Meet Chris “Suicide” Sanchez | Tattoo Artist & Singer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris “Suicide” Sanchez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris “Suicide”, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from Mexico City and I came here to Los Angeles 20 yrs ago. Ever since I was a kid I always had a dream to come here to LA. I have a band and have toured all over the world. It was hard for me to came to a different country with nothing. All I had was a bag full of dreams. As an immigrant with no money, I didn’t know or speak English, but I have always been pretty confident and I have always fought for my dreams. I enrolled in a music institute in Hollywood for 3 months. Then I got an opportunity to audition for a band and I got the gig as a vocalist. We were the first hispanic ska band (Chencha Berrinches) to get signed by a record label and from there we recorded our second album and we started touring. We toured all over the US but I knew we hit it big when we toured Europe. After long tours and new albums I decide to take a break from music and that’s when my tattoo career started. I’ve always had the support of my mom and my 3 brothers. I am now married and have 2 beautiful children. They have supported me in every aspect of my life (tattoo career, music career, personal and professional life) and my wife is my goddess, my meuse that keeps me grounded. Now I am a professional tattooer for 10 yrs and a business owner for 5 yrs (Old Tradition Tattoo) Hollywood ca.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I try to put my own personal touch on all my art. I like to incorporate a touch of my Mexican culture on each design. I do American traditional style, solid colors bright and bold designs and I’ve always tried to follow in the footsteps of the artists who paved the road for us a tattooers. It hasn’t been an easy ride. I’ve had ups and downs but I always stay positive. That’s been the key for me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
That’s easy…… I would take him to the Sunset Strip. Being a Rock n Roller, I would take him to the Rainbow Bar and to the Whiskey a go go to listen to rock n roll. Watch live bands and drink where Lemmy from Motörhead used to hang out.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve had the support of my mom, Emma Merlin. My 3 brothers, Alfonso, Marco and Ray Sanchez, they’ve supported me since I was a kid. My brother Rockabilly Ray Sanchez always supported my dreams. He gave me my first drum kit when I was 11 yrs old. When it comes to my tattoo career, I did an apprenticeship under him and he gave me my first pair of tattoo machines. My wife, Ana. She helped me with my band when The Triggers recorded their album. She also funded our first tattoo shop. My son Noah and daughter Zoe who I love more than words can explain. I am extremely grateful to my entire family for all their support.

Website: www.oldtraditiontattoo.com
Instagram: @chrissuicide
Twitter: oldtraditionta2
Facebook: chrissuicide
Yelp: oldtraditiontattoo
Youtube: oldtraditiontattoo

Image Credits
Old Tradition Tattoo