Indio native Dani Meza is living proof of the healing power of music. More than a decade ago, his soulful, R&B-inspired sound via former projects Blackstrap Molasses and Dani & The Scarlett Fevers garnered regional attention—but the music stopped in 2016, when Meza suffered two strokes and an aneurysm. After a long road to recovery, Meza returned with a calmer and more subdued vibe through his new band the crushedvelvets. The crushedvelvets are set to release their sleazy, soulful and slightly funky debut LP, I Planted, Apollos Watered, But God Kept Making It Grow on Saturday, Oct. 19. That day at 7 p.m., the crushedvelvets will host an album-release show at Little Street Music Hall in Indio. Admission is $10. For more information, visit instagram.com/thecrushedvelvets.
What was the first concert you attended?
Coachella in 2005 in my hometown of Indio. Going from local shows to this made an impact and cemented the trajectory of my music career.
What was the first album you owned?
Bob Dylan Live 1966: The “Royal Albert Hall” Concert. An art teacher in high school introduced me to his music. I went out to buy some of his music, and the cover drew me to this one. There’s nothing like hearing Bob stomp his boots to count a song in.
What bands are you listening to right now?
I’ve been listening to a lot of older stuff like D’Angelo, Roxy Music and Moondog. I’ve recently found it hard to personally find inspiration in new music—not to say that the new music I’ve listened to is bad. I keep being drawn back to the music that I’ve listened to before, and it is the music that inspires me to create.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
Trap music. I like music of all kinds as long as it makes me feel something, but trap music doesn’t move me in any way.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
T. Rex! He (Mark Bolan) found his formula in the studio that no one has come close to. Along with that, he had a completely different approach when he performed. He was an entertainer who knew that recording and the stage were two different worlds.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
1960’s yé-yé music. It may be considered ’60s pop, but it was more specifically French ’60s pop. They made it attractive. There are a lot of jazz overtones and strings.
What’s your favorite music venue?
El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles. I once saw the Black Lips with the Night Beats as the opening act there. It was a wild and unforgettable night.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“If I don’t do it, somebody else will,” Dr. John, “Such a Night.” I’ve taken this on as a personal mantra and reminder. Someone is always at your heels waiting to do what you are doubting yourself with.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
Marvin Gaye. The first time I listened to his What’s Going On album, it left me wanting more after it finished. It was my introduction to concept albums, and I became obsessed with them and writing this way. I love being lost in a story or idea.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
I would ask Bob Dylan when we can see the uncut 1966 documentary with complete live performances! As a musician who has been hugely influenced by that documentary, I would love to see the gems captured in those performances.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
I’ve always thought Penguin Cafe Orchestra’s “Air à Danser” would be my exit music. It captures the way I feel about death—neither somber nor joyful about it; it’s just transitioning for others who you leave behind.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Right now, I’d say Bob Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde. I have a lot of good memories with this album that have recently been resurfacing. My mom and I would listen to this album on drives. I listen to and am influenced by so much music that this answer will likely change by next week.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
Nick Lowe’s “I Read a Lot.” Russ Tolman played it on the first airing of his recent radio show on KDRT. It struck a chord in me, and I had it on repeat for the rest of the night. I only share songs with people that strike me. Beautiful chord changes.
