See Ya

Greg Laswell is the latest in a string of local musicians to have a song featured on a national television show. His "High and Low" played on an October episode of CBS's crime show Without a Trace, and "What a Day" could be heard recently on the new legal drama series Shark.

On his MySpace.com blog Laswell lists "20 Things I've Learned on Tour," which include "Don't keep going for 'a little longer' when your gas tank is almost empty; The main difference between the Hyatt Regency and a Howard Johnsons is the bed; Mexican food outside of San Diego tastes like hamburgers."

Laswell hit the road again on November 1 for his Sia Tour ("Sia there"), promoting his second album, Through Toledo.

TRICKIEST PROBLEM PLAYING LIVE?

"Not getting distracted by that drunk lady in the fourth row. I'm sure she's a sweetheart, but she talks very loud and forgets that we are not the only two people in the room."

YOUR AXE?

"My 'axe' -- or at least the instrument that I am the most sentimental about -- is still in my parents' living room. It is the piano that I grew up with. Actually, it was my sister's 13th birthday present from my Nana, but she never quite took to it. I certainly did. I remember waiting for her to finish practicing the soundtrack to Land Before Time after school, at which point I would play until my parents told me to stop. I should admit here that my first song I learned on that piano was 'Pop Goes the World' by Men Without Hats."

EARLIEST MEMORY?

"Watching my younger sister eat a snail."

BEST/WORST GIGS?

"My last show at the Belly Up will go down as one of my favorite shows. It was nice to come back to such a great crowd after being on the road for so long. My worst would probably be in Louisville, Tennessee. After driving through the night and a two-hour sound check in a room that could hold over a thousand people, we played to six people. And I think they were there for dinner. I'm huge in Louisville."

WHAT'S IN YOUR CD PLAYER?

"Demetri Martin. He played Spreckels last month. If you haven't heard him, you should. He will make you laugh and laugh."

WHERE IS MUSIC GOING IN THE 21st CENTURY?

"I think it is more and more up to the people again with independent, Internet, and satellite radio stations really taking hold. Podcasts, iTunes, MySpace -- all are relative newcomers to the music industry, but I think the effect they have had and will continue to have is going to be enormous. It's never been easier to find really good music and to pass on the crap."

FAVORITE SAN DIEGO HANGOUT?

"On various back porches of friends, the Point Loma fishing pier, the Ould Sod -- although now that I am touring more and more, I spend a great deal of time at home with my dog."

WHAT DID YOU DO PROM NIGHT?

"Some friends of mine decided to rent a flatbed steak truck and put couches and a TV in the back. Our dates were thrilled, as you can imagine -- especially with their perfectly styled hair blowing in the wind. Hindsight is 20/20. I was the belle of the ball with tinted Clearasil on my pimples, checkered scarf, white gloves, and, yes, a cane. Mad Dog 20/20. Did I kiss the girl? I can't remember."

FAVORITE CHARACTER ON GILLIGAN'S ISLAND ?

"Would you believe that I have never seen Gilligan's Island? True indeed. Now, if you want to ask me about Little House on the Prairie, then I would say Nels Oleson. He was married to that horrible Harriet Oleson but still managed to stay in the favor of all the townspeople. I really think he deserved better."