Today we’d like to introduce you to Guillermo Murillo.
Guillermo, before we jump into specific questions about your music, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born in Austin, TX and spent my childhood in Los Angeles and Guadalajara, Mexico, before my parents settled in Tyler, TX. Music was a big part of my life growing up. Music was always playing in my house—everything from The Rolling Stones to Julio Iglesias. In my early teens, the light switch went off that I could be a part of creating music. At that time, my cousin Aaron gave me my first guitar and I starting exploring different bands like The Ramones. This has led to a lifetime of loving and creating music.
At 18, my Avante Garde punk band decided to record our first set of demos. We met this young recording engineer through the scene who had a studio in his house. This was my first experience being in the studio and seeing how records were made. I took charge of making decisions on the feel and sound of the recordings and began to realize this is what a record producer would do. From that moment on, I was bitten by the recording bug. I would go to shows with this demo tape and convince bands to let me record and produce their records. I cut my teeth making underground punk and metal records.
In my early 20’s I relocated to Nashville and worked as an Assistant Engineer in a studio on Music Row, along with freelancing in friend’s basement studios. I found an amazing mentor in recording engineer George Clinton who gave me the opportunity to work in his studio. I also gained a lifelong friendship with recording engineer and producer Dave Coleman, who showed me with hard work and perseverance I could make a career in this field.
After a few years, I landed back in East Texas. The experience I gained in Nashville was invaluable and helped me gain the confidence to set up my own studio. For years I worked with singer/songwriters in recording, producing, co-writing, and playing as a touring guitarist on the Red Dirt circuit. I came into my own and honed my craft. Through this, I created my sound and distinct style in my recording, songwriting, and playing.
A few years ago, my wife and I relocated to Dallas for her career. I started playing guitar for Chris J. Norwood and side-manned for other local artists. I also set up my studio and began freelancing as a producer and engineer. This led me to co-found the band Texicana with Chris J. Norwood and Dev Wulf.
Texicana is a passion project between three friends. The band received the great honor of winning the KXT Tiny Cake Contest which allowed us to open up for Grace Potter. The band was also nominated for the Central Track 2020 Awards and won Best New Act and Best Americana/Folk Act. We’ve released a few singles and our first EP is coming out in May 2020.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Deciding to have a career in music is not a straight path and from the get-go, it can be an uphill battle. Everyone has tried to steer me away from pursuing music, but at the end of the day, I need to be true to myself and listen to my gut.
Please tell us about your music.
My primary focus is on producing, recording, and mixing records. The secondary is being a songwriter and performing musician. I have experience working within a wide variety of genres, from punk and metal to country and folk. My philosophy is it’s essential to service the song, help the artist achieve their artistic vision, and find their voice. It’s difficult to pinpoint one moment I’m most proud of because I’m proud of all my work. I am very excited to put out in the world the new Texicana EP, new Chris J. Norwood record, and new Mike Randall record produced by the legendary Milo Deering.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
One of my favorite memories growing up is searching for seashells on the beach at Mazatlan while traveling through Mexico with my father and brother.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://texicanaband.com/
- Email: dujourproductions@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recordinggui
Image Credit:
Emmalou Gagnon
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