What is your name and role within the band?
My name is David Pacheco co-founder of Thee Commons. I play guitar, sing and write songs for the band.
How did you start?
We started like most bands do…in the womb. Our mother said she could feel us head-banging in her belly. I came out with a little afro singing “Mi Cucu” by Sonora Dinamita. My brother came out with a cowbell and a mini blunt in his mouth (already lit).
Where are you based?
We are based out of East Los Angeles, where the “eloteros” are abundant, ice cream trucks roam the streets freely, and on Sunday morning we wake up to the yell of “Taaaaaa-maaaaaa-les” from the local peddler.
Please give an example of your music writing process?
I usually eat a torta and sip on a “Jamaica” (hibiscus tea) for inspiration. I then proceed to lock myself up in my room and have “Nacho Libre” playing in the background as I pluck around on the guitar and let the “menudo” muses inspire me.
What are you working on right now?
Currently we’re working on a Cumbia Opera. Can’t share too many details about that though.
What is your gear setup?
I use a Squier Jazzmaster with a Mastery Bridge. The bridges that come with regular jazzmasters are terrible. For pedals I use an MXR Micro Amp, Boss Super Overdrive, and an Aquapuss pedal. My brother, the drummer uses a Cocktail Drum kit with an emphasis on the first syllable of Cocktail.
What do you like to do outside of music and does it affect your music?
I like to take long walks on the beach, nap, eat pizza and watch episodes of “Freaks and Greeks. The influence of these hobbies is incomparable, especially the long walks on the beach. It makes our music extra sandy.
How would you describe your music genre?
Psychedelic Cumbia Punk
Do you know any music theory?
Yeah, I took a crash course at our local community college and dropped out after about 4 1/2 weeks. Once I saw the matrix I was out! Our bassist is a music major so he teaches us a thing or two every now and then.
What are your plans for the future?
U.S.A. Tour and hopefully a tour of Mexico and Europe!
How did you get into music?
It all started with Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys and Nsync for us…oh and bootleg compilation CD’s we would buy at the swapmeet.
What are you listening to at the moment?
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard!!!!
Who are your top 5 influences and icons?
King Gizzard, James Brown, The Doors, our Parents, and good Whiskey.
When are you playing next?
Our next show is 6/30 at the Constellation Room in Santa Ana.
Please feel free to include any extra info.
Our new album “Paleta Sonora” features 16 songs. It will be released digitally and on CD via Cosmica Records, on vinyl via our own label Tropa Magica, and on Cassette via Burger Records.