Jeronimo Arellano Contreras is one of the valley’s most creative drummers. Contreras, after starting the band the Royal Chicano Underground, modified his drum set to include timbales instead of toms; unique percussion elements like a cowbell and tambourine; and stacks of cymbals with jingles on top of them. The result: an undeniably funky, yet rockin’ drum sound that hammers home the desert rock and Latin flair within the sounds of the Royal Chicano Underground. The band just released Red Waves, their latest EP; listen to Contreras’ dominating drum performance on “The Star Spangled Tanner.” For more information, visit instagram.com/theroyalchicanounderground.
What was the first concert you attended?
The Scorpions. I saw them at Fantasy Springs with my dad.
What was the first album you owned?
The first album that was given to me was Eminem, Encore, but the first album I purchased was Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stadium Arcadium. I skipped school to buy that.
What bands are you listening to right now?
I’m on a random kick: lots of Death From Above 1979; some Los Pirañas; the new EP from Ca7riel y Paco Amoroso; and I’ve been vibing to the new Ginger Root album.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
I’m such a fan of music in general; I don’t really dislike anything. I think my biggest pet peeve is inactive stage presence in a band. If you look like you don’t want to be there, it makes me want to leave, too.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Honestly, it’s kind of corny, but I would like to see the rock powerhouses perform once in their prime: Led Zeppelin, The Who, Black Sabbath (RIP Ozzy), Queen, etc.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
I like a good pop album every so often. Give me Teenage Dream from Katy Perry; give me … Baby One More Time, Britney Spears. Dawg, give me “Barbie Girl,” Aqua.
What’s your favorite music venue?
Pappy and Harriet’s for suuuure. It reminds me of my grandparents’ ranch with how secluded it is.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“Pará, pará, pará, pará, pará, pará / ¿Tatuaje en el cuello? Sí / ¿El pelo negro? Sí / ¿De silicona? Sí / ¿Se vieron anoche? Sí / Fuck!” “EL ÚNICO,” CA7RIEL y Paco Amoroso.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
Prince. I saw him at Coachella and was enamored with how someone his size and stature was able to control the stage and have so much energy and presence. I have been trying to emulate that in my playing ever since.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
I would probably ask Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers how he retains so much energy when he plays.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
“Working Man,” Rush.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
It’s gonna have to be Silent Alarm, Bloc Party. A lot of that album really inspired my drumming, and I still listen back to it with wonder.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
“Sister Cheryl,” Tony Williams. The vibraphone solo is amazing!
