A new tattoo shop has arrived in the Coachella Valley, run by musician/artist Matt Howse. After 24 years of tattooing in San Francisco and San Diego, Howse made his way to Yucca Valley and opened up The Seeker Tattoo in May. Howse’s work falls within the American traditional style, but is heavily influenced by traditional Japanese art—and there is a gnarly flair attached to every sword, skull or animal he inks. He is also known for his captivating shark tattoos. Howse also is a creative in the musical space, as a part of numerous San Francisco bands like Swamp Angel and Gin Demons. Learn more at www.seekertattoo.com.
What was the first concert you attended?
John Denver.
What was the first album you owned?
Blizzard of Ozz, Ozzy Osbourne.
What bands are you listening to right now?
The Damned, the Black Angels, Dick Dale, The Cult, Y&T, and The Cramps.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
Rap metal.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Black Sabbath for sure.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
Abba.
What’s your favorite music venue?
Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“My sister got lucky, married a yuppie, took him for all he was worth. Now she’s a swinger, dating a singer, I can’t decide which is worse,” “Yer So Bad,” Tom Petty.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
Dick Dale. In the mid-’80s, we were all listening to Metallica, Accept and all of these guitar-driven bands—specifically the staccato-picking, plucked-close-to-the-bridge with serious speed and intensity bands. It really stoked us suburban latchkey kids, big time. Then somewhere, I got a tape of Surfers’ Choice by Dick Dale, and as I was messing around with guitar a lot, I knew right away that every one of these guys were listening to this dude—for the energy, the scream, the drive—and that started me on my obsession with surf guitar and what sort of goes with that vibe musically. I even got to open for Dick Dale with my band, Swamp Angel, in San Jose back in 2012. He’s the guy, and always will be.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
I’d want to know why Morrissey hates and has such contempt for his audience.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
“Surf Rider” by The Lively Ones.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Sonic Temple by The Cult.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
“Now You’re a Man” by DVDA.
