It’s been a big year so far for local-band Mega Sun. The group played its first-ever show just after the new year—yet it took home Best New Band honors at the CV Music Awards, and drummer Tyler Ontiveros was named Best Drummer. For more information on Mega Sun, visit www.facebook.com/megasuntheband. Ontiveros was kind enough to answer the Lucky 13; here are his answers.
What was the first concert you attended?
It was either Thrice with Deftones, Journey or Blue Man Group.
What was the first album you owned?
The first album on CD I owned was Boston’s self-titled album, given to me by my dad. The first two I purchased with my allowance were Follow the Leader by Korn and Nevermind by Nirvana. Around the same time, I also acquired two tapes. Yes, tapes were still a thing. They were Dookie by Green Day and a random and literal find, His Greatest Hits and Finest Performances by Fats Domino. What a mix!
What bands are you listening to right now?
To feed my desert rock/doom cravings, I’ve been listening to Nightstalker, The Sword, Earthless and Red Fang. Some others I’ve been into are Katatonia, Ghost and TesseracT. The most recent artist I discovered is Anderson .Paak, who sings/flows and plays drums at the same time. The live performance of him with The Free Nationals on Tiny Desk Concert, which you can find on YouTube, is straight fire.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love but you don’t get?
I just can’t seem to grasp country music. Although I’ve heard there’s good money in country, I’d rather play what I love.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Led Zeppelin, with “The Beast,” aka “Bonzo,” aka John Bonham. Come on, man!
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
No guilt, but something most don’t know is that I listen to classical music almost daily.
What’s your favorite music venue?
I haven’t ventured out enough to answer that honestly quite yet, but I would really like to check out the venue at Hollywood Forever at some point. There has to be some crazy energy there.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
Since I just recently came across this, it would have to be: “That’s a whole lot of reefer; let me help you with that pre-roll,” from Anderson .Paak’s “Come Down.”
What band or artist changed your life? How?
As much as I’d like to credit just one specific band or artist, I’d have to credit my instrument. I don’t want to go in depth on the importance of rhythms and vibrations, but drumming is so powerful. Just research Shamanic drumming.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question and who are you asking?
To Frank Sinatra: “If your perceived affiliation with the Mob is true, how did it impact your career, and what doors were opened because of it?”
What song would you like played at your funeral?
I would prefer to have all attending participate in a drum circle with numerous percussive instruments, especially hang drums.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Given the first song I learned on drums was “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” I’d have to say Nevermind by Nirvana. It will always hold a special place in my heart.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
I’m really diggin’ that song “Come Down” I mentioned earlier. Paak is a genius and locks into that pocket so hard and so effortlessly. (Scroll down to hear it.)
