We’ve covered reverb-soaked surf rockers La Luz in the Independent before; we spoke to frontwoman Shana Cleveland about the power of music. She’s returning to the desert, this time performing solo at Pappy and Harriet’s, opening up for Shannon and the Clams, at 4 p.m., Saturday, May 13. Her new album, Manzanita, is a superb indie-folk mix of great storytelling and infectious guitar lines. I hope to hear her perform “Sheriff of the Salton Sea.” Cleveland is the latest to take the Lucky 13; here are her answers.
What was the first concert you attended?
My parents are musicians, and I grew up going to their shows, but the first big one was Smashing Pumpkins at an arena somewhere in Michigan.
What was the first album you owned?
Possibly Paula Abdul’s Forever Your Girl.
What bands are you listening to right now?
Mort Garson, Alice Coltrane, early ’70s Stevie Wonder, the Incredible String Band, Kendrick Lamar, and Glenn Gould.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
Big-budget radio pop.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Billie Holiday.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
The jazzy hold music when I call the bank.
What’s your favorite music venue?
Anytime I can play outside, I’m happy—especially on a farm.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“Sha la la, dooby wah, dum dum dum, yeah yeah,” “Blue Angel,” Roy Orbison.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
So many, but one who comes to mind first is Cat Power. I was really blown away by a show I saw her play in Chicago when I was in college. The way she was able to captivate a big room with very quiet music was magic.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
I’d ask my mom if she wanted to come over for dinner.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
“Feeling Good” by Nina Simone.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Glenn Gould’s 1956 recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
“Perfect Day” by Lou Reed.
