Thank you for taking the time to talk to us. This is your first interview with BA Rock, right?

Yes. Getting your phone call from Argentina was exciting. I hope you guys know what you are doing (laughs). Seriously, I'm familiar with your magazine, as a matter of fact you sent me a copy after you printed a review on New Millennium Nemesis.

What was your reaction after hearing the news that NMN had reached #1 on Musica en Internet?

I was in denial at first because we did very little promotion in Argentina. So I called my South American manager and I said "You better check this out. Get some real numbers because we cannot go by what we read on the Internet." So he did and it blew me away. I'm not going to give a final number yet but let me tell you that we sold out every single copy, and the new release planned to be shipped next week won't be enough to cover advanced sales. It's just incredible.

Will you be touring Argentina any time soon?

A major tour is in the works for the end of the year. It will include Buenos Aires, Rosario, Cordoba, Parana, Santa Fe and other cities.

What would you say to your Argentine fans?

Thank you. Thanks for backing up my work and for welcoming my music in the country that I was born.

How is your career coming along in the States?

Things are very good. My career has been always stable. I consider myself very lucky that way. I've never had aggressive up and downs professionally. I attribute that to my constant focus on what I do, and on what it needs to be done. Once you lose that, you are history. You need to have goals.

What kind of advice would you give to a beginner bass player?

I get new students almost every week and they ask me this question very often, and my answer is always the same: "Learn as much as possible." The music business is very competitive and, to find an edge, you have to find your own style. To find your own style, you have to learn lots of different things, and I mean lots.

Doesn't that statement scare students away?

On the contrary, you have to be honest to be a respected teacher. A statement like that encourages students to learn more and try harder.

What is the next step as far as South America?

Well, the next thing will be the tour and maybe a live recording. Actually, there's a great live recording called "Kill or be Killed" in NMN that was taped in Brazil. Brazilian fans are great.

How are South American fans different from other countries?

They are insanely passionate about music and soccer.

Do you come to Argentina often?

Oh, yeah. Every year. I have a wonderful Place in Rosario, the city I was born and my favorite place in Argentina. It's a big city but a lot quieter than Buenos Aires. Wonderful food, people and sights. I would really spend more time in Argentina if I could. Unfortunately, my busy schedule does not allow me to do so. Maybe in the future.

Are you married?

Yes.

Is she from Argentina?

Yes.

Do you have any kids?

You know, I don't like to talk about my personal life. Sorry. There's very little I have to say about it.

No problem. What are your favorite soccer team and player?

My favorite team is Rosario Central and my favorite player is Oscar Mottura, my uncle. He passed away in 1990 soon after I moved to the States. He played for Rosario Central, Racing Club and Cali of Colombia in the 1950's. I have to confess, I'm not a soccer-head.

When you are in Argentina, what other things do you do outside music?

I love water. I go boating to the river as often as possible, or I go swimming to the pool. I started playing tennis. But the most important thing, it is to spend time with my family and friends. I never lost that connection. Family and friends come first to me.

What is your favorite food?

All beef Argentine barbecue. Argentine beef is second to none.

I don't mean to change gears, but I'm sure you are aware of what's happening in Argentina these days. What are your thoughts about it?

I'm extremely aware of the situation and I'm sadden by it. All my family lives in Argentina. It doesn't make any sense that a country like Argentina got to this point. The leadership of the political class and the amount of corruption at all levels horrify me. As a matter of fact, I was in Argentina last December when all hell broke lose, riots, people dying on the streets, looting. I could not believe it. It's a real shame, but what's more shameful it's that some people don't have enough to eat. That stuff is not supposed to happen in a country like Argentina. I'm sure things will come around after the current politicians are replaced by competent leaders.

Thank you for your honesty and kindness. We hope to see you in Argentina soon.

You will. Thank you and thanks to all my Argentine fans.