Podcast Summary: The Wayback #52 | Eddie Bravo

Introduction

In episode #52 of The Wayback, host Ryan Sickler sits down with renowned martial artist and musician Eddie Bravo. The conversation delves deep into Eddie's nostalgic memories, his tumultuous upbringing, and his passionate journey through the music industry. With heartfelt reflections and engaging anecdotes, the episode offers listeners a comprehensive look into Eddie Bravo's multifaceted life.

1. Eddie Bravo's Early Life and Family Background

Eddie opens up about his childhood, providing a vivid picture of his family dynamics and early experiences.

• Grandparents' Influence:
  [04:22] "My grandfather and grandmother on my mom's side, they had 10 kids and six. Six women, six females and four males. And we used to go to my grandma's house. That was just heaven."

  Eddie fondly remembers time spent with his maternal grandparents, highlighting the warmth and support he received there, especially in contrast to his experiences with his stepfather.

• Complex Family Dynamics:
  [05:00] "My mom's single with two boys, different fathers. She went back and started seeing her original husband, and then they started dating, and then they moved into a house together."

  The reunion of Eddie's mother with her original husband brought both relief and tension, as Eddie found himself navigating the complexities of a blended family.

2. Childhood Memories and Early Influences

Eddie shares nostalgic stories that shaped his interests and aspirations.

• First Encounters with Music:
  [09:17] "When I saw Kiss Alive, I was eight years old. I saw them on stage with their amps turned to 10, cranking out these anthems. The crowds were screaming, and I was like, I want that. I need that love."

  This pivotal moment ignited Eddie's passion for music, specifically rock, driving him to emulate his idols.

• Visits to Jimco and Montgomery Ward:
  [07:37] "Every Sunday, we'd go to Jimco. It was just like Walmart. We'd walk in, and my grandpa would give us each $2 to spend."

  These trips were more than just shopping excursions; they were adventures where Eddie and his siblings explored various departments, fostering a sense of independence and curiosity.

3. Musical Journey and Band Experiences

Eddie delves into his foray into the music world, detailing his experiences with various bands and the challenges faced.

• Forming Resistance:
  [23:53] "The band's name was Resistance. We were a speed metal band. I was the drummer."

  Resistance was Eddie's initial step into the music scene, allowing him to express his love for metal and perform alongside like-minded individuals.

• Transition to Blackened Kill Symphony:
  [24:05] "After the speed metal band, we formed Blackened Kill Symphony. It was like industrial rap."

  Seeking creative evolution, Eddie and his friend James ventured into a fusion of rap and metal, aiming to bridge the gap between different musical genres.

4. Personal Struggles and Overcoming Adversity

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Eddie recounts the hardships he faced during his formative years.

• Abusive Household:
  [34:58] "My stepdad wasn't the coolest guy ever... When we got back from the Boy Scout trip, my mom was beat up. He dragged her out into the front yard by her hair."

  This traumatic experience profoundly impacted Eddie and his brother, instilling in them a resilience that would later influence their personal and professional lives.

• Financial Hardships:
  [35:30] "Now we're broke as fuck. My mom's supporting three kids with $150, so she had to go on food stamps."

  Despite the financial struggles, Eddie highlights his mother's unwavering dedication to providing for her children, albeit under challenging circumstances.

5. Evolution in Music Production and Collaboration

Eddie discusses his growth as a music producer and his collaborations with notable figures in the industry.

• Work with Danny Loner from Nine Inch Nails:
  [26:03] "I started working with Danny Loner from Nine Inch Nails. He's one of the best producers out there. We started making some tracks and I put out an album."

  This collaboration marked a significant milestone in Eddie's career, allowing him to experiment and refine his production skills.

• Mix Flick of Death and Devotion:
  [27:29] "It's an album with 15 songs from three bands. Smoke Serpent, Hook Thieves, and Temple of Mirror. Each song is paired with scenes from iconic movies."

  Eddie's innovative approach to music production combined his love for film and music, creating a unique multimedia experience for listeners.

6. Near Miss with Record Label and Lessons Learned

Eddie recounts a close call with a record label that taught him invaluable lessons about the music industry.

• Almost Signing with Hollywood Basic:
  [30:11] "We had record label interest, we had a manager. Rachel Matthews from Hollywood Basic came to check out the band."

  The excitement of potential success was short-lived when the record label representatives abruptly left during their first performance, leaving Eddie and his bandmates disheartened but determined to persevere.

7. Reflections and Insights

Towards the end of the episode, Eddie reflects on his experiences, offering listeners wisdom drawn from his life's journey.

• Realization of Being Brainwashed into Stardom:
  [29:12] "I realize now, I realize now, now that, wow, I was totally brainwashed into wanting to be a rock star. If I could do my life again, I wouldn't try to be a rock star. I would make music, but I wouldn't want to be a rock star."

  This introspection underscores the importance of authentic passion over societal expectations, a lesson Eddie emphasizes through his narrative.

Conclusion

The Wayback #52 with Eddie Bravo is a compelling exploration of a life marked by passion, adversity, and relentless pursuit of dreams. Through candid storytelling and reflective insights, Eddie offers listeners an intimate glimpse into his world, making it a memorable episode filled with humor, heartache, and inspiration.

Notable Quotes

• Eddie Bravo at [04:22]: "That was just heaven. I was always happy at my grandma's house."

• Eddie Bravo at [09:17]: "I was like, I want that. I need that love, you know what I mean?"

• Eddie Bravo at [23:53]: "We were a speed metal band. I was the drummer."

• Eddie Bravo at [29:12]: "I was totally brainwashed into wanting to be a rock star."

• Eddie Bravo at [34:58]: "When we got back from the Boy Scout trip, my mom was beat up."

Closing Thoughts

This episode masterfully balances lighthearted reminiscing with profound life lessons, making it a must-listen for fans of Eddie Bravo and those intrigued by the intertwining of personal history with professional endeavors.