We all have heroes – performers and artists we’ve stayed up late into the night listening to and watching over and over. For many of us, it’s these legends and icons of music who inspire us to pursue musical careers of our own, and for that kind of life-changer, we’re eternally thankful. But what if we had the chance to live their life? Would we take it? Knowing everything we know about our favorite artists, would we want to say I WOKE UP THIS MORNIN’ and cashed it all in for a shot at walking in their shoes?
Six featured artists from this coming weekend’s amazing youbloomLA 2016 Music Summit and Festival tell us, in no uncertain terms, who, if anyone, they’d rather be if they WOKE UP THIS MORNIN’ and found another face staring back at them.
Gabbs Casanova, guitar & backing vox, Only on Tuesdays: ‘I would have to say Miles Davis. Not only is he one of the most amazing trumpet players to this day, but he was also a passionate and spiritual figure who refused to be pigeon-holed, which I find very inspiring. To me he represents an artist with great insight about life whose brilliant music and rejection of the status quo transformed not only jazz, but also genres like rock and fusion. It would be absolutely amazing to wake up and find out what it is like to be Miles Davis, even if just to play an improvised solo with the mastery that he did.’
Alfredo Lucero-Canaan, bass, Only on Tuesdays: ‘I would love to wake up as Joe Lally, the bass player from Fugazi, only because I would get to play with my favorite band of all time.’
Only On Tuesdays blend the very best elements of folk, indie and blues and bundle it all up into a shiny pop package that’s instantly catchy and smooth. The guitar playing is superb, going tête-à-tête with the impressive vocals as the tempo-perfect rhythm section rolls along beneath it all. It’ll be gorgeous live. For fans of: Lisa Loeb, Carla Bruni, The Growlers
Marcelo Loss, bass & vox, Banda Concreto: ‘I wanna be one of the biggest musicians in the world, Mr. Glenn Hughes. He is my hero – an amazing musician and a great singer as well.’
Insanely tasty heavy metal from four Brazilian rockers, reminiscent of the most fun headbang-worthy acts from the 80s, updated just the right amount for a contemporary audience. Wailing vocals, shredding guitar, machine gun drums – Banda Concreto has it all. Don’t miss them. For fans of: Iron Maiden, Saxon, Avenged Sevenfold
RickEy, keys, Of The Dark I Dare: ‘I would most want to be Quincy Jones because I can’t play trumpet and he can.’
Tribal beats meet soaring, soulful, dark vocals and stripped back and sultry electronic elements to create an exciting and unique sound that you can either dance or bliss out to. It’s earworm-worthy music that is going to sound incredible live. For fans of: Björk, MØ, Lamb
Kathleen Farless: ‘Freddie Mercury; he was an incredible performer, a brilliant singer-songwriter. I wish at least I could be half of his talent. He is really an inspiration and a huge influence on my music.’
Jagged beats, cabaret-inspired lyrics and rolling piano and bass make the perfect vehicles for Farless’ powerful, sweet vocals, at once tender yet inspiringly confident. With bulletproof composition and challenging arrangements, it’s seriously beautiful stuff.
For fans of: Corinne Bailey Rae, Rebecca Ferguson, Les Nubians
Erica Lulakwa: ‘I would want to be me. In life one never knows what really goes around or what other big artist goes through in their life. So I would want to be me and be an icon of my own.’
Synthy and infectious, Tanzanian-born Erica Lulakwa’s music is a funky, friendly take on Afropop, blending in elements of dance and gospel to make something totally new. True to form, African polyrhythms set the meter, as enchantingly atmospheric sounds swirl around and Erica’s voice cuts through like a crystal. For fans of: Sade, Yemi Alade, Sia Tolno
What do you think? What if you WOKE UP THIS MORNIN’ and saw another face? Who’s rock’n’roll mug would you want staring back?
