Saturday, March 29, 2008

Heloise and The Savior Faire

Coming straight out of Brooklyn, HELOISE & THE SAVOIR FAIRE know a thing or two about dance, fashion, sex and the time-tested formula for dance pop. The band’s debut LP, Trash, Rats and Microphones, will be released in late April on Elijah Wood’s Simian Records. The band is fronted by the charismatic Heloise Williams and backed by two electrifying dancers (Joe Shepard and Sara Sweet Rabidoux) as well as a full band (James Bellizia on guitar, Luke Hughett on drums and Jason Diamond on bass). The group just returned from South by Southwest in Austin TX and they continue to build the buzz surrounding their frantic live show that includes costumes, choreography and more than a healthy dose of attitude. And if that wasn’t enough to catch your ear, their album also features two guest appearances from Debbie Harry. Yes, that Debbie Harry. We caught up with Heloise for a quick interview and this is what she had to say...

LC and F: The new album is called “Trash, Rats & Microphones.” What does that mean?

Heloise: The title (pretty much) came from a description of my surroundings within my tiny tenement style apartment that I shared with my sister in Manhattan while I was writing the album. We didn’t have rats exactly but definitely lots of mice that I would make my sister battle. I was TERRIFIED!!! And certainly there is plenty of trash in the city. TRM is also the name of a song I wrote that’s about how I (at least) have to filter my world when I’m trying to create something. I’m easily distracted.

LC and F: How would you describe your sound and live show and what should people know before they see you live for the first time?

Heloise: I would say that our goal is to look and taste like candy but to satisfy like a meal of meat (or meat substitute) and potatoes (or something else delicious and nutritious). We are into dance music and 70’s rock. There are a ton of costume changes and a lot of makeup. We really try to keep it interesting for ourselves and hopefully for the audience as well. We like to improvise aesthetically. Humor and heart are incredibly important to us. We want everyone to feel like they are in on the fun. If they want to have fun because they certainly don’t have to . . . We are never going to make people “put their hands together” or do the whole dividing the crowd into sing along type things. I’m trembling with the cheesy chills, right now.

LC and F: You all just got back from SxSW. What was your favorite moment in Austin this year?

Heloise: Well the Bust magazine party was definitely our most opulent moment but then afterwards we played a weirdo pool party at this housing complex (the Metropolis in Austin) where we were staying. AND, I have to say that that show maybe meant the most to us, emotionally. Our bass player was missing and we had to start the show so we were already stressed out and I was actually pretty pissed off. At first there were like 4 people there and then like rats they crawled out of their holes and we ended up having a “village” party. Our bass player showed up half way through the show and then things got even more awesome (because we could play a bunch more songs!!!!!). At the end of the night, after some band members had jumped in the pool and the nearly naked kid had been thrown off the stage, the gentleman who owned the place gave a speech and handed us the keys to the city (Metropolis city), so to speak, and there were tears EVEN (not from me – although I cry constantly). It was like an after school special for people getting out of prison or something. It was great.


L and F: We like Debbie Harry and Debbie Harry likes you. How did you all meet her and how did you get her involved in the album?

Heloise: Pinch me. Oh it’s true!!!! Debbie came to a show a couple of years ago. We were opening for our friend (and hers) Miss Guy at Knitting Factory and she asked to be introduced to me after the show. Thinking about it now, it was probably a set-up. My friend Todd Thomas who introduced us said she wanted to meet me but maybe he was just being nice. Regardless, she asked me for my autograph (she has a good sense of humor) and I nearly threw-up. We’ve been pals ever since.

L and F: How did you all link up with Elijah Wood and his label, Simian Records?

Heloise: I met Elijah through my dear friend Pamela Racine (from Gogol Bordello). Pam and I were roommates when we both lived in Vermont. Elijah came to see a show and was apparently taken with it. One night, I was chatting with Elijah and Pam, actually it was more like crying about how intimidated I am by business speak and record deals gone sour. As I was finishing up Elijah said, “Hey! Why don’t I sign you to my record label.” Of course, this was the first I’d heard of such a thing and the label didn’t REALLY exist at the time. But then the dream became reality and we are now signed to his label.

L and F: You all have a great look, and it looks like a good time! Who designs/puts together your stage costumes?

Heloise: Hmmmmm that’s a very good question. Sometimes we get help from a professional like Todd Thomas, designer extraordinaire. Mostly, we just rat it out of the trash or Sara goes to the Salvation Army or the Fulton Mall for teen fashions or Joe will cut a piece of fake fur into a wig shape and glue it to his head. I used to make the dancers’ costumes but they always sort of fussed too much and/or would lose some essential piece of the costume – like a gladiator skirt. So now I just leave it up to them. We do it by colors and there is usually a costume change. So we’ll say: turquoise hookers into black and whites or Islamics (just the name of a look) into gold bikinis.

L and F: Who comes up with the fierce dance moves?

Heloise: It’s a combined effort. Sara Sweet used to have her own dance company called Hoi Polloi out of Boston. They were totally awesome and would perform in Japan and stuff. Somehow . . . she got roped into doing this . . . and now she and Joe (her principal ballerina) make up the moves together. I TRY to remember the moves while I’m singing etc. but I’m telling you I don’t know how those pop stars do it. It’s hard work!!


L and F: When it comes to makeup and hair – are you all DIYer’s or divas with an entourage?

Heloise: Every 6 to 9 months, we luck out and have a friend do our hair for a special occasion like my friend Laura Williams (who we also have a costume named after because she’s so stylish and I also stole “cheesy chills” from her). But normally . . . we do it all ourselves.

L and F: Have you ever had a wardrobe malfunction onstage? Did it get applause?

Heloise: Yes definitely. Sara and Joe have “wardrobe malfunctions” almost every show. I would say that Sara’s “malfunctions” get the most cheers. Sorry, Joey!! At times, I have issues reigning in my boobs. There was a time – a sad time - (before the band and actually I don’t think that the dancers were at this show – I was alone!!!) I had a dress fall down on me (I was wearing a nearly grey strapless bra that was too small for me). It was disgusting to say the least but at least I wasn’t nude. But no one cheered. No one laughed. It was silent and then the lights went down and they closed the bar. As I was left there on the stage in the dark, I thought, “Is this what it means to be in SHOW BIZ????!!!!!!!!!!” And then I walked out into the streets and there was a sparkly parade and it was St. Patrick’s Day and a leprechaun gave me a pot of gold and I slid up the rainbow into another dimension. Au revoir world!! AU REVOIR!!! I cried!! (that was a dramatic reinterpretation of events that maybe did or didn’t really happen). :)
sorry I’m obviously getting carried away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Xoxox,
Heloise



If You Don't Know, Now You Know

You need to know about these two up and coming artists:

Ardamus is one of the original guest contributors (OG status) for our blog and his solo album is out on iTunes. We were super impressed with "When Nothing Goes Right" right away. Ardamus is like if Beanie Sigel was possessed by Jay-Z and then they had a baby with themselves. That doesn't make sense but you'll see...



Also, expect BIG things from Ardamus and Double Plus in the form of Ardaplus

And, please read his Lady and Fluff guest blogs:
Financial Art
Shock Value is Always Good Marketing

Next Up:
Squincy Jones reps Houston to the fullest but we're going to claim him 'cause we're from the South and that is close enough. Plus this mixtape he sent us is the dopeness. It's all for free of course at the link below.

If you've ever played old school Nintendo, smoked weed, or wish you'd had woodgrain to grip, then Squincy Jones is your man (we're gonna assume this is 100% of the population though)

Download Nintendub

Squincy-related Links:

www.myspace.com/squincyjones
www.myspace.com/speakerboxxthursdays
http://www.awwready.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/haterzville


Tracklisting:

Mario Ds Screwed Intro
Rogue State - Lions Paw (Metroid - Kraid's Hide Edit)
Babylon System - Dancing Shoes (Draped Out Edit)
Walsh & Kromestarr - Panik Room (3 Kings Edit)
Marlow - Road Kill (Goonies Edit)
Benga - Zombie Jig (Wizards & Warriors Kryptonite Edit)
Rusko - Hornz Cru (Diet Kryptonite Edit)
Loefah - Disko Rekah (Goonies Pop Trunk Edit)
Unsolved Mysteries Theme
Chimpo - Lockoff (Freaky Girl Edit)
Nastee Boi - Bangorz (Knuck if you Buck Edit)
Mike Lennon - When Science Fails (Hektagon Remix) (Shorty Swing Edit)
Babylon System - Loaded
Dj Unk - Beatn Down Yo Block
Woogie - End Dub
Rustie - Response
DZ - Just Rolling
Rustie - Jagz The Smack (Zelda Edit)
Gerard McMann - Cry Little Sister
Kode 9 - 9 Samurai
Kode 9 - 9 Samurai (Quarta 330 Remix)

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Shit We Like



Lady and Fluff “heart” vintage jewelry, and we’re also huge proponents of recycling and re-purposing baubles from by-gone eras….which is why we are featuring a great jewelry designer this week who does just that: Sheryl Pang from Boheme Jewelry. Some of her pieces feature true vintage components, and all of them are sure to be as unique as they look….so that girl at work who looks like she’s been sifting through your closet will have NO idea where you got your accessories. You know how Lady and Fluff “hate” posers.

YAY for distinctive vintage trinkets!

Crafts We Love


Foofshop - even the name is cute! I’ve been searching high and low for a cute and one-of-a-kind protective case for my iPod Touch. After discovering Foof, I knew my search was over. I just got my very own handmade, foofpod in the mail this week - made from a beautiful Japanese cotton called Origami Kuro. Foof offers over a dozen fabrics to choose from, as well as protective pods for your Macbook, too. And! Not only are they opposed to sweat-shop labor, but all their products are CO2 free, or carbon offset, for all you greenies out there.

Buy one for yourself here and read more about the company in their Foofshop Press Release.

Long live the FOOF!

Why Rite Aid is Less Fun Than Maury Povich

Identigene has come out with a parternity test that costs $29.99 and is 99.9% accurate. Then you have to send your spit swab and consent form to a lab for $119. Do I feel like Maury will take a hard hit booking guests? Fuck no. Let me paint you a picture of why finding your baby's daddy in a box is not as fun.

On the Maury Show:

1) You will be able to have that beginning session with Maury where you cry and say you are 120% sure Tyrell is the daddy (math?)

2) When the "daddy" comes out you can get all up in his face and call him a piece of shit until Maury tells you to sit your ass down because you don't want to stress out the other illigitimate baby in yo' stomach at present.



3) You can point at the big sceen of your baby eating cheetos in the green room and single out all the features that look just like Tyrell.

4) You can rebuttal when Tyrell calls you a slut and that he's 120% unsure he is the father because you slept with ALL of his friends. He will say he definitely slept with you that week but it is impossible he could be the father (WAIT! I forgot to mention the black and white artsy piece where Tyrell is behind the chain link fence and also calls you a slut prior to his entrance)

5) When Maury finally reads the results (after the commercial break of course), Tyrell will not be the father so you will run out crying, drop to the floor still where the audience can see and then run back where they also coincidentally have cameras set up down the long corridor. You will try to get out the door but it will be locked and you will be stuck there. Maury will come along, comfort you and say, "We'll keep trying! I promise we'll keep trying!" Did I mention this is already your 4th time on the show?

So, who the hell would buy this kit when you can go onto Maury for some genuine drama, save $150 and get a free trip to NYC?


Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Check This Out!



Who: Jess Raskin - my favorite actress (and she also happens to be one of my best friends)

What: Her punk grrl debut in the CBS hit, Criminal Minds

Where: On a boob tube near you!

When: Next Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008 @ 9pm on CBS


Everyone knows I avoid the TV like a case of the clap - but I’m going to have to make an exception for my best bud in LA, who will be guest starring in her first TV drama, Criminal Minds, on April 2nd. It’s a cool show, too – forensic investigators and crime scenes and dead people….I will surely break my anti-TV mantra for this one. You should watch, too.


For more info on this amazing girl (who made her first appearance in front of the camera at age 7 in John Water's Cry-Baby as Susie-Q opposite Ricki Lake and Johnny Depp!), visit her websites:


www.jessicaraskin.com


Jessica Raskin’s Myspace

Love,


Fluff

Monday, March 24, 2008

Reader of the Month: Roommate Edition


For this Reader of the Month Edition, we hit up our very most favorite groupie, Brownske, and his lovely hardcore lady roommate, Philly Jen, for a little interview. He looks creepy in this picture because he totally hits on her all the time. Wouldn't you?!

Name: Jenee B

Nickname: Philly Jen

Rep Your Hood:

Philly baby...the ruff Point Breeze to be exact

What makes you so damn special?

Probably the fact that I live in an animal kingdom and drive a vehicle used for safaris in Africa but live in the concrete jungle of Philly

What word or phrase do you use the most?

"here's the deal"

How do you get down?

These days I'm focused on getting up

What is the one piece of advice you can offer the rest of us so we can be as cool as you one day?

Be born into a dysfunctional family, make bad decisions until your mid twenties and then wake up with a an awesome perspective...that's my money maker right there

What do you feel is the best song to make out to behind the port-o-potty at your local carnival?

Probably Belinda Carlisle, Heaven is a Place on Earth. There's nothing like swapping mouth spit and smelling the fumes of someones ass

Why do you love us so much? No promo.

I'm all about women giving perspective in a funny way, no matter the subject



Name: Edwin James Wills

Nickname: Brownske

Rep Your Hood:

The Philadelphia Zoo/I LOVE Philadelphia because we have a history for making history.

What makes you so damn special?

My cat Brooklyn. All the girls love Brooklyn and that makes me puss friendly in more ways then one.

What word or phrase do you use the most? Nice

How do you get down? 1983/braces and fat laces.

What is the one piece of advice you can offer the rest of us so we can be as cool as you one day?

Never let a Bumble Bee tell you that it will tempt your tummy with the taste of nuts and honey. A Bumble Bee is known to front from time to time.

What do you feel is the best song to make out to behind the port-o-potty at your local carnival?

I would think that "Father Figure" by George Michael would be nice, especially if you have pink sticky cotton candy hands. (I used the word nice/see question five)

Why do you love us so much? No promo.

I love you two so much because you are The Queens of Wordplay and you show love to so many people. Lady Chavez and Fluffgirl..what more can I say?

-Check out their joint project coming soon....

Sean Kingston, Step Your Game Up!

I heard this old school reggae joint on the radio the other day and got hype! You know like when you hear a good song and you almost sideswipe the car next to you when you're getting off the interstate because you are in the moment and cannot be bothered with turning your head in mid-bobbing?!

"Too many Suckas and not enough time"- truest words ever spoken straight out the gate



Where were you in '94? Hmmmmmm....

Click here to hear the whole song

I Feel So Cold and Alone


I feel so cold and alone…

Monday started like any other day. Got up. Ate breakfast and headed to work. Little did I know that I would be damaged goods by the day’s end. I read through some emails and then jumped over to check in on my MySpace page, only to find that my login had been hacked by some 11 year old Nigerian kid who wanted my ‘friends’ to buy phone cards and look at some 18 year old snatch. I felt so dirty and used. I, albeit pathetically, prided myself on being one of the few that never fell for the dummy login screen and handed my password over to the neterrorists. It was like being the last dude alive in a zombie movie. But I guess my brain has now become lunch.

After figuring out how to change my password, I did the obligatory apologetic reply to all my friends who sent me ‘you done got hacked’ messages. But I still felt cold and alone. Plus, I forget everything ever, so the idea of a new password was a chilling reality to come to terms with on such short notice. It made me sad to think some little hacking fucktard was busy using my good name to peddle his shit. It also made me glad that I don’t keep anything scandalous stored in my site. I don’t know if I could handle a sex tape scandal or if my secret identity as “Client #10” was compromised.


So, if I hit you up and told you to check out my sister’s crazy sex video or tried to convince you that I was your man for the Akon ringtone hookup…my bust, yo. I’ll continue to try to scrub away at the shame which has weaseled its way into my online life. I’m sure I’ll myspace again, but I have some trust issues to work out first. But at least I know I’m not alone in my shame. Either that, or really Cities want me to have a Macy’s giftcard too.

md

P.S. Why do people insist on calling this getting ‘phished’? It took us all those years to get rid of that drum-solo loving excuse for a band, and now we’re naming shit after those hippies? For real? Couldn’t we call it getting “anna nicoled” or “tara reided”? At least the metaphor works. I’m just saying…

MD