Every so often, we take a little time on Mondays to pay tribute to the Muthas! That is, reprinting the adorable metal/maternal Q&As that run in the magazine. Today, enjoy Justin Norton’s September 2014 chat with Ana Ramirez and Andrea Gonzalez, muthas of Mario Moreno and Jadran “Conan” Gonzalez of Exmortus.
Can you tell us a little bit more about yourselves?
Ana: I’m a single mother who works full time. I grew up in Los Angeles and I’m the oldest of three siblings. Work takes up a lot of my time but I enjoy gardening, dancing, and listening to music.
Andrea: I am a stay-at-home mom. I love cooking and being involved in my son’s life (I make sure he is fed, cleaned and pampered). I grew up listening to rock ‘n’ roll and 80’s heavy metal. I’m partially responsible for giving my son the heavy metal bug.
Were the two boys close when they were growing up?
Ana: Even though they were born a year-and-a-half apart they were very close. They spent a lot of time together. I’d say they were more like brothers than cousins.
Andrea: Being a stay-at-home mom I took care of both Mario and Jadran while my sister and husband worked. They grew up together in my house all the way up to their teens! So, yes, they are very close.
Did you ever expect they would start a band together?
Ana: No, when they were young they always talked about it, but I thought it was just a phase. I finally realized they were serious when they were in their early teens and they were playing gigs in back yards and venues like the Whisky and Roxy in Hollywood. Another hint was when they dressed up like the band KISS for a few Halloweens.
What do you think of Exmortus?
Ana: I don’t listen to that sort of music so much but I have witnessed their hard work and dedication. I am very proud of them and I wish them the best. It’s also great to have two “rock stars” in the family.
Andrea: They are a great band. I think they are hard working, talented and great performers. Growing up listening to heavy metal I believe they have what it takes to take over the world!
Was Conan a name given at birth or adopted?
Andrea: His school friends started calling him that when he was nine and started growing his hair out. They said he resembled the young Conan from the cult movie Conan The Barbarian. When the band formed not many people could pronounce Jadran.
