Giselle Woo and the Night Owls’ psychedelic rock mixed with Latin music has caught the attention of many—including Goldenvoice, as the band is set to perform at Coachella this April. Jose Ceja holds down the back beat for the band, transitioning between sounds with ease. Learn more at www.facebook.com/GiselleWooandTheNightOwls. Ceja is the latest to take The Lucky 13; here are his answers.
What was the first concert you attended?
Kiss Alive/35.
What was the first album you owned?
It was actually two. A friend of mine in high school gave me My Chemical Romance, Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, and Avenged Sevenfold, Waking the Fallen.
What bands are you listening to right now?
Mostly lo-fi music like Shiloh Dynasty, Monty Datta, and Kina.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
Imagine Dragons. I commend their writing and attitude to go for it, but it’s just not for me.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
“Fotia” by Evangelia.
What’s your favorite music venue?
Nippon Budokan in Japan.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“Say the word and you know I’ll follow / Off the grid in the El Dorado / Could be nice in the summer time / We could sit inside in the silence,” “Off the Grid” by Alina Baraz.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
Alina Baraz. A friend of mine introduced me to her while I was going through the worst time of my life. I remember hearing the album Urban Flora, by Alina Baraz and Galimatias, and it just took hold of me and never let go. For some reason, listening to this album gave me peace and the strength to keep going.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
My question would be for Art Blakey. I would ask him: Out of his entire career as a band leader for the Messengers, what was the most rewarding part?
What song would you like played at your funeral?
“Penguins” by Young Dolph and Keith Glock.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Rust in Peace by Megadeth.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
“Electric” by Alina Baraz, featuring Khalid.
