I’ve watched several of Sleazy Cortez’s recent performances—and the band keeps getting better and better. While Derek Timmons handles bass and vocal duties, Nick Hales plays a mean guitar, and his solos are actually quite impressive. For more information on Sleazy Cortez, visit sleazycortez.bandcamp.com. Hales was kind enough to answer the Lucky 13; here are his answers.
What was the first concert you attended?
The first concert I remember attending was the Steve Miller Band at Fantasy (Springs) when I was 11 or 12. I totally met Brian Setzer in the front row without even knowing who he was at the time!
What was the first album you owned?
Nirvana’s Nevermind. It only took me a couple of weeks’ allowance, because I bought it new, like a dumbass.
What bands are you listening to right now?
Johnny Winter, Deftones, Spirit Caravan, Hendrix, Lamb of God, Destiny Potato, and Type O Negative. I’m all over the place lately.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
Most new rap and country, but I love old rap and old country.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Slipknot for sure. I’m still disappointed in myself for not seeing them yet.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
Oh, that would have to be Lana Del Rey.
What’s your favorite music venue?
I might have to say Pappy and Harriet’s outdoor stage. The sound is always balanced, and your ears won’t bleed afterward.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“In this great future, you can’t forget your past,” “No Woman No Cry,” Bob Marley.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
AC/DC, Black Sabbath and Tenacious D. They were the reasons I started playing guitar.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
To Billy Joe Armstrong: “Do you have the time to listen to me whine?”
What song would you like played at your funeral?
Nine Inch Nails, “Heresy.”
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
If I gotta pick one, it might be Queen’s A Night at the Opera. I’ve got my Top 5 for every genre, though.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
“Backwoods Woman” by Sleazy Cortez. Listen at sleazycortez.bandcamp.com or on Spotify. (Or scroll down to hear it.)