Matt Elliott came to Tucson from Springfield, Ill., in 1991 to attend the University of Arizona. After receiving his bachelor's degree, he decided to stay, and has been living downtown ever since. He has been DJing on and off for 15 years, and currently spins at Better Days, a vinyl-only dance party with Ben Beshaw, the first Thursday of the month at Vaudeville.
What was the first concert you ever saw?
I got dragged to a lot of concerts by my aunts, mostly '70s rock and country. The first concert that I wanted to see was the Thompson Twins with Berlin at the Illinois State Fair in 1984.
What are you listening to these days?
Disco, '80s synth-pop and Italo-disco—the no-hit wonders of the time, like Geraldine Hunt, "Can't Fake the Feeling"; Pineapples, "Come on Closer"; and Dharma, "Plastic Doll."
What was the first album you owned?
The Flash Gordon soundtrack by Queen.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don't get?
Lady Gaga and The Beatles. I love their styles and politics, but the music just doesn't resonate with me.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Well, I would have loved to have heard Larry Levan spin at the Paradise Garage, or Ron Hardy spin at the Music Box in the '80s.
Musically speaking, what is your favorite guilty pleasure?
My musical taste in general is my guilty pleasure! Well ... I can't get that Katy Perry "Teenage Dream" out of my head!
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
Stan Getz and João Gilberto's version of "Aguas de Marco" from the '70s, or "The Wind Beneath My Wings" if Tom Waits ever covered it. Will and Luke from the Red Room have to tend bar.
What band or artist changed your life, and how?
Depeche Mode, hands-down! They provided a perfect soundtrack for a depressed, closeted teen! I'm still that teen.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Depeche Mode, Violator, I guess, but don't hold me to that.
