Sal Villanueva…you might know him as the former bass player for the seminal rockabilly punk outfit known as Demonspeed. Or maybe as the head of Black Pumpkin records. Maybe even as the guy that brought you the definitive hardcore compilation known as “New York’s Hardest.” In addition to the aforementioned accomplishments he has also added producer to his expanding list of achievements. Having produced last years triumphant second LP for the band Thursday (Full Collapse), he has also gone on to work with the critically acclaimed band, Taking Back Sunday as well as getting back behind the boards to bring you the brand new Thursday LP, on Island/Def Jam. As if his plate wasn’t already full he has decided to bring back the Black Pumpkin record label.

Sal was kind enough to break from his busy schedule to answer some of our questions. So here you go…A few questions with Sal:

C…Rap: You busy? (Ha!) What are you working on and what are you excited about in 2003?

Sal: I’d say.... yeah. Just a little. Really, I’m very busy. I’m currently in the
process of recording with Thursday, re-vamping Black Pumpkin Records and
working with several young artists. I miss playing in a band but the
production aspect allows for a great deal of creative venting. So, I
guess all is not at a loss. I am absolutely a slave to music and production. For me it's reminiscent of teaching. It's the transference of the sum of your experiences both in music and in life to other artists. I really love the fact that you can see
faces light up when you know a connection has been made. "The light bulb" is
a powerful and moving feeling. You can make a difference in someone's life.
Yeah, yeah, sense of purpose, fear of death, bla bla bla. Whatever the
trigger, I totally dig that feeling. I get why people choose teaching as a
career. The prize is not in the financial retribution but in the gift of
enlightenment. For me, I’ve been fortunate enough to build bonds with many
of the artists I work with that last for years and years. The relationships
go from client to friend. And you know, what's wrong with that? Absolutely
nothing. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Along with some of the notoriety of Thursday’s Full Collapse and Taking
Back Sunday's Tell All Your Friends came avenues of opportunity so I began
working with young bands with the intention of guiding and cultivating. This
endeavor is pretty recent but has begun to draw a decent amount of attention
from labels. This led to the formation of my production company titled: Java
Junky Music. Trust me the name is very appropriate. A few of the artists I’m
working with are Madjul, Forever Endeavor, Destroy the Plot and Forever's
End. I’m also looking forward to the completion of the forthcoming Thursday
full-length and possibly a new Taking Back Sunday full-length for late 2003.
It’s in my humble estimation that this year is going to be a very busy yet
wonderful year for Java Junky Music. But there is more in store for 2003.

C…RAP: What’s up with Black Pumpkin?

Sal: Black Pumpkin Records, the home of the Fiendz, Flatus, the now defunct
Demonspeed and the New York’s Hardest compilations. Over the years the label
has been through a lot of changes and it seems as though the future holds
more of the same for the punk rock indie. There are some cool things I’d
like to see come to fruition in 2003 and with some hard work and
determination the staff of talented individuals should be able to make it
fly. Our most recent releases were the Fiendz Redemption and Demonspeed's
Kill Kill Kill, which was more of a best of for the band. I just got sick
of staring at the reels collect dust. It also brought a sense of closure for
me. "The past vs. the present”. I think mentally it helped facilitate the
opening of a new chapter in my life and allowed for me to redefine myself, my headspace, and my plans for the future. Change is inevitable but still
very frustrating nonetheless.

C…Rap: Words?

Sal: In closing I’d like to say that life is short and we'll be in a pine box
before you know it. So, why not give everything you ever wanted to do a fair
shot. What’s the worst that can happen? You fall, dust yourself off and give
it another whirl. That fear of failure thing is way to overrated. Thanks
for the opportunity David and be well my man.

Best,
Sal Villanueva