After a hiatus from the local music scene, Empty Seat is back. Fronted by Red, a powerful female vocalist, the band melds alternative rock and punk. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/EmptySeatband. The guitarist, Anthony Ferrer, was kind enough to answer the Lucky 13; here are his answers.
What was the first concert you attended?
Incubus, right before they released “Pardon Me.” The lead singer, Brandon Boyd, sold me his own merch at the time. I could tell they were gonna get big.
What was the first album you owned?
Pearl Jam, Ten.
What bands are you listening to right now?
Mona, Le Butcherettes, Radiohead, Ramones, David Bowie, Foo Fighters, The Cure, Jimi Hendrix, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kings of Leon, The Strokes, and The Dead Weather.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
Billie Eilish. She’s labeled as a singer-songwriter?
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
The Doors with Jim Morrison (RIP) and Ray Manzarek (RIP). I saw Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger play a concert celebrating the 40th anniversary of L.A. Woman. They played the entire album. It was great!
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
Jewel.
What’s your favorite music venue?
The Hood Bar and Pizza.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“I’ve got another confession to make. I’m your fool,” Foo Fighters, “Best of You.”
What band or artist changed your life? How?
Jim Morrison and The Doors. I found out through their music that music is art; it’s poetry; it’s a live unexpected experience that is much like life. With my music, I stand behind the vision to be different, be original and deliver it to the people as a gift. It’s not mine anymore after I play it. It is for the people to enjoy. Bob Marley and the Wailers are a huge inspiration, too.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
Jimmy Page: “What is … the amp that you most favor when jamming at home, and can you describe what it is that makes it so?”
What song would you like played at your funeral?
“Echoes,” Pink Floyd.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Prince and the Revolution, Purple Rain.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
Empty Seat, “Fizz Pop.” (Scroll down to hear it!)
