Michael Guard, better known as Blunts & Blondes, is a Florida native bass music powerhouse who is paving his own way. From learning music in college classes to having a residency at the Ritz in Tampa, Florida, to dropping his debut album, Story Of A Stoner, on Deadbeats.
The album combines bass music with Guard’s roots of hip-hop and reggae to paint a picture of different emotions he has felt over his musical journey. Guard sat down with us for a deeper chat on who he is and how he has reflected on his growth over the years.
EDM Maniac: Mike! Welcome! Thank you for sitting down with us today we know you’ve been busy this festival season. Let’s talk EDC Vegas though. It was your first one, yeah? How was that experience?
Blunts & Blondes: What’s good dude! Oh for sure happy to hang out. The biggest show I’ve ever played. I had been there before, not as an artist.Jjust as a raver. It is the only place I’ve been where you can stand and do a 360 and it’s everything electronic music.
I wouldn’t say I like that there is no grass, it’s concrete the whole way. I’m a Florida boy so I need some grass. Other than that everything is top tier, they treat us great, and the production is mind-blowing. The crowd really does not stop bringing the energy the whole weekend. The stairs are hard, if you ain’t in shape, get in shape.
EDM Maniac: Was producing your first dabble when it comes to music? Has it always been electronic that drives you?
Blunts & Blondes: I grew up an athlete. I worked so hard and focused so much on baseball. I got to college and saw a 100 mph fastball and was like this is not for me. I do still play golf, I love golf.
I started DJing around parties while in college. I was 19, got a minor in music, and majored in finance. One of my music teachers changed my life, he worked at a studio in Clearwater, and he took me there and showed me the ropes on everything.
At the time I had been experimenting with drugs as well as diving into music production and it was a really moving and altering time in my life. I pride myself on the art of DJing, and I know I’m a good DJ.
Producing is a different world, I’m not as confident but I put my all into it and I see growth every single time.
EDM Maniac: You have spoken about how Story Of A Stoner, was something you were more vulnerable on, a more feel-good style album with your elements instead of just club bangers, can you tell us more about that process?
Blunts & Blondes: Yeah it was. I was playing a lot of shows and dropping a lot of singles but I hadn’t put out anything I could connect to my fans on a deeper level.
I wanted to keep my dance music roots in there but focused a lot on the message I put in the songs. Basically, you are your own enemy, figure out your wrongs and your rights and learn to talk to yourself. With yourself by your side, you will thrive.
EDM Maniac: What is your favorite song on the album?
Blunts & Blondes: For sure, “Marley.” I got a dog a long time ago, I never thought it would be the best thing that ever happened to me. When I come home from tour and shows, I open that door, I know she is going to jump on me.
I tried to just embody all that happiness. I made the song with her in my lap. I made it like two years ago, it’s the oldest song on the album. I love her so much.
EDM Maniac: There is nothing like that doggy best friend. That is so cute! I bet she is proud of her dad. So I know you’ve played many shows, do you have a favorite place you like to play?
Blunts & Blondes: So it’s different vibes everywhere. I have noticed that in Arizona and Texas, those people just want to go crazy. I love it so much they come and give it they’re all.
EDM Maniac: Yeah they like need the bass and can’t get enough of it. It’s powerful. Do you think you have a favorite DJ or a DJ Inspiration?
Blunts & Blondes: Oh for sure, my all-time favorite DJ, who will always be my all-time favorite DJ, is RL Grime. He is the only DJ tattoo I have. Everything he puts out has a purpose. He inspires me so much, that I aspire to take my project to his level.
EDM Maniac: He is such a staple for us in the bass community, we totally understand why he has empowered you so much. Mike, it’s been amazing seeing a deeper perspective of the Blunts & Blondes project, thank you again for hanging with us. One more question for you, is there a Story Of A Stoner tour coming in the future?
Blunts & Blondes: Yeah, anytime. Thank you for the chat. It was a pleasure. There is 100 percent a Story Of A Stoner tour. The production is so epic, building a stage, and making sure the support is the perfect match. We finalized all the venues. Keep your eyes out, it is coming in hot and I can’t wait to travel around and release with all of you guys.
Stream Story Of A Stoner in full below:
All photos provided by Blunts & Blondes
