Selexa exploded onto the local rock scene in late 2020 with their progressive lyrics and punk stylings. Since then, the band has been through a lineup change and a hiatus—but Selexa is back with a new single, “Tell It So Well.” Guitarist and frontman Oscar Escobar, the only remaining member of the group since our last chat, is the latest to take The Lucky 13; here are his answers.
What was the first concert you attended?
It was a festival, actually, the Vans Warped Tour 2016. I’m not even into any screamo bands, so it was a bust, for the most part, until I saw Teenage Bottlerocket and The Story So Far. There’s nothing like listening to a live performance of “Navy Blue” the day after getting dumped at age 15.
What was the first album you owned?
It had to have been American Idiot (Green Day) or Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge (My Chemical Romance)—chart-toppers at the time, but somehow, we were bullied? I still find that funny.
What bands are you listening to right now?
Snail Mail, Diet Cig, Girlpool, The Regrettes, and Judy Garland vinyls are always spinning in my apartment.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
A younger me would have said EDM or country music, but once I began writing my own songs, I realized how much passion goes into it, and now I refuse to criticize anyone’s personal taste.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Does dead count? Johnny Cash!
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
I’m a Swiftie, OK. … I love Taylor Swift so much, and it’s absolutely empowering to see her re-record her albums as, like, the ultimate middle finger to her corrupt label.
What’s your favorite music venue?
The Hollywood Palladium is where I worked for a couple of months just as a stagehand. The shows are great, and they don’t tolerate any funny business, an A+ in my book.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“It’s not that I don’t really love you, it’s just that I don’t really know,” The Strokes, “15 Minutes.” Love is very difficult for me, whether to accept or to give. I’m just not cut out for it.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
Bikini Kill taught me that you can have absolutely no clue when it comes to your instrument, but if you have something to say, and a loud enough amp, people will listen, and for once, you won’t be ignored.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
Honestly, I would ask any pop punk singer why they sing with that funny accent. You know what I mean? The way they pronounce their vowels.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
Judy Garland’s rendition of “Old Man River.”
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
In Utero by Nirvana. Nothing else comes close.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
Is this where you shamelessly promote your own music? Screw that.