Tye Trujillo Talks OTTTO, Metallica + More

Bassist Tye Trujillo joined Chuck Armstrong for Loudwire Nights' Artist Spotlight interview on Tuesday (Aug. 1) as they discussed his work with OTTTO, among other things.

"I currently play with Suicidal Tendencies and another project called Feed the Beast," Trujillo explained, "and last but not least, I'm glad to be a part of OTTTO, just a group of three dudes based out of the Los Angeles area who enjoy playing and listening to all types of music. We can get heavy, groovy, ambient and fast all in one song."

Because of the diversity of sound from OTTTO and their debut full-length, Life Is a Game, it's hard to shove the band into any one genre—and Trujillo seemed to be okay with that.

"All I can tell you is that you'll hear our sound and you can identify it with whatever you think."

The Best Live Show Tye Trujillo Has Seen (That Wasn't OTTTO)

During the Spotlight conversation, Chuck and Trujillo talked about live music, specifically the bassist's favorite concert that wasn't one of his own bands. While that's a bit of a loaded question for any music fan or artist, Trujillo was quick with a response.

"There have been so many bands I've seen that have been so sick," he admitted. "I mean, my dad's project, Mass Mental, I saw them live and I like what they are doing, it's pretty awesome, the musicianship between everyone. Tool were amazing as well. They put on a whole show, musicianship, lighting. And I know it's kind of out of the genre of metal, but Tame Impala, they were great, too. They jammed in-between songs throughout the set and had different transitions."

When Trujillo mentioned his dad, Metallica's Robert Trujillo, Chuck had to ask him what it's like being a fan of the band that his dad is such a significant part of. After all, Trujillo once told Loudwire that one of his favorite bass parts of all time was Cliff Burton's "(Anesthesia) - Pulling Teeth" from Kill 'Em All.

"It's pretty normal for me because Metallica inspired me to play music," Trujillo told Chuck about why he likes Metallica. "When I listen to Metallica, I just think of it as a band that I looked up to growing up. It's weird that it's not weird, you know?"

He went on and said that some people might think that's a strange way to look at it considering Metallica are one of the biggest bands in the world and his dad is their longest-running bassist, but he doesn't focus on that.

"I think it's normal. I'm a fan of the band. I like their music. So when I listen, I'm just digging the music and the art of it."

What Else Did Tye Trujillo Discuss on Loudwire Nights?

The craziest thing that has happened to him on the road
What he'd be doing if he wasn't playing music with OTTTO, Feed the Beast or Suicidal Tendencies

Listen to the Full Artist Spotlight Interview in the Podcast Player Below

Tye Trujillo joined Loudwire Nights on Tuesday, Aug. 1; the show replays online here, and you can tune in live every weeknight at 7PM ET or on the Loudwire app; you can also see if the show is available on your local radio station and listen to interviews on-demand. Stream Life Is a Game at this location and then check out OTTTO's full tour schedule.

Some of Our Favorite Live Photos of Robert Trujillo

If you've ever seen Metallica live in the last 20 years, you know how much of a monster Robert Trujillo is onstage. From his signature helicopter spin to his barking vocals, Trujillo is a musician few can imitate. We could share thousands of photos of Trujillo doing what he does best, but we decided to trim it down to just a few of our favorites.

Sometimes in rock bands, you'll find the bassist is more subdued or prefers to stay away from the spotlight. With Trujillo, he commands the attention of the crowd—and often, the attention of his bandmates—and Metallica's live shows are better because of it.

Check out some of our favorite live shots of Trujillo below, going all the way back to when he first joined the band in 2003.

10 Things We Learned About Metallica from 'Some Kind of Monster'

Metallica: Some Kind of Monster made its debut Jan. 24, 2004, at the Sundance Film Festival. Today, it holds an impressive 89 percent rating with critics 83 percent rating with fans on Rotten Tomatoes. The documentary puts Metallica in a never-before-seen light as the band members opened themselves up in incredibly vulnerable ways. With each viewing, there are still new things fans—hardcore and new fans alike—can learn about one of the biggest bands in the history of rock 'n' roll.