“I’m a singer, I play guitar, I’m in a band. Enough said”. We didn’t think so, so we asked Ariel Aparicio – who, with his band The Hired Guns, has just released a new album, All These Brilliant Things - to tell us more.

We ended up speaking to Ariel about his secret aspirations to become a porn star, ruling the world and making good ol' fashioned rock 'n' roll.

Press shots show you naked except for a strategically placed guitar – you’re obviously comfortable getting your kit off, then?
I've always been a bit of an exhibitionist. I used to secretly want to be a porn star, but now I'll just settle for rock star!
 
After seeing those shots, we have to ask – are you single?
I am very, very married. We even have a kid. Actually, we have the house, three dogs, picket fence and the kid.
 
You must have picked up quite a few gay fans – do you mind the attention?
No, not at all. Send some more of the gays my way!
 
When did you get your first guitar?
I think I was about 13. I re-strung it so I could play it left-handed, like Hendrix, but then I changed it back. I don't know why. Just did.

How long did it take for you to master?
Master it? I haven't even come close.
 
How did the band first come together?
I payed them. I still pay them. It's easier that way. I don't have to deal with anyone else's ego bullshit, just mine.

What’s the band’s process when you make music?
I bring them a finished song. They are awesome musicians and I've been working with them for a long time. I trust them to bring their own stuff to the table. I always mold it a specific way but I love when things come together with my band for the first time. That's my favourite part of the whole process.

"I used to secretly want to be a porn star, but now I'll just settle for rock star!"

What’s the best thing about touring?
Waking up on the floor with your hands all sticky - kidding. Playing every night!
 
Tell us about the album, All These Brilliant Things. What can we expect?
It's a very organic record. It has a beginning, middle and end - emotionally. It's a collection of stories that I hope take you on a journey. It's got elements of punk, glam, alternative, new wave and classic rock 'n' roll. It's got dark elements in it, addressing things like addiction, lost love, death and despair but I think overall, it's a very positive record.
 
What are the plans for the album and beyond? 
Sell 4 million copies. Fill stadiums. "Rule the world" - didn't somebody else say that once?
 
The most brilliant things in life are…
Love and family. Oh yeah, and a good rock ‘n’ roll record.
 
Anything you want to add?
It's all about the music, kids. It's all about the music. Got to do the "plug" - All These Brilliant Things is available on iTunes and CDBaby.com. Cheers.

All These Brilliant Things, by Ariel Aparicio, was released on 28 October 2008 on Bully Records. Check out the videos to the tracks 'Life and Times' and 'Jameson and Cocaine' below.