Armando Flores is a busy man these days. He’s the bass-player for 5th Town, which has been recording its first album, and he’s the drummer for Blasting Echo, which has also been recording. Flores will be pulling double duty this Friday night, May 17, as both bands perform at Josh Heinz’s Birthday Jam at Coachella Valley Brewing Company, 30640 Gunther St., in Thousand Palms. Flores was kind enough to answer the Lucky 13; here are his answers.
What was the first concert you attended?
If I recall correctly, the first concert I went to on my own was Young MC at the Palm Springs High School gymnasium in 1989. My friend Nathan Schields and I stood in awe of his wholesome, bubble-gummy rap goodness!
What was the first album you owned?
I recall having vinyl singles as a kid, things like Queen and Creedence Clearwater Revival, but those were more parent-influenced. I think the first album I personally bought was Run-DMC’s Raising Hell. We had a cousin who lived with my family when I was a teen, and she loved ’80s bands like Def Leppard, Guns N’ Roses, Motely Crue and Van Halen, so there’s that, too.
What bands are you listening to right now?
For major artists, I always fall to my old standards: Steely Dan, Primus, NOFX, Tool, Helmet, old Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dave Brubeck, and PJ Harvey. But my 14-year-old stepdaughter is a bit of an influence and trying to keep me hip, so Rex Orange County, Childish Gambino, anything where Dr. Dre is involved, and Charlie Puth all get sprinkled in there as well. Locally, most everyone. Our scene is pretty amazing!
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
Country and the blues. I can appreciate some of it, but for the most part, I could probably live without it in my life. They just feel so limiting as a bass player: “Here’s the rules; now, don’t stray.”
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
James Brown. I’m kicking myself for not seeing the Godfather of Soul before he passed. I’d also love it if the Pedestrians or Lung Cookie performed once more.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
Oh fuck, I knew this was coming … I LOVE PSY! There, I said it. I just think that dude is hilarious. He’s got Korean hooks for days, and I can’t get those damn songs out of my head when I hear them! Plus, if Snoop Dogg will collaborate with the guy, then there must be something there.
What’s your favorite music venue?
To visit? The Wiltern or House of Blues Hollywood. To perform? The one that actually has a decent sound system and a competent audio engineer.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“I see ya girls checkin’ out my trunks, I see ya girls checkin’ out the front of my trunks, I see ya girls looking at my junk, then checking out my rump, then back to my sugalumps. When I shake it, I shake it all up. You’d probably think that my pants have the mumps, it’s just my sugalump bump-ba-bumps. They look so good, that’s why I keep ’em in the front,” “Sugalumps,” Flight of the Conchords.
What band or artist changed your life?
Primus and Les Claypool. They showed me that you don’t have to be confined to what someone says you can or cannot do with your instrument, and by doing so, they set me on my musical path.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
This question is the toughest … all of the cliché questions don’t interest me. The big names get to where they are with talent, hard work and sacrifice. But theoretically, if Snoop Dogg were nearby, I’d ask, “Hey Snoop, what’s up?” and he’d have some weed, and we’d chat.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
Probably something inappropriately funny, like “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-a-Lot. I want my wife to remember how much I love her butt.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
I have to go with Primus’ Frizzle Fry. It was so far out of left field in early 1990, I couldn’t help but be intrigued. It moved me away from hip-hop and into “band music” and set me on my path to learn the bass.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
The new 5th Town album! But it’s not out yet, so try “Too Many Dicks on the Dance Floor” by Flight of the Conchords. (Scroll down to hear it!)
