The band Whitewater has been on one hell of a tear. While the local group still hasn’t released any studio recordings, hype is growing for the young alternative grunge rockers, as the band recently opened for desert legend John Garcia, and has regularly packed local shows. Drummer Daniel Duardo, nicknamed “D-NASTY,” is a machine behind the kit, complementing the tasty guitar solos and intense vocal performances with thunderous percussive moments. For more information, visit instagram.com/whitewater.official.
What was the first concert you attended?
Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. I went with my dad when I was about 7.
What was the first album you owned?
Slipknot’s self-titled debut album. That one has a special place in my heart and really allowed me to unlock my playing.
What bands are you listening to right now?
Currently, I am bumping a lot of Ozzy. His final show really ignited my love for him again. I loved “No More Tears” when I was very young, and it was a big reason why I love music so much.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
I could never get into rave and loud phonk music. I can imagine it’s better at an actual rave, but I just can’t listen and enjoy.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
This is so tough for me, because I like so many different types of music, but prime Nirvana is something that would be amazing to see. They were the biggest band in the world at one point, and videos I see make me so jealous that I never got to experience it. Specifically, I’d want to see them play at the Paramount in ‘91.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
This has to be music like what French Police puts out. I don’t even know how to describe it. It feels like some sort of indie or alt music that’s very spacey. I could be completely butchering it and sound like I have no idea what I’m talking about, but that music on a late night makes me float through space.
What’s your favorite music venue?
Has to be the Whisky a Go Go. Playing there was a special night for us, because my dad got to watch me on a stage that our heroes had played on. I’ve never had such intense butterflies for any other show.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“Shed a tear ’cause I’m missin’ you,” Guns N’ Roses, “Patience.” I lost a close friend this year, and I always think of him when I hear this lyric.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
Guns N’ Roses. My dad introduced me to them when I was about 4, and I fell in love. The loud vocals, crazy guitar solos and harmonies turned me into a rocker at such a young age, and I haven’t stopped. They are the reason I wanted to learn the drums, and I haven’t looked back since. Because of them, I get to play drums with my three brothers in Whitewater.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
I’m asking Jerry Cantrell if Whitewater can go on tour with Alice in Chains.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
This is a tough one. I’d maybe say “No More Tears” by Ozzy Osbourne. I know it’s impossible to be at a funeral and not feel some sort of sadness, but I wouldn’t want people to cry at mine. I’d want them to have a big party and just have a good time.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
If I had to just say one to save my life, it would be lowa by Slipknot. I probably have every single second of the album engraved in my brain because of how much I’ve listened to it.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
Everybody should go bump “I Don’t Know” by Ozzy Osbourne, off the live tribute to Randy Rhoads, to celebrate what that man did for music.
