Interview: Ryan Moran Gives the Low Down on Slightly Stoopid

If you are looking for a band with a party vibe that can mix reggae, blues, punk and hip hop coupled with a laid back message that more often than not speaks to the joy of a certain green, leafy substance, then check out Slightly Stoopid. Slightly Stoopid is a reggae band out of San Diego California. They have a peaceful, easy going vibe and they love to mix and match different genres to create an eclectic sound that is all their own. One listen to the group and you will undoubtedly think Sublime and that makes sense since the "Stoopids" were actually signed to Skunk records by the late Bradley Nowell. Since 1995 the band has released nine discs and they tour like mad. Even with very little airplay the band has been able to create a massive following. They tour both the US and overseas extensively and this summer they have embarked on The Blazed and Confused Tour with Snoop Dogg, Stephen Marley and Mickey Avalon.

As the tour was about to start I had the pleasure of chatting with drummer Ryan Moran and we delved into how this band keeps the party going.

Associated Content: Ryan tell me how Slightly Stoopid has been able to create such a big following with virtually no airplay or video play?

Ryan Moran: From the very beginning this has been a total grassroots movement. We actually have had offers from major labels that wanted to sign the band but it just did not seem right -- we created a following by relentlessly touring for over a decade. We have been working hard at this for a while. We do a TON of shows every year and we tour with everybody. It's been a slow and steady build over 12 years.

AC: You all mix a lot of different styles into what you are doing. How would you describe the bands sound?

RM: We have a sound that is synonymous with Southern California. We basically play the music we grew up listening to. We grew up listening to reggae, blues, hip-hop and punk rock. That's the stuff that influenced us.

AC: How did this summer tour get put together?

RM: We knew we were going to go out on tour this summer so we started kicking some names around and we went from there -- we all had our wish lists and then our agents started making some casual phone calls to people. We have toured will all kinds of bands so we wanted a mix of artists but we also wanted to go out on tour with some bands that would be down with creating a family vibe. We have done tours before with bands that were not into hanging out and it was just weird! We wanted to create the right mix on tour with the bands.

AC: Are you all getting ready to record new music soon?

RM: We have done a couple sessions and I think the goal will be to release some new material next spring.

AC: I know your tour is just about to kick off but what's the plan for the band after the summer?

RM: We will take some time off and then we will head to Europe and do a European tour -- we will come back to the states and do a few more shows to round out the year. After that we will start recording.

AC: I went to school in San Diego many moons ago and S.S. strikes me as the quintessential San Diego band. What's the music scene like in San Diego nowadays?

RM: San Diego really has a great music scene -- it's a different vibe than what's going on in LA. There is a very cool collective of musicians in San Diego -- a lot of great bands really helping each other out. No pretentiousness and the scene is not over the top in anyway. I think a lot of it has to do with being right by the coast!

AC: When folks come to a Slightly Stoopid show what should they expect? What are people in for when they come and see you?

RM: People need to come prepared to have a good time!! We are not trying to offer up our political beliefs or shove an agenda down your throats -- I have been to shows like that and I end up asking myself, what the hell is this guy saying? Why is he yelling at me?!!? The goal is to get everyone in the show to check their problems at the door -- let's leave the issues of society at the door for a few ours, come into the venue, drink a beer smoke -- um -- whatever you need to smoke and have a good time. Sometimes you gotta get away from what worries you or brings you down -- our live show is a high energy show and it represents the styles of music we are into. Every show we do is up beat and fun!

AC: Sounds good to me! What can folks expect to see this summer on the Blazed and Confused tour?

RM: It's gonna be great! I can't wait to hang with the bands! People need to come early and check everyone out -- the whole night is gonna be great. It's gonna be a fun party!

Don't miss Slightly Stoopid at the party of the year this summer! Catch the Blazed and Confused tour when it hits your area.