Meet Oscar Carrion | Musician and High School Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Oscar Carrion and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Oscar, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from Chula Vista, CA. I grew up on both sides of the border, in a sense. I went to school in Imperial Beach and on weekends my family and I would cross the border to run errands or simply have dinner in Tijuana. I remember not enjoying having to go into Mexico when I was a young child. I thought the roads were not well-kept and  the smell of sewage was unwelcoming. As I started getting older I started to realize that being able to go to Mexico, actually, was a privilege. I started to notice how much more vibrant the culture was. The Tijuananses were always kind, as long as we weren’t sharing the road. Eventually, the music projects I was a part of (Splavender, Citrus and Katie, Gravvyard) started getting shows at Moustache Bar and then my love and passion for Mexico skyrocketed. To answer the question, how it impacted who I am today, I would say that I embrace my biculturalism fully. I feel it shows up in how I interact with others; I have grown empathetic. It shows up in the music I create. And it shows up in how I view life, as joy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a guitarist who seeks opportunities to write and play original music. I am proud that after 15 years I am still active in writing music and playing live despite having a day job as a high school teacher. I am proud to say that with each project I grow as a musician and collaborator. Some major lessons have included learning how to lead from the front or from behind in a project. As a bandleader I want to make sure the decisions are democratized and sometimes that isn’t the most effective route; one has to make decisions for the collective if it means we will keep moving forward. Most challenges have been relationship based and navigating that tricky line between band member and friend. I am still learning and growing in this aspect and hope to continue to learn through and with my peers in order to put the best music and experiences out there.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would for sure take this friend to one of the many beaches here in San Diego, probably Ocean Beach. We would have some breakfast in town and then lay in the sun for a little while. We would then get some drinks and grub in either Little Italy or North Park. The day would end by going to a show at the Casbah or Soda Bar and maybe a night cap at Part Time Lover.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wife has always encouraged me to pursue my passion. During Covid, I thought that La Boogie Buena was done. Members were moving away and no longer willing to spend the time on this project. For context, La Boogie Buena is a music project that I had been longing for since high school: funk, instrumental improvisation. I was devastated that I would have to start at square one again after the pandemic. My wife, Katie, directly told me, “Boogie is too good. You can’t give up on it.” It was so simple yet so powerful. I realized that my sheer will could in fact resurrect this project. I almost immediately texted the guys to see if they were willing to jam. 4 out of the 5 of us were open to it and thus began the resurrection. We are now working on releasing a couple of singles early next year. I am so grateful for Katie who always pushes me to pursue my passions. Love you boo!

Website: ocarrion.weebly.com

Instagram: @trawpicalpunch