MOONLIGHTING

By: Dawn Griffith

This article is an interview with Encinitas icon, Moonlight Music owner, Russell Pompeo. I loved interviewing Russell because he's hilarious. When you first meet Russell, you quickly realize he's a straight shooter. He's kind and humble, but he's funny and brokers no bullshit. He admits that his decision to open Moonlight Music was both passionate and reckless.

Tell me a little about the history of Moonlight Music? What was there before?

We opened in 1991. It was an antique store before.  “Back Alley Peddler” - I still have the same landlord, he’s pretty fair.

What do you want people to know about Moonlight Music and what it offers the Encinitas community?

 We stand behind what we sell. Our prices are the same as internet or big box store prices. I save my customers set up and shipping costs. Besides, I think you would want to feel the guitar in your hands, and not rely on a picture.

You can buy a guitar online for $500 or here for $500. Difference here is, I do the set up as part of the cost. When a guitar leaves this store it’s easy to play.

Moonlight Music is a gathering place, as well as a business. It’s a place where people learn from and are inspired by one another.

Back in the 90’s there was another music store here. Blue Ridge Music, was just down the street next to Roxy. We were friendly, but we were competitors. They put  big giant amps out on the sidewalk facing up at us, so we put big giant amps out facing them and we’d have guitar wars. The players here were really good and there were lots of them.  I was sorry to see them go out of business because ultimately, we were friends.

Over the years I like to think that I mentored aspiring musicians. But then again, as Tracy is always reminding me, that’s my own ego. I’ve made a lot of friends in the last 30 years or so out of this place, and for that I’m incredibly grateful.

 When I started the shop my wife and I had just had our first son, Nico. We were debating whether to move to Nashville so that I could pursue my music, or to settle in Encinitas. The rest, as they say, is history.

We’re still here doing what I love to do, surrounding myself with guitars. I would say, that I am one of the lucky ones who was able to turn a passion into a business.

When did you discover your passion for music?

 The first time I saw someone on TV playing guitar most likely an old cowboy flick.  I was hooked.

Then, it hit me when Elvis got off the plane returning from the military, This is what I want!

Girls, and money, and girls.

I loved the Ozzie and Harriette show, when Ricky Nelson would play at the outro of the skit.

And , like all of us musicians, we were struck by the bolt of lightning known as, The Beatles!

Can you give me some bio info - birth parents,  siblings, etc.?

Yes, I have parents.

Tell us about your career as a musician         

I started playing in bands by the time I was 12 or 13. I kept at it, up until I opened the shop in '91. I’ve been all around the country, and half way around the world, it was a blast. I saw places that I would never have paid to see.

Tell me about the bands you were in; the guys you played with

Nah, they’re all dead.

What are your current influences & favs?   

I would have to say Rob Machado is my greatest musical influence. As far as favorites go, Kanye West is my go to.

What have been the highlights & difficulties in operating Moonlight Music?

The highlights are the characters that walk thru the door. Pete Townsend was one of my first customers. There are a few homeless guys that are a kick. Some of the

difficulties in running a one man shop is needing another pair of hands and eyes. But I’d have to say after 30 years, I’m getting it.

What’s your hope for Moonlight Music ?

I’m going to do everything I can to not retire. I still love opening my doors every day and thinking to myself, man, this is cool. What’s first on my fun things to do list today ?