Death to the Sun is not only Miami's best rock fest for the new, the hip, and the off-kilter. The annual farewell-to-summer local music bash, hosted by This Heart Electric's Ricardo Guerrero, is also one of the most controversial events spawned from the Biscayne Corridor's art-party music scene.
Last year, after hosting the festival's first two editions in Miami - first at The American Legion on the Boulevard's "Upper East Side," and then at the now-shuttered BAR (formerly P.S.14) - Guerrero abruptly moved the showcase to the also-now-closed Snooze Theater in Lake Park in Palm Beach County. His motivation?
In an interview, Guerrero explained to Crossfade that, "Miami venues sucked dick," which resulted in a heated (like, hot diarrhea) debate that produced two separate articles, 118 comments, and a personally addressed response in list format.
With DTTS making its return to Dade County to host a last hurrah, Crossfade sent Guerrero an email to see what was up with the festival's last edition.
See also:
-Ricardo Guerrero: "Miami Venues Suck Dick"
-Dear Ricardo Guerrero: Ten Reasons Why Miami Venues Don't Suck Dick
-Death to the Sun Festival: The Final Episode's Ridiculous 29-Band Lineup
Crossfade: Why is this the festival's last year?
I have decided to focus on making music, and nothing else. I feel like I do too much for others and not enough for myself. Saturn's in return right now. So many things are coming to light.
How is Miami better and/or worse than when you threw the first Death to the Sun?
Miami is the same. Miami does not change. Miami will never "blow up," or become some kind of cultural mecca of any kind. That's just the reality of the situation. For six years, I have seen the same patterns happen over and over. What you learn about Miami is that anything you want to happen, you have to do it yourself. But I'm not mad at that notion. I would rather do things myself and make sure they're done right than leave it to someone with questionable taste and ability. But back to the question ... Miami is a static place. Anyone who has been around here long enough can tell you that.
Do Miami venues still suck dick?
Yes, Miami venues still suck dick. They might have gotten even worse since I made that statement. It seems that there are even fewer options nowadays. Luckily, there will always be Churchill's, which is a paradise. Hopefully they don't get the CBGB treatment down the road. But like I said, in this city, you have to do everything yourself, even opening venues, which is not something I am going to do. I don't blame the city, though. It's just the way it is. Everyone here just wants to relax. So, I say, let them.
Death To The Sun 2012. Saturday, November 24. Churchill's Pub, 5501 NE Second Ave., Miami. No cover. Call 305-757-1807 or visit churchillspub.com.
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