Reggae, rock and funk all combine when it comes to the sounds of local band Lizano. Their-genre shifting sounds can please any music or dancing fan; the group’s two singles, “Satisfied” and “Us vs Them,” emanate a psychedelic groovy concoction. The band is performing at The Alpine at Record Street Brewing, 324 E. Fourth St. in Reno, on Wednesday, June 15, supporting other reggae acts like Through the Roots and Likkle Jordee. Tickets are $16 in advance at www.recordstreetbrewing.com. Jay Hatchett is the vocalist/guitarist for Lizano; learn more at www.facebook.com/LizanoBand.
What was the first concert you attended?
My dad was actually a drummer and played in a ton of funk and jazz bands when I was a kid, but besides going to his shows, I think my first real big show was Asking Alexandria when I was maybe 12 or 13.
What was the first album you owned?
Jimi Hendrix, Electric Ladyland.
What bands are you listening to right now?
I have been gutted over the recent loss of Andy Chaves, so I’ve been bumping a lot of Katastro. I’ve also been listening to a lot of RHCP, Ballyhoo! For the Win, Settle Your Scores, and John Mayer. Kind of all over the place.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
I guess I would have to say dubstep. I can appreciate it for what it is, but I’m just not into it.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Man, that’s a tough one, I’m such a huge fan of all the old-school greats. Queen would be insane. Bob Marley, Pink Floyd, Michael Jackson, Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana and Stevie Ray Vaughan are all definitely on the list.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
I mean … more cowbell always! Ha ha.
What’s your favorite music venue?
Red Rocks (Amphitheatre). I think it’s every musician’s dream to play there, and it also is crazy iconic; 9,000 people in that rock canyon amphitheater is insane. To sell that out is the dream for sure.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
It probably would have to be a lyric from one of the recent single releases “Us vs Them”: “Did you ever make it out of that town alive? Just remember slow it down you gotta take your time.” People have been telling us how much they resonate with the lyric line lately, and I always loved that part of the song.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
Definitely Jimi Hendrix. Everything I do as a guitar player has been influenced by his playing style and approach. I remember hearing Hendrix for the first time and just thinking, “Man, I’ve gotta be able to play like that; that is the best guitar playing I’ve ever heard.”
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
Man, that’s tough. I would have to say Hendrix again. The question would have to be: “Where do you find songwriting inspiration? How do you explore writing music toward that idea, and did you ever think you would become the standard for guitar players, inspiring countless generations?”
What song would you like played at your funeral?
I wrote a song for my three girls called “Sunflower Seeds.” It would be cool to have them send me off with something I wrote to express how much love I have for them.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Definitely Electric Ladyland by Jimi Hendrix, and Stadium Arcadium by RHCP. Those two albums really changed the way I thought about playing music.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
Hmm, I think this is a place for some shameless self-promotion. Go listen to our two latest singles, “Us vs Them” or “Satisfied,” by Lizano. We poured our hearts and souls into this record, and we hope everyone can feel that.
