Interview with Leafar Seyer of PRAYERS
PRAYERS exploded onto the music scene a few years ago with a new sound and concept that crystallized something that's been brewing below the surface for decades-- Cholo-Goth. Drawing from bands like Joy Division, Ministry, and Depeche Mode, Leafar Seyer and PRAYERS create a unique sound, visual presentation, and ethos that blends Gothic influences with Seyer's experience as a Southern California gang member. The band recently released a new video (see below) featuring collaborator Travis Barker, and will perform at the Coachella Music Festival in April.
Favorite taco spot?
Pokez mexican restaurant in San Diego California. It's my family's restaurant, they'll kill me if I don't say it's my favorite. The restaurant has been in my family for over 20 years. My favorite taco there is the tofu potato mushroom taco a.k.a the TPM taco.
The latest video from PRAYERS "Drugs" produced by Travis Barker, and directed by Daniel Cordero.
What does it mean to be a gothic cholo?
Everything and nothing it depends on who you are asking and both are valid answers. To me chologoth is an identity. We are the ones who the outcasts rejected. We are the embodiment of what it truly means to be an outsider. We walk between two worlds and in it we find our own path. We are the foundation for what's coming.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My Father Alfonso el Rey de los Reyes. He came to the United States illegally without knowing a single soul and without knowing how to read or write he created an empire. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't be the warrior that is here today fighting for self-liberation.
What is your dream car?
I already own my dream car and it's a truck. It's the 1958 Apache that appears in our music video for our song Gothic Summer.
If you could design your own theme park, what would it have?
It would have pyramids and temples it would celebrate different cultures. But more importantly it would honor the greatest outcast of all times the all-encompassing and beneficent scapegoat Lucifer. Not the Devil, not satan, not baphomet but Lucifer!
What do you wish L.A. had that San Diego has?
I don't like to compare places or people. Both cities are great. I only look for the great in people or things. California love on mine.
Are you excited to play Coachella?
Yes we are but probably not as much as they are.... I am known as the dethroner of kings and that's exactly what I am going to do in Coachella.
When and where were you most happy?
In the arms of my mother.
What song is your entrance music? Funeral?
Entrance song: "self control" by Laura Branigan. Funeral song: "goodbye horses" by Q. Lazzarus.
Do you have a lucky number?
My lucky numbers are 1913.
When PRAYERS started to take off, what was the biggest change in your life?
Everything and everyone around me changed but i haven't.
Complete this sentence: We're living in the golden age of ___________.
"self-entitlement."
Time for Shoutouts...
Shout out to my family the REYES CLAN. Shout to all the homies from the big Sherman Gang. My team Undocumented Management. Travis Barker, Skinhead Rob, Dj Klever, Kennedy Jones, shlohmo, Wesley Eisold, Adam Bravin, Gabriel Apodaca, kenny Ochoa, Bryan Ray, Gavin Filipiak, Charles Parker, Branden Powers, Christian Death, Majesty Black, Vice magazine, Goldenvoice for rocking with us since day one. The high priestess Lisa Derrick and the right hand of God my soulmate Dave Parley.
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