In 2015, The Flusters were voted the Best Local Band by Coachella Valley Independent readers. In 2016, the band played higher-profile gigs—including Coachella—and released a well-received EP. What will 2017 bring? Stay tuned to find out—and visit www.theflusters.com for more information. Catch the band on Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Saguaro as part of “Moonlit Mojave.” Flusters bassist Mario Estrada expressed interest in taking the Lucky 13, and here are his answers.
What was the first concert you attended?
The Big Four: Anthrax, Slayer, Megadeth and Metallica. It was great!
What was the first album you owned?
The first album I asked my parents for when I was a kid? Millennium by Backstreet Boys. First album that really made me love music? Ænima by Tool.
What bands are you listening to right now?
I’ve been listening to a looooot of Mac DeMarco. Can’t put him down. The new J. Cole is sick, too. Everyone should check out Yuck, and Palma Violets if you haven’t yet.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
Country. I don’t have enough experience with driving tractors, drinking shitty beer and chewing big red.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Tool. I’ve never been able to see them live. Or The Doors.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
If Billy Joel is considered a guilty pleasure, definitely him. If not, it’s got to be Rod Stewart. It’s my mom’s fault for playing him when she would wake us up to clean on Saturdays.
What’s your favorite music venue?
Hmmm … so many. I’ve been playing shows and seeing shows since The Hood used to be in its old location, so probably The Hood, because I’m so used to it.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“WELL, I JUST GOT INTO TOWN ABOUT AN HOUR AGO!” from “L.A. Woman” by The Doors. I actually just thought he screamed, “WELLIDABADABADABADABA HOUR AGO!” I have to look up the actual lyrics every time.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
Tool. I never really appreciated music for what it could be until my tio, Chuy, played them for me for the first time. The first song I learned to play on bass was “Forty-six and 2.” If not for them, I think I’d still just listen to whatever was on the radio.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
I’d ask Alanis Morissette if that song really was about Dave Coulier. It’s just so hard to believe that Uncle Joey could be that much of a douchebag.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
“Who Let the Dogs Out?” by the Baha Men. Nah, just kidding. “Why Judy Why” by Billy Joel.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Hmmm. Rock album? Ænima by Tool. Rap album? The Chronic by Dr. Dre. It would be Cold Spring Harbor by Billy Joel, but they messed up the mastering on it, so it’s sped up, and he sounds like a chipmunk on it. The re-master fixes the speed issue, but it still feels a little off. But every song on that album hits you in the gut.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
“Tomorrow Is Today” by Billy Joel. Or “Freaking Out the Neighborhood” by Mac DeMarco. Take your pick. (Scroll down to hear the songs.)
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