Sonny Sandoval’s Journey: From Rock Star to Author

P.O.D. frontman Sonny Sandoval recently joined Loudwire Nights on February 18 to discuss his upcoming memoir, Son of Southtown: My Life Between Two Worlds. During the conversation, he shared insights into his life as a Christian and a rock musician, revealing the unexpected path that led him to write his book.

The Birth of a Memoir

Sandoval opened up about the inspiration behind his memoir, stating, “I just kind of started it to see what would happen.” The pandemic presented him with a unique opportunity to reflect on his life and experiences, leading to the creation of his book.

A Life of Faith and Music

The memoir’s title reflects Sandoval’s dual existence as both a Christian and a rock star. He explained to host Chuck Armstrong that he never aimed to pursue a career in music. “I never intended to be in rock. It just wasn’t until I found my faith that I wanted to be vocal about it,” he said. His desire to share his transformed life and love for Jesus became a driving force behind his music and writing.

Redefining Perceptions of Faith

For Sandoval, it is crucial that listeners and readers understand his perspective on faith. He expressed concern about the way Jesus is often portrayed, stating, “We’ve done such a bad job at painting the picture of Jesus — and that’s our own fault.” He emphasized that faith is not about having all the answers but rather about the need for a higher power in one’s life.

Reluctance to Join a Band

Reflecting on his early days, Sandoval recounted how he initially declined an invitation to join a band. He recognized, however, that music could serve as a platform to express his beliefs and eventually embraced the opportunity, which led to his successful career.

Struggles with Belief and Afterlife

Sandoval candidly discussed the challenges of reconciling his faith with the rock and roll lifestyle. “I think it’s been wrapped up in such a religious bubble that it’s given people such a bad taste,” he noted. Despite these struggles, he remains hopeful about the afterlife, stating, “If there is an afterlife, I want to be on the right side. That’s all.”

Insights from the Interview

• Writing During COVID: Sandoval explained that the pandemic allowed him the time needed to work on his memoir and record solo songs.
• Challenges of Writing: He concurred with Serj Tankian’s view that writing a book is often more challenging than releasing an album, aiming to maintain a gracious tone throughout.
• Support from Friends: Having endorsements from friends like Brian “Head” Welch and Jacoby Shaddix means everything to him, reflecting his long-standing relationships within the music community.

Conclusion

Sonny Sandoval’s journey from rock star to author is a testament to the power of faith and the importance of sharing one’s story. Through Son of Southtown, he hopes to inspire others and offer a genuine perspective on Christianity within the music industry. His willingness to be open about his struggles and beliefs sets a compelling narrative for fans and readers alike.

FAQs

What is the main theme of Sonny Sandoval’s memoir?

The memoir explores the duality of Sandoval’s life as a Christian and a rock musician, focusing on his faith journey and its impact on his music.

When was Sonny Sandoval’s interview on Loudwire Nights?

The interview took place on February 18.

What inspired Sandoval to write his memoir?

The COVID-19 pandemic provided him with the time and space to reflect on his life, leading him to write the book.

Who are some of the friends that endorsed Sandoval’s memoir?

Friends like Brian “Head” Welch and Jacoby Shaddix have endorsed his book, which holds significant value for Sandoval.