The After Lashes are a new all-female garage-punk band with Esther Sanchez (lead vocals), Sepultura Moon (bass), Jen Corradi (guitar) and Death Valley Ali (drums). The After Lashes play kickass covers and originals. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/TheAfterLashes. Death Valley Ali (Ali Saenz), was kind enough to answer the Lucky 13; here are her answers.
What was the first concert you attended?
This one is a little fuzzy. My parents are total music-lovers, and they, thankfully, hauled me out to all of their concerts with them when I was young. My very first concert was either Elton John or Bob Dylan. … The first concert I actually bought my own ticket for was AC/DC in ’83.
What was the first album you owned?
Oh, how I miss record stores—thumbing through records and trying to pick your next soundtrack to life based on the album cover! I was in a dilemma over what to spend my allowance on: Pink Floyd’s The Wall, or Blondie’s Eat to the Beat. Blondie won out.
What bands are you listening to right now?
I just got a trial subscription to satellite radio, and I’m constantly listening to the new wave station. I’m really digging on bands like Squeeze, New Order, The Police, Devo, Psychedelic Furs and Echo and the Bunnymen right now.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
Let me preface this by saying that I absolutely believe music of all kinds is artistry. … Modern-day pop, I guess, would be the biggest one that I don’t get. Don’t people know that they are being spoon fed pre-packaged crap?
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Queen. Out of all the concerts I’ve seen in my life, I somehow missed out on Queen, and it kills me.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
I like what I like and make no excuses for it. Would some people be surprised that I go to Air Supply concerts and sing along to every word? Probably! I really love, love looove ABBA. I mostly grew up in the ’70s, so all of that cheesy music you hear on the “oldies” stations—that’s the stuff I love.
What’s your favorite music venue?
I’m a lucky gal who’s been to many venues around the world. I think the one that’s probably nearest and dearest to me would be Slim’s in San Francisco. It’s a great venue (despite the stage pole), and I have many great memories from there.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
If I am ever looking at you with a semi-vacant expression on my face, it’s a guarantee that I’m singing it to you silently: “Whataya Want From Me,” Adam Lambert.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
The Damned, in many ways. They were one of my first introductions to English punk—well, punk in general when I was a teenager. It was a total attitude change. Their music brought a sense of rebellion and resistance and fun and letting go and just being yourself. … Some of them are actually my friends now, and it’s hard to believe sometimes when I’m face to face with my teenage idol. It’s a bit surreal.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
Mick Jagger: “Will you be my boyfriend?” (Sorry, Greg.)
What song would you like played at your funeral?
“Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.” Bonus if Eric Idle is still alive to sing it at the memorial.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
The Damned, Machine Gun Etiquette.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
“Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” by the Rolling Stones. Because it’s a brilliant effing song! (Scroll down to hear it!)