Angel Vega is a Southern California singer, songwriter, guitarist, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist who performs solo as RubbaSoul and fronts the 80s powerhouse rock tribute band Headbangers Ball.

In this episode of The SoCal Setlist, Angel talks about growing up in Orange County, discovering guitar after one of his brother’s friends played a Batman riff, and later teaching himself through YouTube videos, tabs, classic rock songs, and a lot of trial and error. Early influences included Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Eagles, and the heavier bands that made him want to pick up an electric guitar — Megadeth, Metallica, and Slayer.

Angel also shares how he got started playing in bands, from garage rock and surf-inspired original music in San Marcos to the thrash metal project Xypher after moving to Murrieta. Along the way, he played ho ...