Michael Keeth is one of the busiest musicians in the Coachella Valley. He has multiple solo-performance residencies at places such as The Riviera, the Westin Mission Hills, bluEmber at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa, and Cork Tree. When he’s not performing solo, he plays with Arthur Seay and Mike Cancino of House of Broken Promises, and Derek Timmons of Sleazy Cortez, in a band called Death in Pretty Wrapping. For more information, visit www.michaelkeethmusic.com. Michael took some time out of his busy schedule to take the Lucky 13; here are his answers.
What was the first concert you attended?
U2 with Rage Against the Machine in Las Vegas for my 15th birthday.
What was the first album you owned?
Probably Eagles’ Their Greatest Hits.
What bands are you listening to right now?
My wife recently introduced me to Glass Animals, who are heavy on percussion and synth production. I also really like Amber Run; they have great melodies and a moody atmosphere. I love all kinds of music, though.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
I like some (music) in all genres, including hip hop. My personal taste doesn’t include mumble rap, but I guess they can’t all be Thr3 Strykes. Those guys kill it!
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Pink Floyd, with David Gilmour and Roger Waters together.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
Atmospheric ’80s pop rock. Love that headspace.
What’s your favorite music venue?
They’re all great in that they give us a place to express ourselves. The Date Shed and The Hood Bar and Pizza are my favorites for the vibe, but all are important to our scene.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
More of a melody/lyric: Glass Animals “Agnes.” The chords repeat, with: “You’re gone but you’re on my mind; I’m lost but I don’t know why.” That gets stuck for days!
What band or artist changed your life? How?
U2 set the bar high when I was 12ish. The bigger-than-life tours, great lyrics and anthemic songs made me want to play in bands.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
Martin Barrera of 5th Town: “¿Alguna vez duermes?”
What song would you like played at your funeral?
“Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
U2’s Achtung Baby, hands down.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
“Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass. Sing it loud, people! (Scroll down to hear it.)
