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.
