Ted Aguilar: No major injuries. But one time during the set, in the middle section of the song “Stagnant”, I was right next to Mark and he threw a swing and he punched me right in the head. I saw stars for a second, but we kept going. We both noticed what happened and just laughed it off. More him than me though. So I keep a close eye on Mark now!
What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you on the road?
Nothing wildly crazy has happen to me. The only thing I can think of is getting left behind at some truck stop in the middle of nowhere in Europe. It was me, Rob and our guitar tech Anders. The bus was stopped for a bit so our driver could take a break. We decided to get out and get something to eat. The bus driver woke up and just started driving without checking to see if everyone was on the bus. Luckily he was only 30 minutes out. Pretty boring story I know. All the exciting crazy stuff happens when Will is around. Too bad I’m not around to witness it and film it. It’s hilarious.
How did you get started in music?
I got into music very young around third grade. That’s when I started to get into it really. I had an older brother that was into music. He would play his Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Scorpions records and I would just sit and listen with him and his friends. He played bass, so I wanted to play something. So I chose the guitar. We had friends in the neighborhood that were into music and played in bands. So I would hang out and check out their band practice. It wasn’t until high school that I got into playing in bands. That’s when I met Will (Carroll). I joined his band at the time and 20 years later, we’re in a band together that we listened to growing up and had an impact on us musically and personally.
What was your first band, and what type of music did they play?
It was with Will. It was a band called Armament. The music sounded like the Misfits trying really hard to be a thrash band. It was good at the time. We were learning our instruments and learning to be in a band. But looking back at it now, it was a good experience and a stepping stone to get to where we are at today.
How did you come to join Death Angel?
I’ve known the guys in DA for a long time. Since back in the ‘80s I’ve seen their shows, hung out with them at after parties and got to know them pretty well. Before the Thrash of the Titans show, I was in a band called SIFT and Mark, Rob and Andy had a band called Swarm. Both bands played shows together quite a few times. When it came down to Death Angel reuniting for the Thrash of the Titans benefit show, everyone was game to do it, except Gus Pepa. At the time, he was residing in the Philippines was not able to commit. So I got a call from Rob asking if I was into jamming with DA for this show. I immediately said yes and the same day I was at Swarm’s (Rob, Mark and Andy’s band at the time) rehearsal studio going over the songs Rob that we were going to play for that show.
Who are some of your guitar idols?
James Hetfield would be number one. His rhythm playing is incredible. The riffs, lyrics and melodies he writes are unique and catchy. Pepper Keenan is another great player. His playing and songwriting is downright southern and swampy. Like James, he has a unique style of playing and singing. Rob Cavestany is up there. I’ve been a fan of his playing since the ‘80s and well into the ‘90s when he did The Organization. His approach to writing and playing is pretty left field compared to other metal guitar players I’ve played with and heard. I say that in a good way. Plus, the way he solos is very tasteful and heartfelt.
What's currently in heavy rotation on your CD/MP3 player?
Right now it’s the album Funhouse by Pink. I really like that record. It’s a personal, aggressive record in its own poppy way. She’s an amazing singer and she writes good lyrics and catchy hooks. I can relate to what she is saying and it’s deep. Plus the music is very tasteful and musical.
