Category Archives: Peachy Q&A

Brand New Talk: Duh Cripe for youryoungbody

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Brooklyn

Dark wave electro duo, youryoungbody, has stolen many a heart since their inception less than a year ago. Their fusion of gothic orchestral beats and subfuscous vocal melodies paint an aural picture in blues and greens of the ghosts of beautiful women or dying in a dream. Stylistically similar to some of the greatest acts in the business—recent Crystal Castles, Purity Ring, Grimes—upon first listen, it’s not difficult to discern how the budding young band has swiftly garnered critical praise. Coming from vastly different backgrounds, producer Killian Brom is a sound designer for video games, while singer, Duh Cripe, used to be a folky singer/songwriter. Somehow the pairing has led to magic, with Duh’s ethereal mezzo-soprano giving context to Killian’s sprawling production.

youryoungbody’s nearly immediate success is indicative of a greater trend that’s sweeping Seattle. More and more local groups are cropping up that fall into the dark side of electronica. Crypts, Nightmare Fortress, and most of the No Sleep roster signify the emergence of a micro scene that caters to fans who crave a gothic feel. “I think we are all drawn to darkness,” says Duh, “but I like tunnels with a light at the end.” This statement is an excellent metaphor for youryoungbody’s sound overall; it’s dark and pensive, and hopeful at the same time. While each group within this microcosm offers something slightly different from the next, when taken as a whole there is a sense of cohesion. “I totally think there is a demand here for more dark electronic music,” Duh explains, “The scene combines fashion, music, and art to make a spectacle. It’s beautiful and needs to constantly be recreated over and over and over again.”

Perhaps it’s our dreary weather, or perhaps our high concentration of big brains within this city, but this emotionally visceral dance music seems to transcend the boundaries of place and time. youryoungbody is just as great when experienced through headphones while walking alone as it is blasted through big speakers with the volume turned to eleven. It carries with it an unpretentious intelligence and a frenzied sense of spontaneity, made whole by calculated execution. Their live performances are intensely high energy, with Duh invoking the spirit of Poly Styrene and Siouxsie Sioux, despite a serious case of stage fright. “The second the music starts and the mic is in my hand, I feel like someone is holding a knife to my throat,” she says, “People always tell me I look pissed off on stage but I am just counting the minutes until it’s all over.” It’s these subtle contradictions that make youryoungbody so interesting, and make their music so inviting.

youryoungbody will be playing the Vera stage at Capitol Hill Block Party this year, a set that is truly not to be missed. A fashion merchandising student and vintage sales associate by day, Duh took the time to answer our questions for the latest installment of Brand New Talk. Read on to find out how this aspiring fashionista takes her look from the streets to the stage.

How would you describe your day to day style?

My day to day style is hard to define. Its often a mixture of whatever I have laying on the floor and a recent purchase I have been dying to wear. I am often shopping and swapping out clothes in my closet. Its important to stay fresh, and never wear anything too much.

Is there a difference between what you wear everyday and what you wear on stage? What is the difference?

There really isn’t a difference. Its not too uncommon for me to walk out of the house to get groceries in heels and a wig. I enjoy living in my own little fashion bubble.

What is your process for styling for performances?

Typically I try and fit the aesthetic of the band. I try to find a balance between Killian’s style and mine (but every once in awhile I go over the top).

How has your style evolved since the band first began?

Definitely, I think I got less worried about looking like a nutcase and just started to accept that I am one.

Who’s style inspires you, who are some of your fashion icons?

I try not to get too much inspiration from current musicians or actress, you can start recreating that person in your own style and I prefer individuality. I try and study history and its fashion rather than current style icons.

What are some of your favorite pieces from your own wardrobe?

Hmmm…that’s a tough question. I have some fun pieces but since I am constantly collecting, I cant keep track of it all. My favorite pieces are my staple items. Great fitting black pants, vintage bras and comfortable heels (yes, they exist).

If you could go on a shopping spree anywhere on the planet, a.) Where would you go? b.) What stores would you go to? c.) Who would you bring with you? d.) What is at least one item you definitely be shopping for?

I think any fashion obsessed girl like myself would go to Paris. I’d probably bring Anna Dello Russo with me and we would just chit chat about Marc Jacobs and all the Euro pop we can’t get enough of. Stores wouldn’t be necessary…if were going to Paris, I am visiting Karl personally. Now, that’s a shopping spree!

(Photo credits in order of appearance: Kendall Paulson; unknown; Haley McLain; Bebe Besch; Nina Toy)
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Brand New Talk: Prom Queen

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Brooklyn

Smoldering like a summer fling, the 60′s inspired, vintage rock ‘n’ roll of Prom Queen is like the soundtrack to a good Tarantino flick. It’s music for muscle cars, leather jackets, fast chicks, and desert sunsets. Attacking the style with utter perfection, the cinematic narratives delivered by Celene Ramadan (the band’s one and only member) invoke the spirit of Nancy Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Françoise Hardy, and Dolly Parton. Completely committed, Celene’s voice emotes with powerful conviction, transporting listeners back to an era of exploitation films and pulp magazines.

With elements of surf rock and psychedelia fusing with the warm fuzz of a worn guitar, Prom Queen seems to come from a completely different planet than the frenetic 8-Bit music Celene makes as Leeni. “8-bit (or chiptune) sounds are only a small sliver of the sounds that inspire me,” she says, “I’m inspired by all kinds of styles and I wanted to start making some of them. I don’t consider myself to be a one genre person. As a listener and appreciator of music, I listen to a vast variety. My moods change with the seasons and it’s nice to have new sonic colours to listen to. It’s been interesting, the similarities and differences between my two projects. It makes me feel like two different people, but I like that. I like having different soundscapes to play with and to be able to write a lyric and say ‘oh, that’s a Leeni lyric,’ or ‘this is definitely a Prom Queen song,’ and have a way to sort through my ideas, essentially. Not that those two are the only two styles I plan on doing. I love all kinds of music and I plan on making more varieties as long as I live.”

Celene taught herself how to produce and record vintage rock music when she joined forces with Jon-Michael Kerestes to form Romeo + Juliet, which was a project the two developed entirely via email. However, playing around with lots of different instruments and styles isn’t new to Celene. Largely self-taught, the multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire can expertly play the piano, the guitar, the oboe, and the Game Boy, as well as create professional sounding beats using Garage Band, of all things. The icing on the cake is her beautiful voice, traipsing between styles ranging from jazz and classical to pop and rock.

Part of the Prom Queen package is the image Celene projects when she performs. With big flowing hair, tendrils of dark curls dance around the delicate neckline of a vintage prom dress. A bright pink guitar crosses her waistline. The visual aesthetic serves to reinforce the sounds coming from the stage, but this is not a character performance, nor is it a novelty act. “It is a stylistically decisive act,” Celene explains, “but not novelty, as it is sincere. I am a person who is very decisive and likes to go all the way with something and still try to find ways to make it my own. Ultimately, I never sat down and sketched out what this would be, I just wrote what I felt like writing and produced it the way I wanted it to sound. I aim to write the music that I myself search for in hopes it exists, but it doesn’t. Yet.”

To behold this breathtaking audio/visual experience, join Prom Queen at Vito’s on May 11th at 9PM (for free!). She will be accompanied live by Ben Von Wildenhaus on guitar and Tom Meyers on drums, however the strings, vibes, timpanis, percussion, organs, etc. found on the recordings will be delivered via backing track, ensuring that the sound quality Celene has worked so hard to achieve is vibrantly maintained. “They have a scratchy, old quality to them that would be difficult to re-create live,” she says. The May 11th show will be the last chance to see Prom Queen play live until August, as Celene is heading back into the studio to work on a new record. Until then, keep reading on to see what Celene had to say when Seattle Peach had a few little fashion questions for her for Brand New Talk.

How would you describe your day to day style?

Pretty practical, unfortunately. Head to toe Lululemon on most days. I am pretty active and my transportation is either running, taking the bus or riding on the back of my boyfriend’s motorcycle: all of those things are enemies to fancier attire. But, it really makes the times when I can dress up feel really special.

Is there a difference between what you wear everyday and what you wear on stage? What is the difference?

Big difference! On stage, I wear a prom dress, heels, big hair, lashes. It’s all sparkle and glamour. At home/during the day, I am pretty understated and casual.

What is your process for styling for performances?

I have a rotating collection of vintage prom dresses that I wear. I’m usually more in the mood to wear one versus another of them. Then I style everything else to match the dress. It’s pretty simple, and it doesn’t take me much time at all. I’ve gotten my hair routine down to under 5 minutes!

How has your style evolved since the band first began?

It’s evolved most in the hair department. I’ve always worn prom dresses for the shows but I didn’t really grasp the brilliance of a well styled wig until much later. I saw the light. In the beginning, with Prom Queen, I really wanted there to be some androgyny to the outfit. I wanted to get someone to design me this hybrid outfit that was a prom dress with a tux jacket and cummerbund and kind of wear a men’s and woman’s prom outfit at the same time, cause I think it suits me. I’m not much of a girly girl, and my music also reflects a masculinity at times. I haven’t abandoned the idea of that outfit, actually I should probably get on getting that made soon.

Who’s style inspires you, who are some of your fashion icons?

My fashion icons are actually the same as my music icons: Debbie Harry, Francoise Hardy, Brigitte Bardot, Nancy Sinatra, Amy Winehouse, Marina and the Diamonds, … and Beyonce.

 

What are some of your favorite pieces from your own wardrobe?

I love all of my prom dresses, but in particular I have a long sleeve mint green dress that I think is just beautiful. The whole top of the dress is sequined and sparkly and then the skirt part is flowy and airy.

If you could go on a shopping spree anywhere on the planet, a.) Where would you go? b.) What stores would you go to? c.) Who would you bring with you? d.) What is at least one item you definitely be shopping for?

1968 Paris with Mick Jagger. For scarves.

Photo credits in order of appearance: Wittypixel Photography; Wittypixel Photography; Rodel Casio; Tony Tibbets; Tony Tibbets
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Brand New Talk: Fly Moon Royalty

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Seattle Peach

Making their sonic connection through time spent at a day job, Fly Moon Royalty has been making massive moves in the Seattle music scene since they got together just a few years ago in 2010. Seattle native, Miss Adra Boo, and Michigan transplant, Mike Sylvester (aka Action Jackson), have been honored in Seattle Magazine as one of the best local bands in town, KEXP has featured one of their tracks as “Song Of The Day,” and the duo has played every major music festival in the state of Washington. If, as their moniker suggests, these two are shooting for the moon, the moon is well within their grasp.

It wasn’t until these two joined forces that the smooth and soulful hip hop that would help define Fly Moon Royalty’s sound came together. Before teaming up, both artists were in groups that would be better categorized under the synth or dance pop label. Originally, Mike and Adra made music like trades, swapping beats for vocals between their separate groups, until they finally created an original track that was all their own. “Android Love” was born, and set the tone for Fly Moon Royalty’s melodic mentality. Combining classic ideas with futuristic tendencies, the group’s danceable grooves are part neo-60′s soul, part modern-day realness.

It was the early days of hip-hop music that led multi-instrumentalist, Action Jackson, to production, picking up his first set of turn tables in 1998 and teaching himself how to DJ. Once he got to college, things got serious when he entered into his school’s music program with very little experience with actual musical education. “I had no idea what middle C was,” he says. His focus was in engineering, and despite choosing percussion as his applied instrument, it was the piano that really grabbed him, and the combo has led to a beautiful mind for production. Using an MPC 2000, Mike has developed a style that is all his own, and as it turns out, the perfect compliment to Adra’s incredible voice.

Performance is just in Adra’s bones, in her guts, in her soul. Coming from a family full of musicians, this girl was bred to use melody as freely as one breathes. “My late grandma sang in the house,” she says, “my mom sings, all my uncles were in bands, played drums or guitars, and they rapped and sang all the time. Sometimes, when we all get together, we just start going off on some old school song and everybody goes in.” With strong roots in the theater community (Miss Boo even sports a tattoo of the logo of the youth theater she was involved in growing up), Adra treats the stage as her living room and the audience as her guests. She is casual, and strong, and so confidently herself. To see Fly Moon Royalty live is to truly know the raw tenderness of their music. Unbridled and booming from behind a sassy smirk, Adra’s lyrics are melodic confessionals, drawing strength from her vulnerability.

Since joining the Sportn’ Life Records family in 2011, it’s been nothing but good things for this amazing twosome, and there is no sign that the pace is slowing down any time soon. ”We are all focused on taking this as far as we absolutely can,” Mike says, “I’ll let Adra fantasize about the limos and champagne.” See Fly Moon Royalty tear the roof off of Nectar on Friday, March 15th. The show is 21+ and tickets are on available online or at Nectar’s box office. Until then, you can get their full-length record and much more on Bandcamp.

Mike and Adra were nice enough to answer a little Q&A for Brand New Talk. Read on to get the dirt on how these kids have such fly style.

How would you describe your day to day style?

Adra: I only think about hair, really, haha!! Blonde.. or Blonde!!
Mike: Mmmmm… A blend of flavors. Maybe street wear of the early 90s mixed with dapper old black man mixed with British tweed mixed with French Canadian fur trapper.(but in a nice blend). I don’t want to dress like anyone else. Lots of people find comfort in dressing like others to blend in but I fucking can’t stand that. That’s fine for other people the thought of doing it myself make me nauseous.

Is there a difference between what you wear everyday and what you wear on stage? What is the difference?

Adra: On stage, I wanna look like we’re about to party, and I wanna flex my sexy, real tough!! Day to day, I’m more into leggings and cottons.
Mike: It’s not that different. We have flavor and style with everything we do Fly Moon related, so I just maintain our image. Luckily our image is true to my own style.

What is your process for styling for performances?

Adra: Me and Mike end up matching colors most times… prolly a sign that we’re on the same page, and its never purposeful. I just want to be on his level mostly. He’s a stylish dude!
Mike: I just wanna feel fly in what I’m wearing. If I’m comfortable and confident, it makes for a better show.

How has your style evolved since the band first began?

Adra: I dressed more like a cabaret host because those were the pieces I owned. Now, I know my comfort level… and I know what looks good on me, and what makes my shit get amped up!
Mike: Well, we’ve been photographed so much over the past 2-3 years, so you get to see how you REALLY look on stage. Sometimes you’re like “damn, that looks like shit. I won’t be wearing that again.” Style is an evolution. My style has been a work in progress over many years of trial and error and ballin’ on a budget. But it’s always been “Me”.

Whose style inspires you, who are some of your fashion icons?

Adra: Hm… I don’t really have an answer for this one. I take what I love from whoever… most times, I just go with my own feelings.
Mike: I cannot think of one.

What are some of your favorite pieces from your own wardrobe?

Adra: I love these leopard boots, though I rarey wear them… I also rock a dope leopard printed everything!!
Mike: My hats–it’s all about how you wear your hat. Shoes–you can tell a lot about a person by their shoes.

If you could go on a shopping spree anywhere on the planet, a.) Where would you go? b.) What stores would you go to? c.) Who would you bring with you? d.) What is at least one item you definitely be shopping for?

Adra: a.) BROOKLYN… and maybe Houston. Also Italy. b.) I wouldn’t know where to start!!  c.) ALL MY GIRLS… especially Mama’Boo!!  d.) Boots and fitted everything, obviously, hahaha!
Mike: a.) New York b.) Shoe Boutiques and the like. c.) Solo mission (I don’t want anyone copping the same thing). d.) Dope hats, fly kicks.

(Photo credits in order of appearance: Janae Jones; Hayley Young; still from “Lemonade”music video, directed by The Note; Jack Newton; Janae Jones)
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Brand New Talk: Tennessee Rose of Cap Lori

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Seattle Peach

The music that pours out of fresh faced darling, Tennesse Rose, is decidedly more dismal than one might expect upon first glance. As solo artist, Cap Lori, she is mesmerizingly sorrowful, full of fuzz and dreary chord progressions. Avant Geek, her full-length record released in November, captures a pensive, melancholic angst that grips you in your guts. It’s grungy shoegaze reminiscent of the 90′s–her 2009 release, Bored As A Beast, is the perfect imaginary soundtrack for a teenage misfit coming of age flick à la Foxfire or Welcome to the Dollhouse.

Tennessee’s roots in the Seattle music scene go deep, with a host of iconic characters from Murder City Devils, Pretty Girls Make Graves, and Triumph of Lethargy Skinned Alive to Death lending a hand on Bored As A Beast. Fluent in both Japanese and English, Cap Lori spends a fair amount of time touring overseas, following a similar path as her label mate and ex-husband, PWRFL Power. Her worldliness is obvious in her music–her themes and melodies mature beyond her years.

Young and full of promise, Cap Lori recently made the jump from Seattle to the much larger metropolis of Los Angeles. Before she skipped town, she was sweet enough to answer some fashion questions for Brand New Talk.

How would you describe your day to day style?

School girl + old lady. I like to wear short skirts and big collars as well as knitted clothing and dresses that look like something a grandma would wear. I recently got into bleaching my eyebrows and coloring them light pink which reminds me of old ladies I see who have slightly strange colored hair (grey or white with either light blue, violet, or pink tones). I always wonder if it’s on purpose or not.

Is there a difference between what you wear everyday and what you wear on stage? What is the difference?

For about three years, I was pretty much living on tour and ended up wearing whatever I had been wearing during the day most nights. More recently, I’ve been getting into the idea of dressing up more on stage. A lot of people who meet me through music think that my actual name is Cap Lori and I like the idea of Cap Lori being more of an alter ego. In future shows, I’d like to develop her more as a character through clothing.

What is your process for styling for performances?

No process really… I usually try to wear something that looks okay without shoes because I like to play without shoes. It helps me feel comfortable on stage for some reason.

How has your style evolved since the band first began?

I started playing under the name Cap Lori when I was about 14. I think mostly what’s changed since then is that I’ve become less concerned with just looking “good” and started to have more fun with dressing myself.

Whose style inspires you, who are some of your fashion icons?

First on the list is my beautiful mama, Coco Howard. Mama was always into dressing herself as an art form and went through a lot of great fashion fazes ever since my siblings and I were babies. She dressed like Frida Kahlo everyday for awhile with big Spanish style dresses, heavy jewelry, and paper flowers in her hair (with three toddlers in tow). She also went through a time where she wore glow in the dark snakes wound in her hair and big platform shoes. She always looks amazing.

When I was 17 I moved to Japan and was on tour a lot. During that time I got to meet a lot of people with really great fashion. I really liked how there were so many kids who didn’t seem to give a shit about how you were supposed to wear things.

Since I’ve been back in Seattle, I have a really great group of friends who have inspired me a lot with each of their fashion. It’s really great to have friends who I’m excited to see how they will look every day!

Also, Twiggy and Tavi Gevinson.

What are some of your favorite pieces from your own wardrobe?

I have a light green girl scout uniform from the 40′s and 50′s that I’ve been in love with lately. When I pair it with my light blue and pink platform shoes it makes it look a bit like a nurses uniform.

My ex-husband’s grandmother is really good at knitting and crocheting. While I was living with his family in the town Asahikawa in Hokkaido (Japan) she made me a really beautiful white crocheted sixties style dress with a short skirt and long sleeves.

Vintage beaded collars. I collect them (as well as vintage flower hats and veils). They are so pretty and I’m always on the look out for more.

If you could go on a shopping spree anywhere on the planet a.) where would you go b.) what stores would you go to c.) who would you bring with you d.) what is at least one item you’d definitely be shopping for?

a.) Tokyo! While I was in Japan I never had any money and was constantly being teased by all the great stores and fashion everywhere. One day I’d like to go back with some money.

b.) Tokyo Bopper is a shoe store in Japan with amazing shoes. They have a blog online where they post pictures of employee’s outfits as well as customer’s outfits. I look at it everyday and drool.

c.) My friend Elfy Essex. She is one of the most inspiring dressers I know and really fun!

d.) Shoes. Shoes are one of those things I obsess over but hardly ever buy because they are usually pricey. I’m always looking for platforms cause I’m really short.

(Photo credits in order of appearance: Elvia Carreon; Kaz Nomura; Joseph Peter; Elvia Carreon; Jess Wamre; Rachel Robinson)
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Special Reverb Festival Edition of Brand New Talk: Perpetual Ritual

Posted on October 3, 2012 by Seattle Peach



This Saturday, experimental solo act, Perpetual Ritual, will kick off Seattle Weekly’s annual Reverb Festival at 4:30PM at New York Fashion Academy. Expect melodic noise that’s spooky and fuzzy, garbley warbley vocals, a dark ambience with themes of the occult and rugged psychedelia. It’s a very vintage sound, taking classic ideas from throwback rock ‘n’ roll and totally turning it on its head.

Seattle Peach grabbed some time with the man behind the band, Mitchell Saulsberry, a 29-year-old local who started performing as Perpetual Ritual in 2010. Read on to see what he had to say for Brand New Talk!

How would you describe your day to day style?

Tight black jeans, a shirt a girlfriend gave me, a jacket my daddy once wore, Vuarnet glasses my mother cast aside 30 years ago, and boots…..

Is there a difference between what you wear everyday and what you wear on stage? What is the difference?

There is no difference, by principle. I’m not into bands that dress up while on stage then as soon as the show’s over go back to their “real” selves. It’s me all the time….

Do you coordinate your wardrobe for shows? What is your process for styling the band?

I play by myself now. All my former members came to shows looking like shit.

How has your style evolved since the band first began?

I haven’t changed my style in over a decade. And I’m 29.

Who’s style inspires you, who are some of your fashion icons?

No one influences me, ever. However, style icons that i respect and find endearing, include: Quddafi, Fab Five Freddy, Pier Paolo Paosolini, Johnny Thunders, John Cassevetes, Axel Rose, Neil Giardino (of Baby Guns), and Varg Vikernes.

What are some of your favorite pieces from your own wardrobe?

I like the boots that i got from the Twinsistr wardrobe, the black vest that I tailored myself, the black jeans that seem to never die, the black leather hat that has accompanied me through my bad haircuts….

If you could go on a shopping spree anywhere on the planet, a.) Where would you go? b.) What stores would you go to? c.) Who would you bring with you? d.) What is at least one item you definitely be shopping for?

a. ) Pre- columbian ruins. b.) On north Monroe Ave in Spokane, when I was a really young kid, like- 4th grade, there was this store called ‘Funky Groovy Threads’. It was a vintage clothing store, but as I remember there was a small stack of scratched up records towards the back, and this guy would sell them to me for a buck a piece or so (I don’t think they were intended for sale, although this is a hazy memory). That’s how I got into Sly Stone, Blue Cheer, Band Of Gypsies, CCR…. I found this place just riding my bike around the city. I was maybe 10, 11 or so. I’d like to go there again, at that same time, at that same age, with the same naiveté… I used to wander into a lot of places I wasn’t supposed to be when I was that age and I’m blessed that people put up with me, just some dumb kid, aha! c.) I would bring the actress Jami Gertz with me. d.) I’d be shopping for rings and chains.

(Photo credits in order of appearance: Danny Wahfeldt; Erinn Smith; Marz Martinez; Keith Whiteman)
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Special CHBP Edition Peachy Q&A: Alicia Amiri of Nightmare Fortress

Posted on July 19, 2012 by Seattle Peach



Before dark wave dance locals, Nightmare Fortress, slay you with their wicked ways this weekend at Block Party, check out what front woman, Alicia Amiri, had to say for Peachy Q&A.

Nightmare Fortress play at Neumos on Saturday at 2PM.

How would you describe your day to day style?

My day to day style is fairly simple and functional, a lot of black, greyscale, jewel tones and I enjoy classic forms and quality materials. I’m not particularly fashion forward but I think it’s important to look nice, you never know who you’ll run into or what you’ll end up doing that night.

Is there a difference between what you wear everyday and what you wear on stage? What is the difference?

On stage for Nightmare Fortress I wear all black, dresses, heavier makeup than daytime and large jewelry. Being on stage I want to have the entire image of the show translate well to the back of the room, and with our light rig and low bar lighting in general, most of the show comes across in silhouette, so I don’t worry too much about the details. The audience will notice my body language much more than my nail polish.

Do you guys coordinate wardrobe for your shows? What is your process for styling the band?

We sort of coordinate outfits. The three guys wear button up shirts and slacks, all black. We are very backlit on stage, so we all come across mostly as forms except for key moments in the songs that are lit up. I check in with them about my outfit ideas; we all come to consensus on band appearance.

How has your style evolved since the band first began?

The style hasn’t changed too much since we started, but we’re constantly trying to upgrade in all ways, musically, performance-wise and aesthetically.

Who’s style inspires you, who are some of your fashion icons?

I’m mostly inspired by the styles of some of my close friends. I don’t like when it looks like someone got their clothes at the mall or spent a lot of time getting ready, I prefer it when people look confident and natural and make or customize their clothes to suit them.

What are some of your favorite pieces from your own wardrobe?

My favorite pieces are a couple black skirts, black hoodie and this short black jacket I’ve had for years and still wear a couple times a week. I never leave the house without earrings on.

If you could go on a shopping spree anywhere on the planet, a.) Where would you go? b.) What stores would you go to? c.) Who would you bring with you? d.) What is at least one item you definitely be shopping for?

If money were not an issue, I’d go to some high end vintage shops and look for cool shit. I’ve never been to Italy and I hear there are rad flea markets. Also New York. I’d bring my friend Mari Kussman, she’s a designer and has great taste, so I trust her opinion.

(Photo credits in order of appearance: Angel Ceballos; Angel Ceballos; Sam Akina)
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Peachy Q&A: Baby Guns

Posted on July 9, 2012 by Seattle Peach


Baby Guns is Neil Giardino, Erin Shannon, and Mike Gaul, who all hail from three different corners of the US and found each other in Seattle. The goth poppy shoegaze they have developed started a few years back in early 2010 after Neil and Erin met in front of a car that was sitting ablaze on Broadway Ave. The group started as an instrumental project, but have added some fuzzy vocals to the mix that play up that dark, witchy vibe. Seattle Peach is in love. The emergence of more dark wave synth pop groups is welcomed and fitting for the notoriously dreary landscapes of the Northwest’s metropolis. While radio pop spirals endlessly into the nauseatingly sugary sea of cookie cutter paradigms, the contrasting candelabra of underground acts gaining ground across the internets continues to move further into the darkness.

Seattle Peach caught up with Baby Guns last month for some Peachy Q&A. You can see them play next at the Sunset Tavern in Ballard on Wednesday, July 18, and pick up a copy of their Kingdom Come cassette (also available online).

1.) How would you describe your day to day style?

N: “noir casual” E: “Crocodile Dundee-cum-US. Postal lady”.

2.) Is there a difference between what you wear everyday and what you wear on stage? What is the difference?

N: Not particularly.

3.) Do you guys coordinate wardrobe for your shows? What is your process for styling the band?

N: Rarely. Well, we often coordinate by accident. I think maybe we tend to like the same color palettes, but generally if, for example, we’re both wearing black jeans and denim jackets I’ll ask Erin that she wear something different so we don’t look like Brandon and Brenda Walsh.

Once, Erin’s sister Ria (Co-owner of Kaleidoscope Vision) styled us for a show. She had Erin in a Betsy Johnson Gun Sweater and me in a Tom of Finland t-shirt.

4.) How has your style evolved since the band first began?

N: A friend described my style a couple years ago as “anarcho-dandy.” So I suppose I’ve been making a conscious effort to distance myself from that vogue. As a band perhaps we’re moving toward looking like the Gun Club on the cover of their ‘Miami’ record.

5.) Who’s style inspires you, who are some of your fashion icons?

N: French actor Alain Delon as well as my grandfather Angelo Giardino. E: Laura Dern in Jurassic Park as well as my mom in the 80’s.

6.) What are some of your favorite pieces from your own wardrobe?

E: My brown ropers, a flesh colored vintage service bowling button-up shirt by Lady Sparkle. And my ex-boyfriend’s ‘Night of the Living Dead’ t-shirt that I turned into a crop-top.

N: My rayon brown/orange camouflage button up t-shirt and brown leather Faconnable vest.

7.) If you could go on a shopping spree anywhere on the planet, a.) Where would you go? b.) What stores would you go to? c.) Who would you bring with you? d.) What is at least one item you definitely be shopping for?

E: Some thrift shop on the side of the road, in the middle of nowhere, USA. I’d be shopping for boots. I’d bring Neil along with me.

N: I’d go back to this place in NYC called Le Labo. It’s a laboratory in a dark tavern where they make special colognes for you on the spot with droppers and beakers. I’d also scour the globe for an authentic Fiorucci t-shirt size medium. I’d bring Erin along with me on that trip.

(All Photos by Frank Correa)

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Special Sasquatch Edition Peachy Q&A: Katie Kate

Posted on June 1, 2012 by Seattle Peach

Local rap diva, Katie Kate, tore the roof off of the Maine Stage the last day of Sasquatch this year, laying down sassy rhymes for the masses. Seattle Peach caught up with her for some Peachy Q&A on fashion.

How would you describe your day to day style?

Lazy!  Well, I guess “casual”.  I’m not really into dressing up day to day.  I think that comes from my farmer background as well as having gone to music school – I didn’t really have a reason to dress up when I was spending all day every day in a practice room.  As a result, I wear t shirts and jeans, sometimes jeggins (yes, I’m that lazy) and my Frye boots.  I will throw on a necklace or ring if it’s a special occasion.

Is there a difference between what you wear everyday and what you wear on stage? What is the difference?

Huge difference.  Katie Kate is my excuse to think about what I wear and attempt to look cool.  Day to day, I could give a fuck.

Do you and Radjaw ever coordinate wardrobe for your shows? What is your process for styling for performance?

Radjaw and I don’t really coordinate.  I think we try to respect each other’s fashion choices – he looks great in what he wears, and hopefully he feels the same about me.  When styling for a performance I just start by going shopping, seeing what’s out there.  There’s several practical rules I follow – no short skirts (folks can see up them if I’m up on stage), flats or manageable heels (I have yet to find the latter) so I can dance without falling on my ass, which has happened, and a moderately opaque fabric for the top – darn stage lights reveal everything.  The main goal is just to find something I feel great in, because confidence is a huge part of my performances.  Sometimes I’ll find inspiration from one particular item and try to build around it, sometimes I have an idea already in my mind and I’m attempting to match it, but usually I’m running around like a crazy person buying something an hour before soundcheck.

How has your style evolved since you first started performing as Katie Kate?

Dressing as Katie Kate has really forced me to think about my fashion choices more than I normally would.  When I was younger I would wear the craziest clothes – pretty much all vintage dresses from Red Light and heels and hats… just everywhere, to school, to work, everywhere.  I don’t know how the fuck I did that.  But now that I have Katie Katie, I have an outlet for that creativity and craziness, so I don’t feel like I have to do anything day to day.  My daily style has evolved (or devolved, depending on your point of view) into a very utilitarian, pragmatic, and neutral collection.  I relish buying pieces that will last forever, or classic pieces I know I’ll have for years.  I don’t have a ton of money to spend, so I try to spend it wisely.  I think there’s alot of value in that.  Farm life, you know?  But Katie Katie has evolved from me trying to dress out of my “normal person” closet, to me having a pretty much entirely separate wardrobe for shows.  I think I’ve changed into being more put together as a performer, and my hairstylist D’Arcy Harrison really helps with that.  I can’t get away with looking like a turd anymore.

Who’s style inspires you, who are some of your fashion icons?

I’m pretty inspired by Lykke Li, she’s hip and edgy but maintains this very muted palette that lends a timelessness to her look.  I am inspired by my friend Liz.  She is effortlessly stylish, always.  I’m inspired by older ladies who still take time to dress up before going out.  I wish I could be Tilda Swinton – I’ve always wanted to go for some androgyny but I have this big round Irish head that kind of prevents that.  Eleanor Roosevelt is the queen of practicality.  I love her for her lack of attention to fashion, focusing on social issues in a time where that was desperately needed.  OH, and Basketball Wives.

What are some of your favorite pieces from your own wardrobe?

I try not to have favorite pieces, because I grew up with sisters, and they would inevitably take my favorite thing and get Sharpie all over it or something.  But if I had to pick, definitely my Frye Boots.  I wear the crap out of my shoes, so I asked for these for my birthday last year and have been so happy.  They turned a bunch of my socks black, but it’s well worth it to know I won’t have to buy another pair… ever.  I have a necklace that is a lense surrounded by gold with some flower detail at the top.  I got it at Value Village for three dollars but I wear it almost every day.  Same with my ring – it’s made from Larimar, a rare stone, and I bought it for myself as a graduation gift.  It’s supposed to aid in letting life flow in and around you.

If you could go on a shopping spree anywhere on the planet, a.) Where would you go? b.) What stores would you go to? c.) Who would you bring with you? d.) What is at least one item you definitely be shopping for?

a) Denmark, probably Copenhagen. b) mostly thrift stores, but they have these awesome little boutiques with that Danish design aesthetic that just kills me. c) Probably my friend Hanna Benn.  She walks that line between ridiculous/cool very well.  Also we went to Copenhagen together, so I could send her to Bang & Jensen for coffee. d) I definitely need structured pants, crazy wedge boots, and anything unique and strange that I might never see again.I also really dig things that have multiple uses – that’s one of the first rules of survival, don’t carry anything that can’t be used for at least 3 different things.  …Ok, so I may watch too much Discovery Channel.  BUT when the oil runs out and the zombie hordes come flopping across the hills, you will thank me and my parachute/shelter/corkscrew pants.

(Photo credits in order of appearance: Lori Paulson; Janae Jones; Alex Crick; unknown; Jenny Jimenez)

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