When you watch local metal band When Tides Turn, you can’t help but notice drummer Desiree McCaslin—who rivals another local female drummer, KT Cathcart of Bridger, in terms of intensity and technical prowess. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/whentidesturn. Desiree was kind enough to answer the Lucky 13; here are her answers.
What was the first concert you attended?
My first concert was OzzFest. This was where it all started for me. I fell in love with so many amazing metal bands that day, and it was an experience I’ll never forget. I even got to compete against the drummer from Otep at a double-bass contest in front of a blood-thirsty crowd; I believe I placed around fifth or eighth out of 60 people. It was nerve-racking, but I still went up there and made an ass of myself.
What was the first album you owned?
Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill was my first album—not by choice, and I blame my older sister for this one. She tossed the CD in the trash, so I grabbed it and started bumping it on my little boom box. I ended up getting made fun of, since my childhood best friend listened to Slipknot, Pantera, Black Sabbath and such, so I ended up tossing it away after a few months.
What bands are you listening to right now?
Fit for a King, Oceans Ate Alaska, Whitechapel, I See Stars, Palisades, Senses Fail, and Rebelution.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
Hip-hop/country collaboration, or what I like to call “hick-hop.” I just don’t get what the hype is all about.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Well, current would have to be Rebelution. The music is just so uplifting and groovy! I’m pretty sure if I see these dudes live, I would be shaking my booty in the crowd. If all of the original members of Led Zeppelin were still around, I would love to see those guys live. Zeppelin is one of the best bands that ever lived.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
Listening to ’80s pop music. None of my friends care for it, but I’ll bump the hell out of it!
What’s your favorite music venue?
The Glass House in Pomona is a pretty cool venue; they have some of the best pizza there, too. I went there to watch Darkest Hour perform along with Whitechapel. Best venue to play? I would have to say The Date Shed. I got to perform there with a hip-hop group, and we got to open for Warren G. (The Date Shed has) awesome staff and amazing sound system.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“Good Vibrations” by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. If I hear that song, it’ll replay over and over in my head all day.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
The band that I give a lot of credit is Korn. The band overall wrote incredible music, and the lyrics were just so powerful to me. It felt as Jonathan Davis knew what his fans were going through. The music helped get me through some tough times growing up, which changed my life.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
Matt Heafy from Trivium: “Wanna jam, dude?”
What song would you like played at your funeral?
On a serious note, “Drive” by Incubus—such a beautiful song on the acoustic guitar. But if my family would allow it, “Back That Thang Up” by Juvenile. I want the party crackin’ at my funeral; I would want everyone to do the “Bernie Dance.”
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Thrice’s The Artist in the Ambulance. From start to finish, it’s just flat-out amazing. That album reminds me of my hometown and my childhood friends.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
Our Last Night’s cover of 1-800-273-8255. It’s catchy and, in my opinion, better than the original by Logic. Its lyrics are kind of on the emo side, but I really dig the beat of the song. (Scroll down to hear it.)