Foxy Cleopatra is an oddity in the local music scene—in a very good way. The band’s sound is indescribable, but one can hear the influence of rock, funk and R&B—especially when it comes to the frontman and guitarist, Lance Riebsomer. Riebsomer recently released an album under the name of his new music project, Black Water Gospel, and has also played some solo shows; he’s been doing some stuff with Jack Kohler of War Drum, too. Hear some of his solo recordings at www.soundcloud.com/lanceriebsomer.
What was the first concert you attended?
My first live concert was the Aquabats at the Glass House in Pomona back in 2000; it was post Travis Barker. The Blue Meanies opened up for them. At that point in my life, ska was life.
What was the first album you owned?
Blues Traveler, Four. I bought it at a garage sale when I was 10.
What bands are you listening to right now?
I’m odd with my music-listening choices. I’ve been digging on the new Bon Iver album, but I’ve also been revisiting a lot of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club records, Baby 81 specifically. Also, (I’ve been enjoying) the new Young and the Giant record. It’s a well-written album.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
For the most part, I’m very much open to most music genres. The one that I really could quite do without is the whole rap/rock culture. Specifically, Linkin Park. It rings very generic in my ears.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Electric Light Orchestra and Led Zeppelin.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
1990s R&B, especially K-Ci and JoJo.
What’s your favorite music venue?
The Santa Barbara Bowl. It’s vintage and endearing.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“Now I’m four five seconds from wildin’ it,” from Rihanna, Paul McCartney and Kanye West, “FourFiveSeconds.” It’s grammatically flawed, but so good. I love Rihanna and Sir Paul, but for the record, I hate Kanye West.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
I discovered Noel Gallagher and the High Flying Birds’ self-titled album when I was going through a horrible divorce in 2013. I found myself singing songs off that record at the top of my lungs as I was commuting between Orange County and the desert. That record is perfect and absolutely amazing.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
To Robert Plant: “Would you and Jimmy please headline Desert Trip next year and play ‘Black Dog’ at least three times, please?”
What song would you like played at your funeral?
“Across the Universe,” by The Beatles.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
The Beatles’ “White Album,” and that is all.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
“River” by Bishop Briggs. (Scroll down to hear it!)
