An Interview with
'Felipe Rodrigo'
Guitarist of
'The Mercury Riots'
that took place on 13th March, 2025.
Interviewed by Glenn Milligan.
Glenn: You come originally came from Uruguay, what is the music scene like there and how does it differ from where you are now?
Felipe: Uruguay’s got a killer music scene—real raw, real passionate. The rock scene there is this wild mix of punk, ska, reggae, and traditional Uruguayan sounds like candombe, murga and tango, which gives it a vibe you don’t hear anywhere else. It’s a tight-knit, DIY scene where people play because they love it, not because they’re chasing a paycheck. But it’s a tough place to make a living off music, just ‘cause the market’s so small.
Glenn: What do you miss about Uruguay that you don't have access to in North America or L.A. for that matter?
Felipe: First thing’s first—family and food, no doubt about it. Being that far from home, you start craving the little things, like a proper asado or a good mate, and let’s just say L.A. isn’t exactly overflowing with Uruguayan spots. But beyond that, there’s a whole different rhythm to life down there—things move slower, people take their time, and there’s this real appreciation for just being in the moment. L.A.’s a beast, man—always moving, always chasing. Sometimes, I miss that feeling of just slowing down and soaking it all in.
Glenn: How did you originally end up in Los Angeles?
Felipe: Man, I was 18, fresh outta high school, and just knew I had to be in L.A. Packed up my guitars, threw my Marshall in a busted-up Chevy Astro, and hit the road. The damn van broke down in the middle of the desert, 200 miles from El Paso—thought I wasn’t gonna make it. But there was no turning back, you know? L.A. had this pull, this rock ‘n’ roll energy, like all the ghosts of my favorite bands were still floating around those streets. It just felt like the only place to be.
Glenn: What initially made you decide to choose guitar or did it somehow chose you?
Felipe: Yeah, I’d say the guitar chose me. I was all set on playing drums, but when I turned 12, my dad put a guitar in my hands instead—and man, it just clicked. There was something about it, the way it felt, the way it sounded, that just made sense.
Glenn: What is your guitar brand preference and for what reasons?
Felipe: I’ve been playing Fender for the better part of the last decade, and it just feels right. Don’t get me wrong, I grew up idolizing players who swore by Gibson, but there’s something about a Thin-line Telecaster that just clicks. It’s got that perfect balance—warm and full, but still sharp enough to cut through when you need it to. At the end of the day, it’s all about what feels natural in your hands, and for me, that’s a Tele.
Glenn: Who would you say your main influences are when it comes to guitarists and what turned you onto them first time around?
Felipe: It’s always shifting, you know? Depends on what’s speaking to me at the time, but the ones who’ve been there from the start—Angus, Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen, Jeff Beck, Billy Gibbons—those are the constants. Each of them has something unique, whether it’s the feel or their attitude approaching their instrument. Brian May and Django deserve a nod too—both of them have such a distinct voice on the guitar. That’s what it’s all about, really—finding your own sound, something that’s unmistakably yours.
Glenn: How would you describe your playing style and what would you say makes you stand out from all the other guitarists in and around L.A. and beyond?
Felipe: I’d say describing my own playing is a bit tricky, it’s like looking at yourself in the mirror, you don’t really see what others see. But what I can say is, I play straight from the heart. There’s no thinking, no planning—it’s just me and the guitar, trying to let the emotions flow through. I guess what sets me apart is that authenticity, that connection with the music, not forcing anything. You might be better off asking the other guys in the band what they think—I'm curious to hear their take on it too, haha.
Glenn: What were the 1st shows you ever did and how did they go down?
Felipe: The first shows were just me and some friends at a local coffee shop, jamming on blues progressions. I remember being nervous before stepping onstage, but once I did, it all just clicked and felt natural. It was like I found my place, but of course, there was a learning curve. The more I played, the more I got comfortable with it, and the more I could express myself up there. It’s like time starts moving slower once you’re on stage.
Glenn: Sorry if this comes across like the millionth time you have answered this. How did you get to going from a local guitarist to stepping into the bigger league onto an Internation level in Bullets & Octane?
Felipe: I started out playing with Gene Louis in a band called The Brave Ones, which led to my connection with Bullets & Octane. I’d always been a fan of their albums, so when Gene asked me to join, it felt like the natural next step. Growing up playing in punk bands, those old Bullets songs felt right at home with me—it was a comfortable fit. Writing and recording with them was a real joy, and we created something special together. Looking back, I’ve got a lot of great memories from that time, and I’ll always treasure them.
Glenn: What memories both good or bad do you have of being the guitarist of Bullets & Octane?
Felipe: I’ve got mostly great memories from Bullets & Octane, really. Being in a touring band—it’s not always smooth sailing, but we all respected each other’s role and what we contributed. Of course, there were bumps along the way, but that’s part of the ride. What sticks with me is that it was the first band I toured outside of the States with, so those experiences will always hold a special place for me. The highs, the lows—it’s all part of the journey.