In the mood for some heavy metalcore with pulverizing riffs, growls, screams and intense breakdowns, all mixed with melodic guitar? Check out Shark Fin, another great addition to the Coachella Valley’s metal scene. Debut single “Distilled Habits” was released on May 5, and the band has already begun to make their mark on the scene, performing all over the desert. For more information, visit instagram.com/sharkfin_music. The mix of metal and melodic guitar is unique, thanks to guitarist Joseph Gonzales, who is the latest to take The Lucky 13. Here are his answers.
What was the first concert you attended?
Acquire the Fire, which was an all-Christian show at a stadium in Pomona when I was 11 (around 2006).
What was the first album you owned?
Life on the Murder Scene by My Chemical Romance, which my sister bought for me, which I still have.
What bands are you listening to right now?
Hail the Sun, Loathe, Miss Fortune, I Sank Atlantis, Maye, Dr. Acula, Knocked Loose, The Black Dahlia Murder.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
K-pop. I like pop music, but idol worship is odd.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
I really miss the instrumental math-rock band Chon. I would love to see them live.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
Pop music. I’m a sucker for catchy beats and hooks.
What’s your favorite music venue?
Transplants Brewing Company, Palmdale.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“Put me in another place where I can wave at passing stars,” “Projectile Comet,” Secret Band.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
My Chemical Romance. That band set the foundations for my understanding of music as well as story-driven concepts about love and loss.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
Amy Winehouse: “How do I get pipes like that?”
What song would you like played at your funeral?
I actually have a playlist of liked music on YouTube. Press play, and let it ride for the whole service.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Sianvar, Stay Lost.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
“Distilled Habits” by Shark Fin.
