BAR IN BROOKLYN.”
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When will the new album be finished, and do you have a title for it yet?
I’m aiming to finish within the next couple of months. The tentative title right now is Enlazando Mundos.
What’s the significance of that title?
A friend of mine told me that I was born at the beginning of the Enlazador de Mundos phase of the Mayan calendar, which is the meeting point of life and death, destruction and creation. And there’s this ability to connect different people and different worlds associated with that phase that I see in myself.
What does the album sound like?
It’s like a lo-fi Sugar Ray.
Oh, wow. I’m really interested in hearing what a lo-fi Sugar Ray sounds like. What happened to them, anyway?
They actually have a new album out. I think it’s called Music for Cougars. I saw them play in Los Angeles once, and they were really good.
And I thought they were over when Mark McGrath went over to Extra. As long as we’re on the subject of pop culture, I know you’re a fan of The Hills. What do you like about it?
I don’t know, it’s just such a great show. I think maybe I just like that whole fresa scene.
Who on the show do you most relate to?
I think I’m half Spencer, half Justin Bobby. Justin Bobby because he’s always with a lot of girls, and Spencer because his whole persona is like a well-crafted pendejada.
Before I let you go, is there anything you’re working on right now besides the new album?
I’m working on an album of Panda covers with Mario* from Happy-Fi. Panda is the best band in Mexico.
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While you wait for the new album (and the Panda covers, if that’s your thing), download the two tracks from Pipe Lloren’s SuperPipes EP for FREE!