She's A Rebel

Another ACES interview for The Skyline Network by our occasional contributor Anna Garza. Horray!

If you reside in Houston and listen to the radio, go to shows, shop for records and read the Hands Up Houston message board on a regular basis; the chances are extremely high you have seen and / or heard of Rosa Guerrero. Her presence in our "scene" infiltrates every aspect that her contributions (big or small) are undeniable: as DJ co-host of the Mutant Hardcore Flower Hour on KTRU, organizer of shows, photographer and champion of the underdog. Most recently, the latest title to add to her impressive resume... zine editor. The first issue of Ditch Water fanzine is a collection of photographs taken by Rosa from the various live music shows she has attended over the years. It is currently available at Sound Exchange and the word on the street is there are very few copies left. Buy a copy now. You will kick yourself if you don't. Trust me.

-Anna Garza

Tell me about Ditch Water. What was your impetus to publish a zine? And how long did it take for you to compile the photos?
I learned to develop and print my own photos back in January of 2006. Almost all of the prints in the zine were shot in 2006. Actually I have a TON more but I haven't had a chance to print them since I haven't had access to a dark room for awhile now. And as far as a zine goes, well I have affinity with tactile media, so a website wasn't going to satisfy me. A zine seemed like the only way to go.

As a veteran of the punk / DIY scene, what are your thoughts on the current state of music (national and local)?
Veteran? Am I that old? Ha! Same as it ever was: the local scene is underappreciated or ignored by those in their own backyard. Houston is losing venues due to gentrification. We're losing young, talented musicians because they grow up and leave the nest. Local musicians who "make it" commercially STILL suck. Music labels are still trying to figure out their niche to survive. Oh, I do have a new beef though: bands that don't put out records. Myspace tracks do not a recording make. Starve for your art, I say.



Do you have any opinions on being a latina female in a white, male dominated scene?
Artistically I guess it should be noted that I hang out in different scenes - indie, garage, punk, grindcore, hardcore, metal, rockabilly, politico, queer... they all have their different cultural/ethnic/sexual make-ups. But no matter what the context I hope that people's perceptions of what a Latina is might include someone like me.

I have noticed there aren't many girls / women involved in music – playing music or behind the scenes – in our "scene". Why do you think that is?
True there aren't as many women as I'd like to see. And every time we lose one I bite my lip until it bleeds - Jana Hunter, Liz Molina and KJ (hardcore promoter) come to mind from this year alone. But there have always been a few strong female personalities that keep the wheels turning. Female editors, writers, band members, business owners, photographers, managers, radio djs. Is this starting to sound familiar?

I do, quite frankly though, think this is an excellent question for the men.

Being married & a mom, how do you balance your home, work & social life?
I have a really short, hierarchal list of priorities. And Ramon's priorities are identical. So it makes balance easy. Time, on the other hand...I look at it like this, I have from 6:15am to 2:am to get done what i need/want to get done. If it doesn't get done, it wasn't for lack of trying. It was for lack of time. And that's okay by me.

What's playing on your turntable / cassette deck / cd player / ipod currently?
Turn table in the living room = Bruce Springsteen Darkness on the Edge of Town. Ramon bought me tickets for Christmas! Turn table in the kitchen = King Khan and the Shrines' newest record. I just bought the latest issue of Mojo so we're jamming over-the-top indulgent 70s rock tunes in the car. That Pretty Things track is pretty sweet.

Name your top 3 favorite shows you saw this past year.
Top three shows, oh gosh...well I can think of three that totally took me by surprise: the Future Blondes at Jet Lounge, Nymph at Jet Lounge, and just this past Sunday Frank Davis stole my heart and then Tom Carter stole the show at Notsuoh. Wow. Other great 2007 shows: Kable/Jana/Hearts of Animals show at Diverse Works. Born Liars at the Axiom. Radio Birdman. Roky Erickson. OK I'm just gonna stop right there.

Do you play any instrument? Have you been in bands before?
I can play the heck out of three chords on guitar. And I've been kicking around band ideas with friends that'll never happen but I like to dream. Well I should mention that me and my 5-year-old have a band. We're called 'Hugs and Kisses' but we spell it x,o,x,o...


Do you have any upcoming projects you would like to discuss?
I've got some tricks up my sleeve. More photography exhibits, more zines, more shows, knock on wood...if I said anymore, I'd jinx them. Besides, no one knows what's right around the corner, right?

What are you looking forward to the most in 2008?
My kids' birthday party in January. He likes to party. I like to party. Good tymez. I mentioned the Bruce Springsteen concert - looking forward to that. I have some prospects on possible darkrooms - that would turn 2008 up to "11"! Oh! And Terrastock in June. That will be one sweet family vacation.