In celebration of our 25th anniversary, PreSonus announced the new River City Sessions performance series earlier this year. The online series features regional artists in the Greater Baton Rouge area performing in PreSonus' world-class, Walters-Storyk Design Group-designed River City Studio at PreSonus HQ in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. COVID-19 restrictions forced us to close the studio to individuals who are not PreSonus employees, so we decided to take these sessions outside! Our latest session (#11 for those keeping track ) features local rocker Luis Manuel and his band The Hitchhiker performing Glad it's Not Her, Glad it's Not You. Get to know Luis and watch the session below.
Give us some background on yourself. How long have you been making music?
I've been making music for the better part of the last 12-13 years. I learned how to play guitar by ear listening to bands like GNR, Thin Lizzy, The Darkness, ELO. Eventually, I started doing my own acoustic shows, did a few tours around the US with several bands, and then morphed into the Hitchhiker.
How has the music industry changed since your early days?
I'm sad to say it's changed a lot! It seems like nobody cares about music as much as they care about how to run clout and pander with it. Maybe I'm just old? Could be, but The Hitchhiker boys can still rip after working 40 hours a week and slamming J ger bombs.
Describe the first time you wrote a song? Produced it?
The first time was probably back in 2008 with my friend Josie. He really got me pumped about doing my own music. The guy is a musical wizard. The song was likely about my second breakup. Pre and post-production is the most fun part for me. I usually take charge, but the dudes always come up with awesome ideas that we always end up using. I usually write the music and the melody first, always based on mood. Then I bring parts of the rhythm section to Mark. He turns it into a juggernaut. Afterward, we collectively go from there, adding layers of cool. Big rocker guys. Great players. Great friends. Love them to death.
Who has been an influence in your life?
I have 3-4 spiritual leaders besides my dad. Oh, and Thin LIZZY.
Have you ever wanted to give up on music? What keeps you going?
Yes. Sometimes it's writer's block, sometimes it loses the fun factor when your band members have a lot of other important things go around. It can be demoralizing, but we're big boys now! Gotta pay the bills! What keeps me going is that I can't stop picking up that damn strat I just bought!
What do you like about PreSonus? What caught your eye?
All PreSonus products are very user-friendly, affordable, up to date and durable. Can't beat that. The staff is phenomenal, all-around great people. They've always considered me even though I can't sing very well and I'm forever grateful to them for that.
How has COVID-19 impacted your music?
It's taken money out of my pocket because of lockdowns. I miss live shows, performing, and just enjoying the show! I think everyone can agree about that!
What are your plans for 2021?
Write and certainly release more music with the band. Work my tail off all across the board, be a better man, and love America even more.
Listen to The Hitchhiker here!
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In celebration of our 25th anniversary, PreSonus announced the new River City Sessions performance series earlier this year. The online series features regional artists in the Greater Baton Rouge area performing in PreSonus' world-class, Walters-Storyk Design Group-designed River City Studio at PreSonus HQ in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. COVID-19 restrictions forced us to close the studio to individuals who are not PreSonus employees, so we decided to take these sessions outside! Our latest session (#11 for those keeping track ) features local rocker Luis Manuel and his band The Hitchhiker performing Glad it's Not Her, Glad it's Not You. Get to know Luis and watch the session below. 
