Tucson has started to adopt a new slogan thanks to Ernesto Vega, one of the masterminds behind the "Keep Tucson Party" T-shirt you might see around town. The DJ was born in Mesa, Arizona, in 1982, but has lived in "Tuc-Town" since 1985. You can catch the resident party animal at Flycatcher for Holla every Saturday, La Cocina for NUNU every third Friday, and 'Keep Tucson Party' with Dan Hernandez at an undisclosed location near you.
What was the first concert you attended?
Santana at the Fairgrounds with my parents. I forget the year, early or mid '90s. It was the first time I encountered hippies.
What are you listening to these days?
B L A C K I E, Pharmakon, Lust For Youth, Trust, Juan Soto, Sd Laika, Lil Ugly Mane, and Kate Tempest.
What was the first album you owned?
Naughty by Nature's self-titled cassette. Totes bootleg from the Swap Meet.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don't get?
People my age who are still using commercial radio to hear "new" music. Hopefully, they'll accidentally tune to 91.3 KXCI FM one night, and hear something they'll actually like.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
The Knife's Silent Shout tour. But I still have a chance to see Pet Shop Boys!
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
I would say New Age. It makes me feel funny.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
M83, "Safe."
What artist changed your life and how?
No artists in particular, but a radio station. 91.3 KXCI changed my life. It was 1996 when I accidentally tuned to 91.3 and heard "Mr. Pete's Hip Hop Ride."
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Cannibal Ox - The Cold Vein (Sorry Eric Meyer).
