Miguel´s attitude to his own demons, himself, and the circumstances created by playing in a punk band is as straightforward as answers contained in the interview. We talked not only about how he perceives the latest Teenage Bottlerocket record, about the reactions of other people after the band´s appearance on CNN but also about the fact that a happy mind and a happy body are two absolutely inseparable components.
When did you start with yoga and how did it change your view of yourself? Does it help to cope with the physical and mental strain during the tour as well?
Yoga came as an extension of my long-standing meditation practice. I had gotten into spiritual practices to deal with lots of things: the deaths of my mother and sister, depression and anxiety, and the mental strain of being on tour. Yoga came as a physical component when I realized if I wanted a truly happy and healthy mind, I would also need to have a happy, healthy body. I’d say at this point yoga is the glue that keeps me sane and healthy, both on and off tour.
What was the main impulse for creating a yoga project for punk-rockers? Is it possible that you perceived something on the punk scene that is, let´s say, maybe worrying and that you consider yoga to be one of the means of working with certain problems that people often carry within them and don’t talk about them?
All I knew was that these practices saved my life and that if they could help other people I needed to share them. I knew that a lot of punks would laugh at the idea of yoga or meditation, much like I had, but I also knew they could benefit greatly from them-they just needed the right teacher. I took it upon myself to offer these ancient teachings in a way that Ramones fans could be open to.
How do the guys from the band perceive this activity of yours? What were the overall reactions of your surroundings, or the people from the scene when you initially announced this project?
I don’t think they even notice anymore, it’s been so long. At first, I think they thought it was a phase, but now it’s pretty normal for them to wake up and see me doing yoga in the corner of a hotel room. Punks went one way or the other with it: a lot of people thought I was insane, and a lot of people understood it right away. I think Yoga for Punks’ initial success was a good sign that many punks were ready to take better care of themselves and each other.
Let’s talk about the band. You have already managed to play line of shows for the promotion of the latest album Sick Sesh. How does it look like for you at the moment with conditions for live music and measures connected with Covid 19?
It’s been a rollercoaster for sure. On the first tour we did we got a lot of press coverage, even ended up on CNN. That lead to some backlash and even death threats, but we’re still standing. At this point, we’re trying to keep tours short, so we minimize the risk of anyone getting sick and having to cancel, though at this point everyone in our crew has had COVID and we’ve all been fully vaccinated. People seem to be so happy to be at a punk show though, and to have an evening of normalcy (well, punk normal). It makes me feel that what we do can help people be happy, if even for a little bit.
What are the responses to the new album so far and which song on the record is the most important for you personally?
I’ve heard a lot of people say it’s our best record, including Fat Mike. I think I agree. Ghost Story is my favorite song, I wrote it for my wife. I will always remember this fucking weird time in history and the place that song was born from.
Apart from yoga and music, what else keeps you the most alive?
Spending time with my wife and kids. I LOVE being a husband and father, it’s the greatest thing in the world.
