Tony Sly Interview: SXSW 2010

California punk band No Use for a Name's frontman Tony Sly has gone solo and acoustic. Sly has reached back to his pre-punk roots to create a new album of a dozen songs that bear the influence of classic '60s rock, like the Beatles and Bob Dylan, on his music. He took some time out of his busy schedule to answer interview questions from Spinner before SXSW.

Why did you decide to become a musician?

I didn't really decide. I think music came to me. My mom got me into music at a very early age and our house always had music playing. I specifically remember the record 'Rubber Soul' being played early and often.

What are your musical influences?

Everything. I try not to think of music in genres but just what is good and what is bad to me. I appreciate production, but my heart is in the songwriting. For my new record I looked to the Beatles, Dylan, and bands like Wilco for some of the influences and inspiration.

How did you come up with your name, or is Tony Sly your real name?

That's my real name. Honest.

What's your biggest vice?

Drinking.

What's in your festival survival kit?

A toiletry bag and an iPod.

Who was your first celeb crush?

Phoebe Cates, 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High,' pool scene.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

Kelly Clarkson.

Beatles or the Rolling Stones?

Beatles.

What's the craziest thing you've seen or experienced while on tour?

There are too many to have one single one. And most of those things should be kept out of interviews [laughs].

What's the last thing that made you cry?

My kids always make me cry. Whether it's tears of joy, sadness when I'm on the road, or when they jump on me and kick me in the balls in the morning.

What's your idea of a good time?

Good friends, family and a barbecue in my backyard.

Steven Horowitz is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.