This week, Chino Maurice stops by the mtvU Hot Seat to answer our burning questions.
1. Tell us about your craziest tour experience.
When I’m performing at a show sometimes I like to jump into the crowd, and this ONE time, I jumped into the crowd and this older woman, maybe in her 60s or 70s, grabbed me and started lickin on my neck. After the show she handed me something. I thought it was a piece of fan mail or something, but it turned out to be a hotel key and a time to meet her! It was real bizarre.
2. What types of college class would you most want to take?
I would love to take French, I know some but I don’t use it enough, it’s a beautiful language. Or I would really like to take a film scoring class in the future. I watch tons of movies on tour and one of my ultimate dreams is to score my own movie.
3. What city in America is the most fun to visit and why?
This one is tough for me because there are so many places I love to visit but I would have to say ultimately Scottsdale, AZ is the most fun. The crowd out there loves music and is so welcoming of indie artists, there are so many venues to play. I really like to play the smaller venues or just get up on stage with some DJs. Also, the weather is amazing there and I can always go running outside.
4. What’s some of the best advice you were ever given?
Well My Aunt Sheila always used to tell me, “just keep doing what you do and stay true to your dreams”. “Don’t worry about what other people think and don’t judge other people”. I try to stay true to that advice.
5. What’s in heavy rotation in your mp3/cd player right now?
Hmmm, lets see. Right now im listening to Iron & Wine a lot, especially this one song “A Boy With a Coin.” Also listening to a lot of Talib Kweli and Jay-Z. Then some classics like the Rolling Stones and George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelics.
6. The last good book you read or TV Show you’re addicted to
Hmmm, the book ATLAS by Teddy Atlas is really inspiring. It’s about boxing and there are some really interesting stories about Mike Tyson. Plus I enjoy boxing for a workout.
As far as TV, I’m not a huge TV watcher but I usually have ESPN on 24/7. I’m a big football person because I used to play in college before music became my number one passion.
7. What’s the first concert you ever saw? How was it?
I really can’t remember my first concert, I have been going to them as long as I can think. But, the concert that changed my life and made me realize that music is something that I needed to do was the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It was really Flea on the bass who got me, I was fortunate enough to be backstage during the show and after we got to talking and he gave me a guitar tuner, which I still have to this day.
8. What are three items you can’t live without on tour?
My running shoes, sunglasses, and my guitar. I like to run an hour or so everyday outside if I can. It keeps my at peace, chilled out, and gets me ready for my day.
9. Who are your major musical influences?
I draw a lot from music of the 60’s and 70’s but I really am influenced by George Clinton Parliament Funkadelic. His musicianship is just phenomenal, he isn’t afraid to make mistakes on stage, he knows that music isn’t about being perfect. It is about giving it your all. That’s what is missing in music today, everything sounds the same. In the 60’s and 70’s music was unique. For instance Richie Havens played with his thumb and made amazing music. Today it wouldn’t fly. Another influence is Curtis Mayfield, his falsetto is unbelievable. They all made timeless music, and that is what music is about to me, longevity.
Any random messages or tips you’d like to give to the mtvU watchers?
Find what you love to do and then work at it. Don’t ever let anyone tell you you can’t be what you wanna be. Don’t expect for it to just come to you; go out there and chase that dream.
