Local band Brightener had been on a bit of a hiatus, but the band has started to resurface recently, including the CV Independent Presents show at The Hood Bar and Pizza with Haunted Summer on April 12. Behind the drums of Brightener is Elias Texel, who recently got engaged to his girlfriend, Ashley. For more information on Brightener, visit brightener.bandcamp.com. Elias was kind enough to answer the Lucky 13; here are his answers.
What was the first concert you attended?
Whoa, it was actually an MxPx concert! Ha ha! I was in fourth-grade and went with my best bud and his older brother. We were amazed.
What was the first album you owned?
The first album I remember buying was Sum 41’s All Killer No Filler. Really got my 11-year-old angst going.
What bands are you listening to right now?
I’ve been listening to A LOT of Future Islands. Also: Dr. Dog, MewithoutYou, Joyce Manor, Flying Lotus, and Phoenix.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
People won’t like me for this, but Lana Del Rey.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
I haven’t seen Death Cab for Cutie yet, but they are on my musical bucket list.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
“The Sound” by The 1975. I never listen to it around people I know. Ugh, I can’t escape it!
What’s your favorite music venue?
I haven’t been to that many, but I really love the Troubadour in Los Angeles.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“I farted in a can and stirred it with my finger singin’ oh da da da da da da oh dada dada, threw it out the window,” “Heart It Races,” Dr. Dog.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
Snarky Puppy. A whole new world of possibilities with music opened for me when I started listening to them.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
Brian Blade: “Will you give me some of your powers?”
What song would you like played at your funeral?
“Life Is a Highway,” Tom Cochrane.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Menos el Oso, Minus the Bear.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
Go listen to “Compromised” by Tim Atlas. I’ve had it on repeat for the last couple of weeks. (Scroll down to hear it!)
