Originally from Southern California, Julio Pena has called Tucson home for six years. Host of “Hex Enduction Hours” on 91.3 FM KXCI, Best of Tucson® staff pick in 2012 and three hours of the best punk, post-punk, and noise-rock from the US/UK and beyond, every Thursday night/Friday a.m. from midnight to 3 a.m. Pena is also a Quizmaster for Geeks Who Drink at Trident Bar and Grill, Wednesdays at 8 p.m. and other venues on occasion. He’s also pursuing a marketing degree at the Eller School of Business.
What was the first concert you attended?
2004’s All Tomorrow’s Parties at the Long Beach Queen Mary. Got to see the Cramps put on an awesome set before the passing of vocalist Lux Interior.
What are you listening to these days?
My War by Black Flag, Powerslave by Iron Maiden, Kill from the Heart by the Dicks, OutRun by Kavinsky, and Random Access Memories by Daft Punk (like everybody else).
What was the first album you owned?
A pirated tape of the Spice Girls’ debut album. I was 12 and vacationing in Mexico when it was released; I needed my English language fix!
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don’t get? Ska. I have nothing against it in particular, I just … don’t … get it.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
The Minutemen, easily. D. Boon’s fire was extinguished too early by the Arizona desert.
Musically speaking, what is your favorite guilty pleasure? I feel no shame in divulging that I love Justin Timberlake’s solo records. You can tell he’s been listening to a lot of Shuggie Otis lately.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
The entirety of the Velvet Underground’s 1969 self-titled release. From “What Goes On” to “Jesus” and finally “After Hours,” that album captures a wide-array of emotions perfect for a memorial.
What band or artist changed your life, and how? Fugazi. Discovered the band senior year of high school and served as my introduction to punk.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Fun House by the Stooges. Best American rock.
This article appears in Jun 6-12, 2013.
I enjoy listening to “Hex Enducton Hours” but after reading this piece I would like to think that Mr. Pena might want to add a little more variety to his show, considering that he listens to all sorts of styles. I like the idea of hearing feedtime, Black Flag, and nomeansno followed up by the title track from Iron Maiden’s “Powerslave” release. Please leave out anything with Justin Timberlake though. Bring it Julio!
Maiden? Stay tuned, AZ/DC.
Maiden? Stay tuned, AZ/DC…
Julio: Too bad you missed ATP 2003. You missed the reformed Stooges debut. And the Minutemen. They just left out the guitar completely. It was intense.
Along with Mission of Burma and Sonic Youth. Just couldn’t make it out that year, sadly.
I did stay tuned Julio, and the show kicked ass! I would’ve contacted you direct but at the time I was in an area with no cellular service. It was cool though how you went a little out of your normal show, not that your normal show doesn’t have a lot of variety, but even more variety is great! I’m looking forward to next Friday morning, until then, I wish you nothing but the best.
P.S. If you’re in the mood, play The Tilts “Hot For Pizza” on your next show for me; your show is the only place I’ve ever even heard of it. Please make sure to do it after 1:45 though, sometimes I don’t have a chance to tune in until that late. Thanks, DC
Will do! Thanks for listening.