Degas Lopez is part of a noted musical family: Her father has been in a number of Tucson bands, most notably The Dusty Chaps. Her cousin, Leila Lopez, is a local folksinger who last week won the Tucson Area Music Award for the year's Best New Release.
What was the first concert you ever saw?
My dad and uncle were in a local band, Los Lasers. They played at Cushing Street Bar and Restaurant every New Year's Eve. My mom always took me to see them (starting when) I was around 4 or 5.
What are you listening to these days?
I listen to a lot of Motown, blues and '60s girl groups, like The Ronettes. And I don't think I'll ever get tired of The Avett Brothers.
What was the first album you owned?
I used to filch my uncle's CDs—I took a lot of his Beach Boys, Beatles and Paul Simon albums and pretended they were mine. But I think the first thing I legally owned was Boyz II Men, II, on cassette.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don't get?
I can't stand reggae. It makes me feel like I'm gonna spontaneously combust.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
The Beatles. Even with two members performing from beyond the grave, it'd be amazing.
Musically speaking, what is your favorite guilty pleasure?
I don't think anyone should feel guilty about music that brings him/her joy. There are enough terrible things happening in the world as it is without feeling bad about, say, occasionally listening to Britney Spears.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
Andrew Jackson Jihad, "Rejoice."
What band or artist changed your life, and how?
Fiona Apple's Tidal was one of the first albums I feel like I discovered without any outside influence from my parents. Finding something to love on my own was empowering.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Keeping You Safe, an album of songs about child safety by firefighter/country-music crooner James David Kates. Safety isn't just for kids anymore.
