Cesar Soto – Interview – Xperience Monthly

Cesar Soto – Interview – Xperience Monthly – by Rachael Skinner.

Internationally acclaimed and exceptionally skilled guitarist and musician Cesar Soto, hailing from Los Angeles, CA– has collaborated with a diverse array of remarkable bands over the course of his musical career. Some of his notable collaborations include Ministry, Pissing Razors,The Sixth, Years of Cold, Tides of Titan and is actively performing and creating music with his eccentric metal/grunge band Man the Mute.

RRX: What is your earliest memory of realizing your passion for wanting to play guitar?

CS: My brother gave me my first guitar when I was 9 yrs old and it inspired me to play.

Photo by Rachael Skinner

RRX: Who/what are your influences on your eclectic guitar technique and creative processes?

CS: Having no boundaries and whatever comes naturally, even if it means not a traditional technique. Freedom is my technique.

RRX: What were some of the first projects you were a part of and how did that shape your style today?

CS: In the late 90s I joined Pissing Razors and it taught me comradery and about adapting to all situations that arise on the road and in the studio.

RRX: How did the universe align the paths of you and the creative force of Ministry?

CS: I was asked to audition in late 2014, learned multiple sets, and started touring February of 2015. Felt meant to be.

RRX: Describe the feeling of having the opportunity to be a part of the industrial magic that is Ministry?

CS: It was an amazing opportunity and goal that I worked hard to be a part of. Playing some of my favorite songs I grew up listening to. And even more mind-blowing to be part of Ministry for over 10 years now!

RRX: What is your most cherished moments with Ministry – whether it be in the studio or on tour?

CS: only request Al had was to not freak out, and thank God I didn’t.

RRX: I read that Ministry will be performing at the 2025 Sick New World Tour in Las Vegas– what are you most anticipating about this tour? Are there any bands in particular that you are eager/excited to perform with?

CS: It’s always nice to play a festival with some of your favorite bands. I’m particularly excited to watch Metallica and Gojira on the same night. It’s also great to see and reconnect with friends in some of those bands.

RRX: Can you elaborate on your decision to merge forces with Jackson Guitars?

CS: After offers from multiple guitar companies, I just felt that Jackson was my home to begin with. Their guitars are beyond solid and beautiful. Not to mention the best artist relations out there thanks to Mike Tempesta.

RRX: Can you describe your experience of meeting the legendary guitarist Dimebag Darrell Abbott? What is your favorite memory from that evening?

CS: So many experiences to mention but the one thing that always stood out was how good and equal he treated everyone. He did once tell me, “you’re a great guitar player, play more solos! You got it in you” I have so many stories from years of run ins and shows that ended up in epic hangs.

RRX: Describe to me how the universe lead you to establish your band Man the Mute and how is this musical endeavor is meaningful to you?

CS: I started compiling years of ideas that I had on my phone of random riffs that were not intended for Ministry and when the pandemic hit, it gave me the time and opportunity to start putting songs together that I felt represented who I am as a musician. It was also a challenge that I was willing to take by writing, recording and performing everything on my album. It was a great sense of accomplishment.

RRX: What was your inspiration behind creating your single “Willow”?

CS: That is a long story but in a nutshell, Willow is about a message that I received from someone who had passed for one of their loved ones that was a stranger to me at the time. It was based on that entire experience and I believe it was meant to help that person heal.

RRX: What was the creative process like creating your full length album “Songs For Peace, Songs for War.”? Do you have any behind the scenes details you would like to share with us?

CS: Every single song came to me with absolutely no effort, almost as I was guided by a higher power. The album was recorded in my home studio and had a lot to do with stages of my life at the time.

RRX: Do you have anything you wish to share with the universe pertaining to Man the Mute? Any plans for a tour or album?

CS: There are no plans for tour as of yet but I plan to bring Man The Mute to life in a live setting and I am actually working on a second album.

RRX: Do you have any other musical or artistic endeavors or projects that you wish you share with the universe?

Cesar Soto: I try to stay busy mixing and helping others bring their musical projects to life.

RRX: What is your personal definition of success and what does it mean to you?

CS: My personal definition of success is being happy doing what you’re doing at whatever level you are at. As long as you are at peace doing what you are doing, that’s really all that matters.

RRX: Life constantly carves out new routes for us to explore, and on these journeys, we encounter chances to learn and grow. What is the most significant lesson you have discovered throughout your personal life journey?

CS: Adapt. Just adapt to everything that comes to you in life. Make the best of it.

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