I must be transparent and say that I am a member of Empty Seat—I joined this year—but I have long known that Rickey Villalobos is one hell of a drummer. For two decades now, Empty Seat has created a mix of alternative rock that dabbles in blues, indie and punk—and Villalobos has the chops to cover all of those sounds and more. Villalobos is always in the pocket and plays with a lot of energy. Learn more at emptyseatofficial.com.
What was the first concert you attended?
Warped Tour 1996 in Carson, Calif—great festival, all amazing bands! It was my first time seeing the Deftones live! I was blown away, to say the least, on their performance and sound.
What was the first album you owned?
Back when I was younger, there was this record store called Music+, and I had $20 I’d earned working with my dad over the summer. I bought two cassettes from there: Appetite for Destruction by Guns N’ Roses, and Eazy-E, Eazy-Duz-It. Amazing sounds to my young ears for sure.
What bands are you listening to right now?
I still listen to what I grew up with and what I’m influenced by. A lot of those artists are still putting up great new music! Ice Nine Kills is cool; so is Night Verses. Turnstile is a great new artist!
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
A lot of new rap and hip hop. I think it just hasn’t influenced me like other artists have in the past. It’s difficult to understand this new hip hop.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Gonna try to catch Social Distortion soon! Oh, and I never got to see Rush live. I remember getting invited, but I didn’t make it. I wish I would have.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
Punk rock has always been! I grew up playing and listening to punk-rock music and was very influenced by the attitude and what it stood for. That sound never gets old for me.
What’s your favorite music venue?
Probably the Viper Room in West Hollywood. It’s such a small venue, and the few times that I’ve played there, there’s just an incredible vibe and sound.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
I say “Creep” by Radiohead. It’s always a winner.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
Definitely Nine Inch Nails. After I saw and was around the production and work that goes into that, I was moved. As a drummer, I saw how disciplined you’ve got to be to put on a show and performance and tour like that. I have yet to see a better live show. Trent is the man! Respect!
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
Jimmy Chamberlin from Smashing Pumpkins: I would ask if I could borrow one of his drum kits! He’s been one of my major influences ever since I learned how to play drums.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
Never thought about that one. I say “Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones. Being Mexican, I really love this song by Antonio Aguilar called “Un Puño De Tierra (Pile of Soil).” Such beautiful lyrics.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Hands down, the White Album by The Beatles! It’s such a masterpiece to me.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
“Peace, Love and Understanding” by Elvis Costello. Oh, and “Take Back” by Empty Seat! Well … it’s coming soon! Listen to it!
