21 QUESTIONS: AUSSIE SINGER/SONGWRITER ELIZABETH ROSE
Nothing much, on the bus on my way home now.
Yes please I need a sugar hit! A fizzy lemonade por favor!
3. What are you wearing?
Pair of Nikes that I bought in NY recently, denim skirt, R&S records t shirt that my boyfriend got me for Christmas
4. Are you interested in anyone right now?
Yep
5. Do anything last night?
Watched that David lynch movie Mulholland Drive right before bed…bad choice
6. How late did you stay up?
Mm til about 2am
7. Meals or snacks?
Meals
8. How often do you consume alcohol?
Not very often actually! Every now and then when it’s free/on my rider haha
9. It’s midnight and you’re hungry, what are you craving?
Aero bar block of chocolate
10. Cats or dogs?
Definitely dogs!
11. Favorite hip-hop producers…
Dark child, Timbaland, Pharrell
12. Who you listening to music right now?
‘All I could do’ by Oscar Key Sung
13. Ultimate festival lineup? (Not including yourself)
The Knife, Caribou, The Chemical Brothers, Jean Michelle Jarre and Outkast!
14. Who would you want to see live via hologram?
Jean Michelle Jarre – I want to see the intricacy behind all of the synths he plays
15. Most embarrassing moment?
I’ve had many… One recently was when I didn’t wear my glasses to a show and watched another band play before me; backstage afterwards I said to this guy “Hey great set” and he says, “I wasn’t playing…” and I went bright red and couldn’t dig myself out of it!
16. If life could resemble any film…
It would be Donnie Darko… What is reality? Ah, I think too much..
17. Favorite place to go on the weekend?
Flea markets!
18. Your dream project?
To restore an old Victorian terrace house haha…been watching way too much of that show Grand Designs
19. If we gave you $50, what would you buy?
I’d pay off my phone bill because I’m way over due… Can I have the $50?
20. What are you doing later?
Looking for houses to rent online
21. Can we come?
Sure can, help me find a place!
21 QUESTIONS: LUCENT DOSSIER’S DREAM ROCKWELL
As the creator and executive of the Los Angeles-based (and world renowned) futuristic-steampunk-circus-performance troupe Lucent Dossier, Dream Rockwell is a busy woman, especially as she and the rest of the Lucent crew are getting ready for their Winter Solstice show at the Fonda Theatre on December 21 – grab tickets for that performance here.
Rockwell took some time away from rehearsals to talk about her love for Coachella (where Lucent Dossier performs yearly on the Do Lab stage) and the craziest thing she’s ever seen while on stage. Check out her 21 questions with LAC below.
1. How are you today?
I’ve got my sunny side up.
2. What have you been up to lately?
Lots and lots of rehearsals.
3. What did you have for breakfast?
The best fruit smoothie ever! It’s my every-morning delight. All organic peaches, raspberries, blueberries, banana, spiralina and super food greens, maca, turmeric, hemp oil, flax seed oil and chia seeds. I LOVE it!
4. What are you doing tonight?
Recording a new song we just wrote. It’s called “What if We Were Angels.” ‘Cause that’s what i’m wondering about these days.
5. What’s been on repeat in your headphones?
Our rehearsal sessions. When we’re working out new material I record the sessions and listen to them over and over to hear what’s working and what needs love.
6. Coachella or Burning Man?
Ohhhhhhh that’s so hard. They’re like our mom and dad. We love them both. And they have both birthed us and given us life. We have played Coachella 7 years running and this year we’ll be doing a super big show there so we adore Coachella. But Burning man is what inspired all of this… it was our first breath of life. So no way to ever choose, we love both our parents equally 😉
7. If you had an extra $50, what would you spend it on?
I’d buy a box of clown noses and deliver them to the LAPD. I think they could use them.
8. What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen happen in the audience while on stage performing?
One time at Coachella one of our performers, Fernando, was vibing with this cute girl in the front row. And in the middle of a song he just ditched the choreo and laid down on the stage and started making out with her. He was supposed to do this lift with me and I was looking all over for him and there he was, laying off the front of the stage, in the throws of passion.
9. Favorite outfit you wear during Lucent performances?
I’m wearing this new white silk dress that’s 30 feet long and blows in the wind. I feel so mystical and powerful in it.
10. Favorite era for music?
’80s. Come on. But I also love early ’60s Elvis and rockabilly. And electronic music rips my soul open. haha, Can I have it all?
11. Favorite song of 2013?
“Happy” by C2C Ft. D.Martin
12. Proudest moment of 2013?
Our show at Lightning in a Bottle this year. It was such a huge feat. We were very ambitious. Projections, new costumes, new apparatuses, new performers, new numbers, new music. But we did it. And when the crowd screamed at the end of the show my body started to shake and didn’t stop for about 30 minutes. It was insane. And amazing.
13. Thing you laughed hardest at recently?
Psychedelic Bingo at Symbiosis was so crazy. I laughed so hard a nearly peed.
14. How do you kill time when you’re in traffic?
Books on tape. I have millions of them.
15. Eastside or westside?
Westside, the air is fresher and the hiking is rad with the ocean views. Ohhh but eastside, the vibes are so yummy and styley. Torn between two lovers.
16. How many tattoos do you have?
Ziltch.
17. Which one is your favorite?
The one I haven’t got yet!
18. What inspires you?
Creative people. People in bloom. Love. Nature. Good music. Giggles.
19. Decaf or regular?
Neither I’m a chai tea girl.
20. Why should people come to see Lucent?
So you can drop your jaw for 75 minutes, meet amazing, rad people and dance your bootie off. Three of my personal favorite reasons to leave the house.
21. Staying in or going out for New Year’s Eve?
I’m sitting in ceremony. New Years is always a moment to check in and go deep. It sets the tone for the whole year so it’s usually introspective for me.
21 QUESTIONS: MELBOURNE-BRED SINGER CHELA
Melbourne-based singer, Chelsea Wheatley — or more affectionately known as Chela — has been brandishing about some irresistible electro synth-pop that not only caught our attention recently, but also the folks at Noisey. With singles like “Romanticise,” “Plastic Gun,” and “Full Moon,” Chela might be another Melbourne-ite to make a big international breakthrough. Check out her 21 Questions segment with us below.
So what’s up?
I’m busily getting ready to shoot my next music video this weekend for ‘Zero’ which will be my first single of 2014.
Can we get you something to drink?
Yes please! I’m dreaming of a root beer float.
What are you wearing?
Black leather pants, silver docs, a silver silk sports vest and a gold chain with a dragon holograph pendant which I got from The Cobra Shop a couple weeks ago.
Are you interested in anyone right now?
I’m interested in lots of people.
Do anything last night?
I went to watch a few friends bands play at The Kelvin Club in Melbourne – Citizen Sex & All The Colours. It was a good time.
How late did you stay up?
Til 1, way past my bedtime.
Meals or snacks?
Meals! Big burgers with fries and a shake!
How often do you consume alcohol?
Never unless it’s in dessert, I’m intolerant. I’ve got the AZN flush.
Favorite rapper?
Ninja
Blue or black ink?
Black
Ever sit down in the shower?
Heck no, I’m a ‘germaphobe’.
Who’s on your current playlist?
Too many to list. Arthur Russell, Kindness, Aaliyah, Doobie Brothers, Andrew W. K. Haim, Blood Orange, Arcade Fire, Chairlift, M83, Backstreet Boys to name a few..
Favorite 2000’s pop hits?
Too many to list again! Here’s some – Casanova by Ultimate Kaos, Getting Jiggy With It by Will Smith, Say My Name by Destiny’s Child, Toxic by Britney, Doo Wop That Thing by Lauryn Hill, Hey Ya by Outkast, Pop Ya Collar by Usher, Ride With Me by Nelly, Remix To Ignition by R. Kelly.
Favorite One Direction member?
The only one whose name I know is Harry Styles, is he the one with the hair? :/
Most embarrassing moment?
This is hard! I don’t get embarrassed often. Maybe when I had to wear a plate in my mouth at school (I had fucked teeth), I was pretty embarrassed about that.
If life could resemble any film…
Peter Pan.
Favorite place to go on the weekends?
Wide Open Road in Brunswick for breakfast.
Your dream project?
To make an album next year!
If we gave you $50, what would you buy?
Everyone a round of root beer floats.
What are you doing later?
Going to the opening of my friends new vintage motorcycle store.
Can we come?
Heck yes!
21 QUESTIONS: ABSTRAXION
Abstraxion is that dude. Since the release of his debut album, Break of Lights, we just can’t seem to get enough of the kid. His brand of house music is heavy in shadow and darkness that is brought to light with soft guitar rifts and futuristic beats, but remains just as infectious. To get a glimpse of the man behind the music, we railed out a series of questions for the 28-year-old London producer before he gave us the boot, but at this point, we’ll take what we can get. Check it out below:
So what’s up?
I’m in my studio right now in Marseille, south of France, finishing a session.
Can we get you something to drink?
A glass of rosé, from Miraval please.
Favorite thing to look at?
Waves
Rock, paper, or scissors?
Rock
Do anything last night?
Yesterday was my birthday, so I stayed with few close friends at home, that’s one of my favorite moments.
How late did you stay up?
Not that late, 3am, as I had to wake up early to work around the release of my album.
Favorite hometown landmark?
I don’t have anything specific in mind but I would say Les Calanques of Marseille in south of France. It’s limestone rocks, peaceful creeks with intense, clear turquoise water.
Live instruments or computer software?
Live instruments as I compose everything with analog instruments in my studio
Who would you invite to your fantasy dinner party? Must be alive.
Maybe James Murphy, Brian Eno or Roger Federer. All at the same time.
If life could resemble any film… any film score?
Man on the Moon of Milos Forman… Vangelis film score for Blade Runner
Who would you commission to take/paint/draw your portrait?
Kandinsky
Your worst vice?
Internet
Describe your music in three words?
LIGHT DARK HEART
What was the first thing you said aloud this morning?
BONJOUR!
What are you listening to?
Arcade Fire & Darkside LP, Mount Kimbie remixed by Dj Koze.
Your dream collaboration?
James Murphy, Grizzly Bear, Thom Yorke or Richard D James (Aphex Twin)
Where and when can we catch your next show?
Birthdays in London 6th December, and I’ll be in New York on 14th December at Cameo Gallery for my debut US performance.
If we gave your $50, what would you buy?
I’d probably buy some Vinyls & CDs from Rough Trade.
Last 3 Google searches?
1 – Boiler Room
2 – Homeland S03E10
3 – rough trade NYC
What are you doing later?
I’m gonna have a nice dinner at home, then I’m going out!
Can we come?
No! 😉
21 QUESTIONS: LISSIE
Lissie is the epitome of a rockstar, in the sense that she breaks the rules, and doesn’t seem to give a fuck about playing the fame game. She’s been compared to Stevie Nicks, but fiercer (yeah, we didn’t think it was possible either, but have been proven wrong). Her take on the sounds of the 70s and 80s is done just right–it’s seductive, sultry, and even a little mean. Her latest album, Back to Forever, has yet to disappoint.
We catch up with Lissie as she takes some time out of touring to answer a few (or 21) of our questions.
So, what’s up?
Hanging out in Denver about to play at twist and shout record store before our gig tonight.
Can we get you something to drink?
Always!
Favorite thing to look at?
Pretty nature bliss
Do anything last night?
Yes drinks and bowling with old friends!
Meals or snacks?
Meals
Tom Petty or Bruce Springsteen?
Bruce
If life could resemble any film…any film score?
Labyrinth
Your biggest fan?
My family or this nice guy Ryan who gets me tattooed on him
Listening to anything right now?
Yes but I don’t know what it is
Who would you commission to take/paint/draw your portrait?
William Eggleston to photograph
When was the last time you really froke out at someone?
Froke?
What was the first thing you said aloud this morning?
My vocal exercises which are like bubbling my lips while singing scales
Last 3 google searches?
Bahn me sandwich restaurant
The Crocodile in Seattle
Pretty Lights
East or west coast? Biggie or Tupac?
West – Tupac
What’s the most embarrassing song that you know all the words to?
Friday by Rebecca black
Favorite book?
The Clan of the Cave Bear
If we gave you $50, what would you buy?
Food and red wine
Cats or dogs? Why?
Dogs, I’m allergic to cats
If you woke up as the opposite sex, what’s the first thing you would do?
Check out my peen
What are you doing later?
Playing at the Gothic Theatre in Denver then driving to Salt Lake City
Can we come?
Sure!
Get tickets to see Lissie at The Fonda, Monday (12/9) here
21 QUESTIONS: LIZ
Mad Decent’s princess LIZ has been making a-whole-lotta noise lately, and we like how it sounds. Her debut release, “Hush,” reminisces on classic 90’s R&B/pop, but remains forward-thinking with inklings of trap and bass music — lace LIZ’s sugary sweet vocals over it, and you have a match-made in 90s-baby-heaven. Coming off a tour opening for Charli XCX, we were able to catch up with LIZ and pick the princess-brain beneath those gorgeous blonde locks.
So what’s up?
Shivering under the covers right now.
Can we get you something to drink?
Soy caramel brûlée latte, please (holiday season at Starbucks is my fav time)
What are you wearing?
Sweatpants and a really big *NSYNC concert tee that is falling apart because it’s been washed way too many times.
Are you interested in anyone right now?
Kind of, but all the good ones have girlfriends. Ugh.
I got home from the studio late and then slept in bed with my mom and my chihuahuas. Maybe this is why I’m single….
How late did you stay up?
Not too late…like 1am-ish
Meals or snacks?
Snacks on snacks on snacks
How often do you consume alcohol?
Like once or twice a week. I really like spicy margaritas or Hennessy on the rocks.
Blue or black ink?
Ever sit down in the shower?
Who’s on your current playlist?
Ultimate festival lineup? (Not including yourself)
What’s it like being a princess?
Most embarrassing moment?
If life could resemble any film…
Favorite place to go on the weekends?
If we gave you $50, what would you buy?
What are you doing later?
Can we come?
21 QUESTIONS: DONCHRISTIAN JONES
We’ve had our eye on him since his guest verses on both Le1f’s mixtapes. Since then, the internet prophets predicted his impending solo effort. Dozens of 11:11’s later, came My Crew – the self-produced first single off DonChristian Jones’ inaugural mixtape The Wayfarer brought to us by cult-favorite label Greedhead, came with a clever video to boot , proving to be worth the wait. Jones is a painter/musician/Wesleyan grad/beat-maker/renaissance man who recently performed at MoMA PS1 and at the Whitney Museum of American Art, where he was also involved with the “Blues for Smoke” exhibition in 2013. It should also be noted that DonChristian is a babe of epic proportions, so when we got the chance to make awkward small talk with him, LAC Carpe Diem’d. Enjoy:
So, what’s up?
Just got home from work. Gonna eat this here Chinese food and work on this record.
Can we get you something to drink?
I’m good. I got an ice tea.
Favorite thing to look at?
Right now? The TLC biopic.
Rock, paper, or scissors?
Paper.
Do anything last night?
Watched American Horror Story at my friend Pedro’s…that show stresses me out.
How late did you stay up?
I’m up late every night.
Meals or snacks?
Meals. Big, bad-for-you meals.
Do you sit down in the shower?
I really don’t.
Who would you invite to your fantasy dinner party? Have to be alive.
Melvin Van Peebles, Erykah Badu, Jim Jones, my Dad.
Your biggest fan?
My Dad.
If life could resemble any film… any film score?
The John Adams score for Io Sono L’amore.
Who would you commission to take/paint/draw your portrait?
James Franco
Blue or black ink?
Black
Cotton or wool socks?
Wool for winter
When was the last time you really froke out at someone?
These two cops that pulled me off of a train in Brooklyn and told me they saw me hop the turnstile. Proved to them I had an unlimited metro card, but they made me late for work nonetheless.
What was the first thing you said aloud this morning?
Lol
Are you listening to music right now?
Yung Lean and Kelela.
Your dream collaboration?
The Dream
Where and when can we catch your next show?
December 28th, Brooklyn Bowl, Le1f’s Camp & Street Kwanzaa Party. We’ve been dreaming about this party for years now. Should be really great. Live performances all night, and many special guests. Oh, I’m also opening for him in Australia before that, so come down, yeah.
If we gave you $50, what would you buy?
I won’t say…
Last 3 Google searches?
1. Ian Isiah “Freak You down” video
2. Tek “Buddy Gyal”
3. Mark Twain
What are you doing later?
Finishing a mural
Can we come?
Probably, yes.
Oh, and you can check out his new Yung Lean remix here.
photos: Becky McNeel
21 QUESTIONS: PHOTOGRAPHER ALEX DE MORA
Lifestyle photographer and London-native Alex de Mora has snapped everyone from Shaun White and Kreayshawn to Slash and the Queen and you can peep his work in publications like Vice and i-D mag, as well as LAC’s very own Future issue. We’ve always wanted an imperialist (we kid!) pen pal, here’s to hoping he gives us a call next time he’s on this side of the pond.
So, what’s up?
I’m currently stuck behind my laptop screen editing a bunch of pictures.
Can we get you something to drink?
Sure, I’m a bit under the weather so I’ve been drinking tea with fresh lemon and whisky. One of those, please.
Favorite thing to look at?
My laptop screen, evidently.
Rock, paper, or scissors?
Scissors, as it doubles up for a good old British hand gesture.
Do anything last night?
I went with friends to a football match in London. I’m a big Chelsea fan.
How late did you stay up?
I was still up at 4.30am trying to rescue my cat after she got stuck in the basement. Crazy, crazy night.
Meals or snacks?
If I’m shooting I often forget to eat, so definitely snacks. Savory snacks.
Do you sit down in the shower?
I used to do that when I was a kid but, alas, no more.
Who would you invite to your fantasy dinner party? Have to be alive.
Emilia Clarke, José Mourinho, Bjork and Elton John.
Your biggest fan?
Strange question… maybe that bored person who went through and liked every single picture on my Instagram.
If life could resemble any film…
The Big Lebowski. I like dressing gowns and white russians.
Who would you commission to take your portrait?
Juergen Teller.
Your favorite hiding spot in LA?
Griffith Park is a pretty sweet spot. You mean dead bodies or just to hang out?
Blue or black ink?
Black. My friends actually call me ‘Black Al’ because I wear a lot of black.
A shoot you most regret?
I don’t have many of them to be honest. I love what I do!
Cotton or wool socks?
It’s more about the design of a good sock, than the materials for me.
When was the last time you really froke out at someone?
I had a personal freak out with myself earlier.
What was the first thing you said aloud this morning?
Probably “cough, cough cough.“
Are you listening to music right now?
I’m listening to Jon Hopkins album ‘Immunity’ for about the 100th time this year.
Your dream project?
I like to combine fashion with documentary, so probably a big campaign that documents a real story at the same time.
If we gave you $50, what would you buy?
Probably some rolls of film and a few beers.
Last 3 Google searches?
Fred Herzog, Metal veil, Mel C.
What are you doing later?
Drinking more tea with lemon and whisky.
Can we come?
Sure, just be careful you don’t catch my cold or get stuck in the basement.
All photos by Alex de Mora
Stylist: Kylie Griffiths
Hair and Make Up: Lydia Warhurst
Models: Brian Balchin @ FM Models and Rebecca Arnold @ Nevs
21 QUESTIONS: ESTA
Enter Esta, another beat junkie from the Soulection fam, a group that seems to have witnessed overnight popularity and success with their surplus of dope beats and even doper producers. On Tuesday, we caught up with Esta in between lab sessions with his other beat-brethren and rattled his brain — and ran our fingers through his hair — for another segment of 21 QUESTIONS.
So what’s up? Currently chillin! At my pad creating with Mr. Carmack at the moment haha.
Can we get you something to drink? Iced mocha, please.
What are you wearing? Black pants, white tee, and bapes.
Are you interested in anyone right now? Plenty. Cassie, Chanel Iman, Emily Ratajkowski. They’re all my boos.
Do anything last night? Just chilled in the lab with some homies. Always gotta connect with other creative minds.
How late did you stay up? Went home at 6 in the morning haha.
Meals or snacks? Snacks. I’ll snack on chips all day if i could.
How often do you consume alcohol? Not often anymore. Just whenever I play or attend shows.
Has anyone seen you naked recently? I dont think I should answer this because she might read it hahaha.
Blue or black ink? Black.
Ever sit down in the shower? Never that haha.
Are you listening to music right now? A lot of Soulection tunes. Not because thats my fam but the sound constantly pushes me to get better.
Ultimate festival lineup? (Not including yourself) Sango, Ta-Ku, Kaytranada, Mr. Carmack, DaM Funk, The Internet, Disclosure, TNGHT, Rage Against The Machine, and Mos Def.
Who’s on your work out playlist? I don’t workout 🙁
Most embarrassing moment? In 2nd grade, my first day at my babysitters house. I was taking a nap in a room by myself and woke up with pee all over my pants. I was terrified to leave the room..
If life could resemble any film… It’s not a film but Entourage. I wanna live that life.
Favorite place to go on the weekend? Nowadays probably my parents house. Just relaxing and feasting on home cooked meals.
Your dream project? Probably an album with all my favorite emcees and singers on my production. I definitely need that before I die.
If we gave you $50, what would you buy? I’d put it in my savings to help me save for a new laptop!
What are you doing later? Probably drive to LA to catch the Team Supreme event.
Can we come? If you haven’t been to one you must. It’s a party
21 QUESTIONS: SHARKMUFFIN
In the midst of the neverending search for all things girl-band related, along came Sharkmuffin. They are a little riot grrrl, a little lo-fi, and a whole lot of badass. With song titles like, “Mermaid Sex Slave,” how can you not already tell this band goes hard, and by hard I mean beautifully rough guitar riffs, and passionate vocals that scream and crack – everything you want from a group of noisy pop Brooklyn musicians.
Sadly, the trio is a little far from the west coast, but we were able to get 21 questions answered by Tarra Theisson, the bands singer, before she hopes on a train to the Jersey Shore. Batman sheets were involved, and not fist pumps, fortunately.
So, what’s up? I’m sitting on the stairs at penn station waiting to catch a train to the Jersey Shore to visit my family since it’s my half birthday tomorrow. Half birthdays are very important.
Can we get you something to drink? Yes, please. Last time I was at Penn Station this early I made myself a mimosa but their individual plastic wines are so pricey.
What are you wearing? Black shorts and a sweater with some spikes on it.
Do anything last night? Went to some weird party at the knitting factory, had band practice at midnight and then watched cartoons with my boyfriend.
How late did you stay up? Til Like 4 or 7am.
Meals or snacks? Meals.
If life could resemble any film… Something in between The Holy Mountain and Almost Famous.
The fashion moment you most regret…Wearing shorts that had a hole right over my butthole and I didn’t realize it.
Who would you invite to your fantasy dinner party? Courtney Love.
What is your greatest extravagance? Champagne and guitar pedals.
Who’s your biggest fan? My grandma.
Who would you hire to write your theme song? Greer of The Mallard.
Blue or black ink? Black.
Ever sit down in the shower? Yes, back when my bathroom was bigger than a closet.
What’s the story behind your name? A Sharkmuffin is an intelligent young lady who goes after older men without any malicious financial intent. Sort of like the relationship between Audrey Horne and Agent Cooper in Twin Peaks. It also could be a cute woman who is especially good at playing pool at bars.
What was the first thing you said aloud this morning? “Whatever, man…”
Are you listening to music right now? Judy Nylon’s cover of “Jailhouse Rock.”
If we gave you $50, what would you buy? Some records.
Last three google searches…Desert Island Comics hours, surfer dream meaning, Daenerys Targaryen
Craziest road trip/tour story? Our original drummer Drew had quite the temper and when we were in Tennessee driving back from SXSW this passed March one of our tour mates in Haybaby threw a banana peel in the trash can labeled ‘lottery trash,’ at some gas station and a redneck drinking beer behind this gas station at 3pm started yelling at him, so Drew got up in his face and was like “what’re are ya, the sheriff?” and it continued to escalate from there. At one point before we sped off, since the plates on our sprinter van were from Jersey he was screaming shit like “go back to jerzzayy ya punks!” in the best angry drunk southern accent ever.
What are you doing later? Maybe going to a boardwalk psychic and making my mom buy me some new Batman sheets.
Can we come? Yea! The psychic in Asbury Parks’ late grandma told Bruce Springsteen he’d be famous back in the day, so I’m sure she knows her shit.