SLUG Staff

Ricky Vigil has been with the mag since 2006, originally as an intern and lowly monkey with a computer, then he was offered a job working in the office with people who were a lot cooler than him, but seemed to like him anyway. His accomplishments outside of SLUG include a BA in English from the University of Utah for some reason, a total of 150 words written for Salt Lake’s own City Weekly, and a profile of a Chicago DJ he'd never met or heard of that has garnered just under 20 views on a music website owned by a heartless corporate giant.

Hometown
Kearns, UT

When and why did you come to Salt Lake?
There are few opportunities for higher learning or gainful employment in Kearns. Relocating 13 miles seemed like a wise decision.


When did you start reading SLUG?
After hearing about the magazine in 2003 from a high school English teacher who didn't seem to like me very much, it seemed like something that I should be reading. I probably picked up my first copy from the Hot Topic in Crossroads Mall, because I was super punk back then.
When and how did you become involved with SLUG?
I had been reading the magazine pretty obsessively for about a year and really, really, really wanted to do CD reviews. I answered a classified ad in the mag looking for interns, and next thing I knew I was scanning back issues of SLUG at the U of U library and arguing with elderly Asian women. I was also allowed to review some CDs.
Favorite SLUG feature?
I love learning about new music, and I think SLUG has some really talented and knowledgeable writers, so I really like reading the CD reviews every month. Localized is always a well written and well designed read. Over the past year I've enjoyed the feature on Subrosa and the cover stories on Doomtree, Spell Talk and garage rock in Provo.
Favorite SLUG Story (something that has happened in your life)?

A few months after I started writing for SLUG I was offered the chance to interview Tim Barry, who had just released a solo album after his band Avail went on hiatus. I agreed to it, even though I had only listened to his album a few times and had only a passing familiarity with Avail. The show, which was supposed to take place at Kilby Court, was canceled, but Tim was super nice and let me interview him anyway. After the interview, he pulled his guitar out of his van and he, his sister and his guitarist Josh Small started playing music for myself and my sister. Eventually about 20 people showed up and they kept playing until everyone left. It was probably the coolest thing I’ve ever seen in my life, even if Tim Barry did pee (with his back facing us) in front of my sister many a time.
Favorite place to see live music in Salt Lake:
Kilby Court, Bar Deluxe, Burt's, The Depot… I'll go anywhere as long as the music is good.


Favorite restaurant/bar in Salt Lake:

Oh man, I love the food at The Garage lately. Even if you're vegan, you need to eat that chicken pot pie. Este is always good for some nomz, and I think I'm singlehandedly keeping the Weinerschnitzel on North Temple in business. As far as bars, The Garage is on top solely for the food, and I can be found at Piper Down on the occasional Wednesday night for trivia night.
Current obsessions, musical or otherwise:
Fucked Up, Crime In Stereo, Deafheaven, Thou, Cave In, Monument, Iron Chic, CSTVT, True Widow, Mixtapes, Wormrot, Mountain Dew Pitch Black, Mortal Kombat, bread, water, King of the Hill, Unreal Tournament, and a whole bunch of other stuff.


What was the first show you attended?

I saw Cher with Lou Bega (The “Mambo No. 5” guy) when I was about 11 with my family for some reason. If that doesn’t count (and it shouldn’t) my first show was either a Warped Tour or an Aquabats show at In the Venue.
What was the first record you bought?
If we’re talkin’ vinyl, that would be Rancid’s Radio Radio Radio 7”. The first tape I ever bought was The Beastie Boys’ Hello Nasty and the first CD I ever bought was “Weird Al” Yankovic’s Bad Hair Day followed closely by the Space Jam soundtrack. All fine purchases in my opinion.

What was the best event you ever attended?
Craft Lake City is a lot of fun. Since I have minimal involvement with it, I don't feel weird saying that my fellow SLUGgers who put it together every year do an awesome job getting great crafters, fun local bands and good food.

Who would you most like to meet from a SLUG cover?
After a brief email encounter with Henry Rollins confirmed my suspicions that he was eloquent, intelligent and a total dick, I’d have to go with Ian Mackaye: the less successful but more musically talented Henry Rollins.