A former booker at Club Congress, Dan Hernandez is a talent buyer at Stateside Presents. He spends his Tuesday nights hosting bingo at the Auld Dubliner, and his Thursday nights hosting Opti Club at Club Congress.
What was the first concert you attended?
I saw Menudo when I was, like, 4 years old, and my older sisters were very excited about it. The first show I saw on my own was F.Y.P at the Tempe Bowl in '95. I got hit in the head with a microphone.
What are you listening to these days?
Twin Shadow, Confess; the Sheryl's Magnetic Aura EP; Cursive, Domestica; LCD Soundsystem, Sound of Silver; Jaill, Traps.
What was the first album you owned?
When I was 3 or 4, I had Michael Jackson's Thriller album and played it on a Mickey Mouse turntable. I also owned a red-plastic swap-meet knockoff M.J. zipper jacket that I wore every day.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don't get?
GG Allin.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
The Smiths.
Musically speaking, what is your favorite guilty pleasure?
The last song to get stuck in my head was "Kiss From a Rose" by Seal. So good, and the Batman Forever video is pretty awesome, too.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
"Pour Out a Little Liquor" by Tupac.
What band or artist changed your life, and how?
I had a religious relative give me a mixtape of Christian music when I was 10-ish, and it was the only thing my parents let me listen to. In the middle of it, they put "Everyday Is Like Sunday" by Morrissey. (Did they even listen to the song?!) It was a sad, lonely song, a beacon of light.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
If I knew I was going to die, I would try to spend time listening to Neutral Milk Hotel's In the Aeroplane Over the Sea with everyone I have ever loved.
