Mike Guard, also known as Blunts & Blondes, is known for cranking up the hype levels and making headbangers go wild during his shows. After dropping hard-hitting tracks such as “Reaper,” “Match Up,” “Rasta Wubs,” “Rewind,” “Beautiful” and his ‘Blunts & Bass’ series, the dubstep community is eager to keep hearing more from the Tampa native.
Over the past two years, Blunts & Blondes began picking up a big following after videos of his sets started trending online. Catching a similar vibe to Skrillex, who he admits is one of his biggest influences, the young artist has gone on to share the stage with other major dubstep producers such as Dion Timmer, Datsik, Dirt Monkey, Subtronics, Svdden Death, Ganja White Night, Slander, Quix, Snails and others. He’s made waves across a variety of music festivals, including Sunset Music Festival, Foam Wonderland, Nu Showcase’s Miami Music Week, Okeechobee Music Festival, Imagine Music Festival, and more.
Currently in the midst of his Blunts & Bombs Tour with Bommer and He$h, we’re amped to see what kind of heat he brings to his next stop at The Circle OC in Huntington Beach tomorrow, June 30. Be sure to snag your tickets hereand check the full Q&A with Blunts & Blondes as he talks about his influences, favorite moments on tour, and more.
Tell us a little more about yourself and how you got into producing music?
I used to go to the AMP in Tampa with all my friends to watch my favorite DJs throw down. It became one of my life goals to perform for other people because I loved the connection between the artist and fans. Producing music naturally came as I practiced more and more.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
I have always been really inspired by Skrillex, especially his diversity. He pushes the boundaries on different sounds and always does his own thing, which I really admire.
If you could collaborate with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Easy, Skrillex. He is one of the main reasons I got into music so it would be a dream to work with him one day.
For those who haven’t seen you live before, what can fans expect to see on your Blunts & Bombs Tour?
Tons of bass, lots of blunts, and a sore neck the next day.
Do you have any favorite moments that have happened so far while touring or a favorite city you performed in?
I really love Montreal. They go so hard from the time you get on until they shut the club down; mosh pits all night long.
You recently dropped a new single, “Beautiful.” Can you tell us more about the track and how it might be different from previous tracks you’ve released?
Due to copyright issues on “My Bad Motha” remix, I was forced to take the song down entirely. That was one of my favorite drops I have ever made so I incorporated it back into “Beautiful.” The sample about the chick talking about acid really connected with me, which I think ultimately helped me feel the flow of the track. I really love this song.
What can fans look forward to next after the tour?
I’m gonna be finishing a lot of new tunes and starting some new collabs. I also got a lot of festivals lined up which I’m really pumped for.
Tell us three things we don’t know about you.
I’m a big gamer. I take my Nintendo Switch with me everywhere on the road. I lovecheeseburgers. Doesn’t matter what restaurant we are at, I’m gettingone.I’ve been told that I drink a ridiculous amount of Diet Coke.