Sean McCune brings an insane level of skill into each of his projects. When he’s not pursuing his hip-hop solo endeavor AEIOU, he’s playing drums with Miguel Arballo in the genre-explosive duo that is Analog Lab. He also spends time as a backing musician for Krystofer Do’s live band. McCune is a tremendous drummer, rapper and musician—and he’s the latest to take The Lucky 13. Here are his answers.
What was the first concert you attended?
My first concert was a Christian music festival my uncle took me to with his youth group when I was a kid. I think the headliner was, like, TobyMac or somebody. It was at the Angels Stadium, and we had seats literally behind the stage, ha ha, but it was still great hearing the music all loud and crazy.
What was the first album you owned?
I had bootleg CDs growing up that were literally my whole world. When I was older and making some money on my own, the first CD I ever bought was Nas’ Illmatic.
What bands are you listening to right now?
I listen to a bunch of music, but I’ll name five right now: Faetooth; local artist Primer; Earth, Wind and Fire; another local artist, Amadeus; and The Garden.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
Music is a feeling, so for me, it’s not really hard at all to understand why any type of popular music would be liked. That being said, I don’t very much like country music. I get it, but I don’t like it.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
I want to see Turnstile so bad. I was so close to seeing them at Dia De Los Deftones, but something came up last minute.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
“Guilty pleasure” is such a funny concept to me. I’d have to say house music remixes of songs. That’s super specific, but go check out Beeba’s The Bounce Vol. 1. That’s been on repeat for me since I was in ninth grade.
What’s your favorite music venue?
Honestly, I haven’t been to many concerts or venues, but the coolest one I’ve been to is probably House of Blues in San Diego. Not to brag, but I saw Tobin Bell there, so boom—suck it. You never saw Tobin Bell in San Diego.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“There must’ve been an angel by my side,” from Sade, “Kiss of Life.” That’s it; just that one part.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
MF DOOM. I discovered DOOM’s music when I was really young, and it really shaped my musical taste and identity. My favorite song by him is “Absolutely.”
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
It’s been a minute since I talked to Tomas Granillo, my good friend, sensei and local drummer. I’d ask him how he’s been. I’m going to text him right now.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
I honestly have never thought of that. Maybe “Brazilian Rhyme” by Earth, Wind and Fire? That’s lowkey the song I’d want to hear walking into heaven or something, ha ha ha.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
MF DOOM, Operation Doomsday. So many good memories with one of my best friends in the world, Sam, listening to that album.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
I must cheat and give two songs: Faetooth, “Glass,” and Primer, “My Heart.”
