Native Tucsonan and former Tucson Weekly intern and contributor Aleksa Brown has two passions: music and fashion. She graduated from the UA School of Journalism in December and has been working at the downtown Buffalo Exchange since it opened. A live-music fanatic, Aleksa once aspired to be the purple Fanta girl and is currently planning her escape to New York City at the end of the summer.
What was the first concert you ever saw?
Sugar Ray in 2001. I thought I was so cool in my glittery (and homemade) "I heart Mark" shirt. Oh, the shame!
What are you listening to these days?
Warpaint, Beach House, Tegan and Sara, Cults and, always, The Beatles.
What was the first album you owned?
Spice Girls, Spice.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem tolove, but you just don't get?
At the risk of sounding archaic, I'm going to say digital music. My iPod broke last year, and it was the best thing that ever happened, because I discovered vinyl.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Elliott Smith. And Prince, because when I saw him in 2008, he didn't play "Raspberry Beret." I need to hear that song live.
Musically speaking, what is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." So good.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
The Verve, "Bitter Sweet Symphony," complete with a live orchestra.
What band or artist has changed your life, and how?
I've seen Calexico perform live more times than I can count, but every time, it gives me the chills. Their music is so Tucson, and I love it.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Weezer's blue album. It makes me super nostalgic, and the songs are so damn catchy!
