Tony Jupiter Talks New Album, Musical Memories And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Feature Image Photo Credit: Chris Baca
Tony Jupiter is a Chicano surf goth project formed in 2018 in El Paso, Texas, built on a blend of nostalgic surf rock riffs, shadowy atmospheres, and a strong sense of identity rooted in culture and lived experience. New album ‘Clown Syndrome’ is out now.
What is your earliest musical memory?
Music has always been a part of my family. One of my earliest memories is playing music with my dad when I was about 8 years old. He got me a drum set from a pawn shop, and he had a bass guitar. We would jam together while he played riffs. Of course, I was terrible at first, but I could keep a beat. Music was always around me. Eventually, I picked up my dad’s nylon-string guitar and started writing amateur songs at age 12.
When did you begin songwriting?
I started writing songs at age 12. At the time, I was trying to recreate oldies and reggae songs because one of my favorite artists was Sublime. One of the first songs I ever wrote was called Black Tux. Looking back, I clearly had no idea what I was writing about, but I give myself credit—I was only 12 years old! Over time, I grew and learned how to write songs better.
You have your new album ‘Clown Syndrome’ out now. How did you approach making the album?
I knew I wanted to give credit to the version of Tony Jupiter who was sitting in his room making music on a laptop and iRig. After going through years of demos, I realized there were so many songs I wanted fans to hear. A lot of them deserved a second chance. I wanted to show the evolution of how I became the person and artist I am today, and that’s what inspired the name Clown Syndrome.
Where did you record the album and who produced it?
I was flown out to Miami, which was my first time ever being there. Handwritten Records gave me the opportunity to work with Marco Rivera from Mustard Service and Aaron Edwards from Real Live Animals—two of the most talented and music-driven people I’ve ever met.
We toured with Mustard Service and built a relationship over that summer, so getting to work with them was an absolute dream come true. I had been listening to Mustard Service since high school. I brought these demos to Miami, and Marco and Aaron gave them the love and attention they needed. I’m forever grateful for them.
Do you have any interesting, funny, or memorable stories from the recording sessions?
Every day was work. We would record from noon until midnight, sometimes even later. Marco and Aaron made the sessions feel comfortable and fun. We laughed, worked hard, and had a great time. It was a new experience for me because I usually record alone.
One memory that stands out is recording Baby I Move. A joke came up during the session, and we laughed so hard for nearly an hour that we had to keep retaking the vocals. If you listen closely, Aaron actually left one of those laughs in the track.
Did you use any particular instruments or equipment to help achieve the album’s sound?
I used my Mexican Fender Telecaster throughout the entire session. That guitar has been everywhere with me—it played my debut headline show at The Roxy, my first tour, and now my first album with the label.
Marco also used one of his favorite guitars on the album, which was really cool.
Which tracks show you at your happiest, angriest, and most reflective?
The happiest song is probably Let’s Be Friends. I wanted it to feel nostalgic and retro, and Real Live Animals helped bring that vision to life.
The angriest song is definitely Sexual Guidance. It was the first song we recorded, and I was incredibly nervous. I ended up partying a little beforehand and just screaming the lyrics with everything I had. I think it turned out great.
The most reflective song is Never Leave. It was the last song I wrote for the album and is about a close friend I no longer see. I tried to put her emotions into the song, and I think we captured that perfectly.
Who were the musicians on the album with you?
Marco from Mustard Service and Aaron from Real Live Animals contributed a lot of backing tracks, harmonies, and additional musical parts. They brought a level of energy and creativity that really elevated the songs.
Other than that, the album is essentially a collaboration between every version of myself from 2018 until now.
Does the album title have a specific meaning?
Since 2018, I’ve gone through heartbreak, self-discovery, and a lot of personal growth while trying to figure out my purpose. Along the way, I became a payaso. The makeup is a tribute to my culture, my family, and my music.
My wife jokingly called it “Clown Syndrome,” and the name stuck. It perfectly represents the journey of how I became the clown.
Was it a difficult album to write?
Definitely. It meant revisiting old memories I had tried to bury and reconnecting with earlier versions of myself. My music has evolved a lot since 2018, but I think the album found a balance between who I was and who I am now.
Who designed the album artwork?
I designed the artwork myself. I love drawing, and the art was inspired by Mexican nostalgia and Precious Moments-style illustrations. If you know, you know.
Where is your hometown and can you describe it in five words?
I’m from El Paso, Texas—a place that feels like Texas, Juárez, and New Mexico all at once.
Home.
Beautiful.
Sexy.
Party.
Family.
Do you have any live dates planned in the UK or Europe in 2026?
Not at the moment, but it’s one of my biggest dreams. I absolutely have to play the UK and Europe before I die.
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you’ve left the stage?
I hope the show was good enough that people remember us forever. More importantly, I hope people leave knowing that no matter what they’re going through, that clown dude is always there for them.
Do you have any favored stage instruments, pedals, or microphones?
I love Fender products. They’ve always been my go-to because they sound so clean and reliable. For pedals, I’d have to say Boss. They’re simple, durable, and easy to use.
My favorite guitar effects are slapback delay, reverb, and chorus. I especially love slapback delay because of Johnny Cash.
If you could write the score for a film adaptation of a novel you enjoy, which would it be?
Even though it’s not a novel, I’d love to score an adaptation of classic creepypasta stories. There’s one called Lost Episodes about someone who goes insane and starts corrupting children’s television shows before sending the tapes to random people.
I think my surf-goth sound and overall aesthetic would fit that world perfectly.
One of the tracks is ‘Baby I Move’. What inspired the song?
For those who don’t know, this is actually my first public announcement that I got married last year to a wonderful woman who supports me in every way possible.
Baby I Move is a love song dedicated to her. Long-term relationships take work, maturity, trust, and forgiveness. Life happens, and sometimes you have to grow together through it. No matter where I am, who I’m with, or what’s happening around me, she’s always on my mind.
How do you look after your voice?
I drink chamomile tea before shows, chew gum constantly, and I’m always singing or humming. At this point it’s almost become a stim for me. People probably get annoyed by it, but honestly, it’s practice.
Who are some of your musical influences?
My dad is my biggest influence because he’s the reason I fell in love with music. I’ll forever be grateful to him.
The Beatles are my all-time favorite band, and I never get tired of listening to them. Mac DeMarco also taught me that you can build a solo project using whatever tools and ideas you have available.
What makes Tony Jupiter happy, and what makes you unhappy?
Tony Jupiter, my alter ego, loves making people happy through music. He speaks through these songs. Even though he’s a wreck sometimes, he learns and grows alongside the people who listen to him.
As for me, my music, my fans, my family, and my friends make me happy. There’s a lot of trust placed in me by all of those people, and I’ll always be grateful for it. Everything I do is for them. If they’re proud of me, I’m happy.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Chris Baca
Tony Jupiter’s new album ‘Clown Syndrome’ is out now.
https://linktr.ee/Tony_Jupiter
