If you haven't seen The Deludes yet, it's probably because you couldn't get in the door. Che's Lounge, 350 N. Fourth Ave., is usually packed to capacity on the Saturday nights that they play, or at least they were when the Wildcat showed up. The Deludes have been playing in Tucson for two years now.
In 2003, they released Jim Waters presents ... The Deludes. The album complements their live performance, which is more gritty, but in no way substitutes it. The record is lyrically inspired pop rock that moves between folk, country and '70s rock. Larry Wawro, the lead singer and guitarist in the trio, graduated from the UA in 2000 with a degree in media arts. Since then, Wawro has been concentrating on his band, but he found time to sit down for a pint with the Wildcat and talked about Tucson, "the house of rock" and revelation born out of VH1.
Wildcat: What are some artists that influence you guys?
Wawro: Elvis Costello, Velvet Underground, Nirvana - their album came out when I was in eighth grade, and it showed me how music could be. Also The White Stripes - when I heard them, I felt like I could play music like I like now.
Wildcat: In "the house of rock," where the living room would be alternative, the garage would be grunge and the basement would be like hard metal and ... well you get the picture. Where would The Deludes be?
Wawro: I'd say in the bathroom cause I feel like I can let it go in the bathroom.
Wildcat: I guess there's a dual meaning there.
Wawro: Yeah, I think that my songwriting is like taking an emotional dump. Also, we would be in the walk-in closet because that's where you put shoes.
Wildcat: Why should someone go to a Deludes show?
Wawro: We have a good rock sound; I think we're accessible. I've seen 40-year-olds and moms dance at our show. I love that shit.
Wildcat: What would you say is the best venue in Tucson?
Wawro: Plush. Congress is a close tie. Plush has a good sound system and nice decor. I think it fits our band.
Wildcat: What would you change about the Tucson music scene?
Wawro: More cooperativeness. All in all, it's gotten a little better, though. We're lucky to have Congress - it's been around forever, and it won't close down. That's the problem with venues in Phoenix; they stay open for a few years, and then you have to find something new.
Wildcat: How would The Deludes be different if you were from another state, perhaps Idaho?
Wawro: Your environment affects your sound. Urban sprawl and sparseness are what I grew up with. I hated Phoenix. There was no sense of history or soul.
Wildcat: What's the biggest lie you've heard about your own band?
Wawro: Mostly people thinking that we ripped off bands. Sure I do, but they get the wrong bands.
Wildcat: What's the worst record you own, the one that you are ashamed of?
Wawro: I think I had a Staind album.
Wildcat: That's great.
Wawro: Yeah, that's pretty bad.
Wildcat: OK, this is a "High Fidelity"-inspired question. What are the top five products The Deludes would want their name on?
Wawro: That's odd, I was just thinking about that. I was watching "The Fabulous Life of ... " whoever show on VH1, and I realized I would not endorse anything. I don't want to be had by consumerism.
Wildcat: Come on, there's not a single thing you would endorse? Not even if Pabst Blue Ribbon said they wanted you to do a song for a commercial?
Wawro: No. It's all formed of consumerism. I'll participate, but I won't endorse; it's all downhill from there.