Growing up in the poor Hispanic community of El Monte, California, Diego Anguiano, better known as Brutal Diego, has overcome many obstacles and surpassed generic stereotypes.
His music is an alternative form of rapping that includes some metal-core influences.
Brutal Diego, a solo artist, has performed throughout El Monte and is working his way into Los Angeles. He is living proof that even growing up in a community that has little to offer, one is still able to succeed so long as they have determination and strength.
To get better acquainted with the local artist legend and to offer advice for upcoming musicians, we sat down with Diego for a one-on-one interview session…
When and why did you start playing?
“The first time I began to sing was in Kindergarten. Ever since then, I always knew that music would become my professional career.”
Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?
“The Game, a famous rapper that originated from Los Angeles. He was one of the first rappers I really began listening to.”
What are some hardships you’ve encountered?
“Being in the poorer parts of El Monte, a lot of my neighbors sold illegal drugs. Since it was around me so much, I started doing meth during my senior year in high school.
I wanted to get past the drugs to make myself happier and just a better person to be around for others. All it took for me to stop was to just want to and follow through.”
Was it difficult to start a band within the Hispanic community?
“My family never had a steady income and I had to get a job. It was hard at first until I found a better paying job. Sometimes I would have to use a whole pay check to get a microphone or PA system.”
What are your musical strengths?
“I would have to say that the ability to scream properly has proven to be one of my major strengths. The screaming mixed into my rapping really makes it unique.”
What has been your favorite place to play at so far?
“I got to open for the rapper Excalibur Wolf in LA. But my most favorite place to perform was for Self Help Graphics located in LA. As a child I often came to the venue but being able to perform on the same stage was just really awesome.”
Do you get nervous before a performance? What do you do to calm yourself? Any advice to give to other musicians who get nervous?
“No, I hardly ever get nervous. The only times I actually feel nervous is when I am about to perform in front of a large group. This mostly happens when I perform in LA, and I can get more nervous because this isn’t my home town. These are new people and I have to make a good first impression.”
How many hours do you practice a week?
“I tend to practice every day after work. Basically whenever I can.”
How do you balance other obligations (work, school, family, relationships)?
“My family has always been really supportive. They always try to go to my shows. I mean when my mom realized this was going to be my career, she told me I should look for something better, but this is what I want to do.”
Any advice to other musicians on how to stay positive and pursue your goals?
“The best way to stay positive when things go wrong is to remember why you started in the first place.”
If you had to do it all again, what would you do differently?
“If I could change anything, I would stay off drugs. Avoid them at all costs. Never even start doing them. They made my body sick and messed with my head. The main reason I wanted to be clean was to get my health back into shape and to be a clear headed, driven, and positive person. I wanted to be prepared for my music and shows.”
How do you get people to take you seriously as a musician?
“The best way for people to recognize that you are serious as a musician is to get out there and perform where you can. Get that experience and never let anyone stop you. You have to make connections in the industry and get known however you can; social media is a great way to get people to find out who you are.”
Any future goals/plans for your band?
“I have songs out on YouTube and Sound Cloud, but my main goal is to release a full length album and to perform more in LA.”
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