Michael Durazo has been contributing to the local music scene for more than a decade. He was the lead vocalist of now-defunct desert favorite Slipping Into Darkness, and he recently launched a solo project simply named Durazo. Last November, Durazo released debut single “Smile Before the Tears,” a catchy psychedelic Latin groove perfect for fans of bands like Chicano Batman and The Marías. Learn more at instagram.com/d.u.r.a.z.o.
What was the first concert you attended?
The Strokes at the SOMA in San Diego.
What was the first album you owned?
Nirvana, Unplugged.
What bands are you listening to right now?
The Bar-Kays, Gang of Four, Rick James, and Mary Jane Girls.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
Hmmmm. I think I like everything.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Queens of the Stone Age.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
The Jungle Book soundtrack. It’s dope. I’ve liked it since I was a kid.
What’s your favorite music venue?
The Glass House in Pomona.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
Fucking Emmy (Emanuel Cazares of Cafe Canela) and Andrew’s (Russell of Burgundy Blues) Thee Hi Lifes, “Why Do I Cry.” It’s been stuck in my head.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
David Bowie made me feel that being weird and different is cool.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
To Ozzy: “What’s the funniest prank you have pulled on someone?”
What song would you like played at your funeral?
The Beatles, “In My Life.”
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Pixies, Surfer Rosa.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
D Train, “You’re the One for Me.”