Robotic Humans laid low for a period of time, but the band re-emerged in March, opening for The Sweat Act at The Hood Bar and Pizza. The members have been sharing videos of themselves doing some recording—which means there’s hopefully new material on the way. For more information, visit www.robotichumans.bandcamp.com and www.facebook.com/robotichumansofficial. Frontman Joey Zendejas was kind enough to answer the Lucky 13; here are his answers.
What was the first concert you attended?
The first concert I attended was in 2000 at the Staples Center. I was 10 years old and saw U2. Damian Marley opened up for them.
What was the first album you owned?
Linkin Park, Hybrid Theory.
What bands are you listening to right now?
Rammstein, Gojira, Berner, Animals as Leaders, Intervals, and Viza.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
Today’s rap scene. Lil Yachty, 6ix9ine and any rapper doing that same stuff just makes me want to vomit. I grew up listening to gangsta rap and actually grew up in the streets with gangsters in Coachella.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
I really want to see Animals as Leaders live.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
I’ve been a huge Berner fan for some time now. This dude keeps it real and humble—no bullshit. Wiz Khalifa, Snoop and Dr. Dre are some others.
What’s your favorite music venue?
I don’t have one yet.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
Rammstein’s new song “Radio”: “Radio, mein radio, ich lass’ mich in den äther saugen meine ohren werden augen.”
What band or artist changed your life? How?
There were a few that really got things moving for me. I once had this neighbor named Manuel who played in a band called Kimica X. He introduced me to bands like Dream Theater, Megadeth, Sepultura and local legends, the Ramos brothers, George and Brian. I was like 11 or 12. These local players were on a level I never thought was possible at the time. Manuel’s band would always be practicing across the street in his garage. I’d sit outside my house and watch and listen to them play Ozzy covers and other stuff. “Bark at the Moon” is one they always played! Having to opportunity to be around these musicians had a major impact on my life and playing style. System of a Down and Dream Theater were huge influences when I was starting to learn how to play the guitar. Gojira is another big influence for me. I can’t forget Niccolo Paganini—the world’s first shredder!
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
Asking Berner: “Can you hook me up with some of your clones?”
What song would you like played at your funeral?
“Happy” by Pharrell Williams and “Shooting Stars” by Bag Raiders. After that, people can play the songs that remind them of me, I guess.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Man, that’s a tough question to answer. There are so many great albums in the world. I can happily listen to Gojira’s Magma album all day. It’s so fucking good.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
“Faded” by Berner and B-Real, featuring Snoop Dogg and Vital. (Scroll down to hear it.)
