Venus and the Traps have been around for just about a year, but this surf-rock band from the East Valley is quickly gaining notoriety. The group has played gigs at The Hood Bar and Pizza, Bart Lounge, the Coachella Valley Art Scene and other venues. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/venusandthetraps. Frontwoman Venus (Perla Martinez) was kind enough to answer the Lucky 13; here are her answers.
What was the first concert you attended?
George Thorogood, B-B-B-Bad to The Bone. I attended with my aunt, uncle and mom. Many pelvic thrusts and middle-age crazed women later, my cherry was popped.
What was the first album you owned?
The Roll’n’Roll Era compilation set issued by Time Life. It was originally my mom’s, and I ended up taking it over as my own—and unfortunately scratched the hell out of most of them. I didn’t how to care for CDs back then.
What bands are you listening to right now?
Tough one. I listen to a lot of music. The last few bands I’ve been listening to are Creedence Clearwater Revival, Gun Club and Blossom Dearie, to name a few.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
Shoe-gazing, or “ambient music,” as James (our bassist) calls it. It’s not all bad, but it’s getting to be a bit of overkill.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
David Bowie in his glory days with his merry bunch of musical bandits.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
“Fly Away” by Lenny Kravitz.
What’s your favorite music venue?
The San Diego House of Blues. It’s big enough to get lost in a crowd, but cozy enough to see the artists sweat. I got to see The Adicts and Crystal Castles play there, and they were amazing.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“I rather stay here with all the mad men than perish with all the sad men roaming free,” David Bowie, “All the Madmen.”
What band or artist changed your life? How?
Gloria Trevi. Her song “Pelo Suelto” is a rebellion anthem for girls with wild hair. She didn’t care how crazy she looked to the world. There’s no reversing the ways of Gloria Trevi.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
Directed to Janis Joplin: “What was it like to be a rock ’n’ roll female in your time?”
What song would you like played at your funeral?
“Amor Eterno” by Rocio Durcal. It’s a classic.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Blank Generation by Richard Hell and the Voidoids.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
“Da Ya Think I’m Sexy” by Rod Stewart. (Scroll down to hear it!)
