Jose Zavala is a close friend—but his music, released under the name Nocontinues, has made me a fan. He’s released three albums of instrumental material that stretches from sample-heavy head-bopping hip-hop beats, to beautifully bright and creative original synth-led compositions. The vibes range from chill summer day on “Hewwo,” to funky grooves on “Karen Took the Kids,” to demented video game soundtrack on “Powreaide.” His latest album, Newport Seasoning, released in March, is a re-release/re-master of some older beats. Zavala is the latest to take the Lucky 13, and here are his answers.
What was the first concert you attended?
It was definitely a free concert at the Indio Fair, but my memories of seeing War and seeing KC and the Sunshine Band blur together, so it’s difficult to remember which one came first. The first concert I paid for and went out of my way for was SALES at the Glass House. That I remember fondly and clearly.
What was the first album you owned?
Gravitas by Talib Kweli. I don’t remember how or where I got it, but I remember putting it in the CD player my mom had in the corner of the kitchen all the time … then I realized I could just burn it onto my computer and listen to it from there, to my mom’s relief.
What bands are you listening to right now?
First I was on a Justin Timberlake kick; then I was on a Doechii kick; now I’m on a Chaz Bear (Toro y Moi) kick. I think I’ve listened to “Grind” at least once a day since I remembered that song existed.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
Midwest emo, and/or whatever genre PUP and Mom Jeans are. There’s a certain voice/instrument dynamic that just doesn’t click for me. I mean, I want to like it. A lot of my friends like it, and I’d love to enjoy it with them, but I just can’t vibe with it.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
I’ll give you three, because it’s easier for me. (Hee hee, I rhymed.) Baby Keem is one. He’s such a fun artist, and it seems like that fun translates very well into a live performance. Another artist I’d kill to see live is Death Grips, because … well, it’s Death Grips. Finally, I don’t believe they’re active anymore, but I would’ve loved to have seen Conquering Dystopia. I’ve never been to a metal concert, but I just know I’d love it, and I can see every one of their songs only getting better with a crowd.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
Whatever radio bait was on the air when I was in middle school. Guilty, because it’s all so cheesy, and pleasure, just out of nostalgia. Don’t even get me started on the Minecraft parodies of all of them.
What’s your favorite music venue?
The Cahuilla Desert Academy’s center amphitheater. I really like that it’s small, very personal, yet very open. I haven’t seen it in, like, 10 years, so I don’t know how my mind pulled that so easily.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“But it’s the loudest sound you’ve ever heard,” from Radiohead’s “Decks Dark.” I don’t think a single lyric has conveyed the idea of ‘there are things you can’t ignore’ in a way that stuck with me as much as that one.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
I’ll let out my inner edgy virgin and say Radiohead. They are one of the first artists I emotionally resonated with. Like, damn, this song feels exactly how I feel right now. It sounds exactly how I’d imagine this feeling would sound.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
Mndsgn: “What am I missing?”
What song would you like played at your funeral?
“Lamb’s Wool” by Foster the People.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Boo Boo by Toro y Moi. I can’t even explain why. It just … sounds good?
What song should everyone listen to right now?
“Man on a Mission” by WonderBoi. He’s a cool dude, and I’m working on some stuff for him right now. I don’t even know for sure if it’ll drop, but if it does, listen to that, too.
