Kelsey Manning is a frequent solo performer here in the Coachella Valley. Her singer/songwriter skills shine in a live setting; she performs a powerful show with just her voice and an acoustic guitar. See for yourself at the Desert Beer Company on Saturday, Aug. 20. Learn more at www.instagram.com/hedonistic_centerfold. Manning is the latest to take The Lucky 13; here are her answers.
What was the first concert you attended?
Ani Difranco, Santa Fe, N.M., 2004.
What was the first album you owned?
Destiny’s Child.
What bands are you listening to right now?
Just going off what I’ve saved in the past week in my library, The Slits, Shovels and Rope, PawPaw Rod, The Wood Brothers, Gone Gone Beyond, Remi Wolf, Andra Day, and Sean Hayes. I’m all over the place.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
Dubstep. It scares me.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Nina Simone.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
The soundtrack from The Prince of Egypt. It’s just too good.
What’s your favorite music venue?
Honestly, it’s Pappy and Harriet’s.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“If they ever come to ask about me / tell ’em that you knew me and you kinda liked me,” Shovels and Rope, “Boxcar.”
What band or artist changed your life?
Probably a singer-songwriter by the name of Jaymay. She’s just … *chef’s kiss.* The lyricism, the melodies—all of it is so relatable. Also, if you ever meet a person who is aware of Jaymay, however rare, you know that they’re probably awesome, and you’re in good company. Never met a shitty Jaymay fan. Then, of course, Ani Difranco. She changed my life; I didn’t know a solo female singer-songwriter was an important part of the conversation. I think I felt my goal was non-existent before I was introduced to her music. I don’t think I had a goal before I was introduced to her music.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
I would ask Joni Mitchell: Exactly how much is a case of someone? Is it just 24 beers? Could it be a pint of whiskey? Is there an N/A option?
What song would you like played at your funeral?
“Gracias a la Vida” by Mercedes Sosa.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Brothers by The Black Keys.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
If you’re driving, “Powerful Stuff” by Sean Hayes. If you’re not driving, “Call Me a Freak” by Tolliver.
