Rick Thorne likes to stay busy.

He's one of the most recognizable people in BMX; he's constantly appearing on TV shows, YouTube channels and podcasts, and now he's got a clothing brand of his own called Thorns & Grind.

On top of all that, Thorne's decided to take a chance in the music world as a solo artist after spending some time in a punk rock band. With no one to hold him back and a seemingly limitless amount of creativity and inspiration driving him, there's no telling what will follow Thorne's Stay Rad LP.

Myspace caught up with the punk rock rider to chat about everything from his musical influences to the new pursuit of his dream of being a rock star.

Homebase: Los Angeles, CA

How would you describe your music to people who might only know you as a BMX rider?

It's all high-energy, moving, positive vibes, good times, honest, real, fun, and from the heart.

Which genres of music most influenced your sound?

I grew up listening to everything. Rock, hip hop, punk, blues, pop, metal. I don’t limit myself to one style of music.

What's it like to go from BMX (where you're internationally famous) to being relatively unknown in the music industry?

It's good, people are really interested in what I’m doing and really loving my vibe. I seem to be staying really busy with tours and gigs and recordings which is awesome. 

How did you first decide to start performing and creating music? 

I decided to follow and pursue another dream of mine as a kid. I have too much fire inside of me to not create. Music is another means of creation for me to express, rock, and jam out my story to motivate others and entertain in a positive fashion.

You kind of fuse punk and hip hop in many of your songs. Where did that sound come from?

I have a lot of influences or types of music I like, I’m not one-dimensional in my personal taste, and that comes across on my album. With that said, my sound is in my voice. It can be utilized in different types of tracks, and it just works. I think that comes from being open-minded and loving and respecting all types of music.

Obviously, you have plenty of stories from your other careers, but what's one of the coolest things that's happened to you in music?

I got to be the LA Dodgers theme music for the entire 2011 baseball season when my song "Whoa Yeah" was the team's theme song. Also, I got to tour with Suicidal Tendencies on a few shows, got to do Warped Tour, and opened for Lemmy’s band, The Head Cat. I've been featured and played on SiriusXM several times, that was awesome too. But the best experience is playing shows, and kids singing along to my music. That’s the best feeling, because I feel I’m doing what I was born to do. To motivate and entertain and really send a positive message through music. 

What's something you've learned during your time as a musician?

I’ve learned that music is the best therapy in the world for me. To create, write down an idea, and attack the microphone fearlessly and make music. It’s good for my soul, and there’s nothing in this world that can compare to it. 

How has the songwriting process been for you so far?

I write songs beginning with a hook in mind. It helps give me the direction of the song and what I plan to sing about. I build from there with the flow. Every song is different though, really. There’s no set way to write. You get an idea and then write it down or record it in your phone. When I write, some songs are solo, some songs are with a full band, some songs with just a producer, some songs with a producer and a few band members, but ultimately the drive and vision comes from me.

What's the biggest misconception about yourself as a musician that you'd like to correct? 

It’s not a BMX band, even though my roots run deep in BMX. It’s about expressing myself through my life experiences to motivate and send a positive, uplifting message. I take my music seriously, and expression is king.

With everything else you've got going on, what's next for you in music?

Writing music everyday, touring, shows, music videos, every way I can spread the "stay rad" lifestyle and move a crowd. I’m currently writing a track with DJ Paul from Three Six Mafia as well.