Few bands in the Coachella Valley can match the power and intensity of Instigator. The band’s hard-hitting thrash sound and eccentric stage presence often lead to epic music performances that may just rob you of your hearing for a few hours. At the helm of Instigator is Mark Wadlund, whose electrifying lead lines and powerful vocal chords contribute to a mature sound, even though the group’s average age is 19. For more information, visit facebook.com/instigatorofficial or @Instigatorband on Instagram. Mark Wadlund is the latest to take the Lucky 13, here are his answers.
What was the first concert you attended?
AC/DC at Coachella when I was 15. I waited four hours to see them front row!
What was the first album you owned?
Rust in Peace by Megadeth. Still the best album I own.
What bands are you listening to right now?
I’ve got some Misfits, Def Leppard (the old, good stuff lol), Faith No More, and Extreme, among others.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
People being in the trend of fashion and looks over raw musical talent and performance. Drop the fucking look, and hone your craft. This would literally make the world a better place to enjoy (with) creative freedom and expression.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Pantera, hands down. I would give my legs to resurrect Dimebag and Vinnie Paul … just not my arms. HA HA HA HA!
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
Jaxon Fischer (Instigator rhythm guitar). I listen to various amounts of old school rap: Dr. Dre, NWA, Snoop Dogg, etc.
What’s your favorite music venue?
It depends: Locally or everywhere? Playing or watching? Generally, I’d say The Date Shed.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“I look around, my room is filled with candles. Each one a story, but they end the same,” “The Mission,” Queensrÿche.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
Megadeth. I heard “Holy Wars … The Punishment Due” when I was about 14 or 15, and I didn’t really know that it was possible to play guitar like that. I knew about guitar solos from Van Halen, but the riffs! The riffs of that song changed my life.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
I would ask Dave Mustaine how to resurrect the metal scene for the entire world. The world needs metal; the world needs a hero.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
“Sea of Red,” Judas Priest.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Peace Sells … but Who’s Buying? By Megadeth. I know I talk about Megadeth a lot, but this band changed/built my entire life.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
“The Laugh,” by Armored Saint. Outstanding song, outstanding musicianship, outstanding message. (Scroll down to hear it!)
