Interview by Keira Cullinane
This band shouldn’t need an introduction, but it just wouldn’t feel right me not chatting to you about them regardless. Noise Noir are formed of singer, Kelly, bassist Elis, drummer Luis and Guitarist Anthony, and are ruthlessly dark, uncompromising and… great fun!
Kelly is also head of We Can Do It Records (check out new signings Something Leather) and one of my favourite promoters, too. This Tuesday We Can Do It announced Siren Calling Festival, to be held on August 17th. With announced bands such as two of my favourites, Junodef and Valeras, Siren Festival is committed to holding an equal line up in a safe environment. Plus, being a month before the LOUD WOMEN FEST, is also a great warm up for those who are DIY and eager!
Check out Noise Noir’s double A side ‘I don’t need you’ and ‘Creeping’ on Spotify and go see them live this Saturday 22 June at Paper Dress Vintage in Hackney
1. Who would you most like to cover one of your songs?
I’d love FKA Twigs to do a super intense, delicate version of one of the tracks. She’s incredible and I’d love to hear them in that way. I always sing about subjects that have emoted me but it mostly comes out in anger or frustration.
2. If you could add one member to your band – any person, living or dead, musical or otherwise – who would it be, and what would they play?
I’d get Billie Holiday in on keys and do a really moody number and get her to do dual vocals.
3. What was the last song you wrote, where were you when you came up with the idea, what inspired it, and how did it turn out?
The last song I wrote isn’t finished yet but I started it after seeing Clt Drp live. I felt so empowered and inspired by them. I thought it’d be cool to be angrier on a song than I usually am as it’d feel really releasing on stage and thought other women might get something from it. I’ve only written a verse so far but I’m looking forward to finishing it.
4. Which was your favourite gig you’ve a) played and b) watched?
My favourite gig was probably our single launch last year. It was nice having some female friends around and knowing that they felt empowered watching me. Especially as they were actually at the front so I could feel their warmth and energy.
I think my favourite will always be seeing Prince live because he was such a legend. Or just any Dream Wife gig to be honest. They always make me feel super free because you’re surrounded by so many women and Rakel is an absolute force. She makes women feel like they can do anything in that moment.
5. Recommend a record that you think our readers might not have heard of.
I’m not really sure if I can think of one that you wouldn’t have heard of. Maybe Banks? Just because she’s a less known electronic artist maybe? One of the things I love the most about her music is the honesty. She’s not scared to be vulnerable and she’s not scared to stand up and say that’s not right. The most important thing for women is to be able to be whatever and whoever they are without fitting into a box that society has made for us. Having emotions isn’t a weakness. It’s a strength.
6. What’s your best piece of advice for young musicians?
I’d say don’t rush anything. Take the time that you need. I put a lot of pressure on myself and got frustrated that I couldn’t write for a long time. But you really do just have to practise in your own time, when you can and it’ll come. Ohh also if a promoter asks you to play for free or expects you to sell tickets for them…don’t.
7. Your top 3 most beloved albums ever – go.
Top 3 is real mean. Can anyone actually do that? I’m passing on that.
8. What are your musical goals?
I’d just like to develop as a songwriter. It’d be cool to travel around occasionally as well to play different festivals and legendary venues.
9. The most important thing we need to know about your band right now?
That we’re there because we love music but we’re also there for all the people that feel like they’re not good enough, the women who get harassed daily, the people who constantly fight against mental health issues. We’re all really decent people and that’s not always easy to come across in the music industry.
10. Give your top 5 contemporary bands/musicians.
Dream Wife – absolutely crucial for some women to escape.
St Vincent – because women don’t need anyone to stand behind. They are the force.
Florence & The Machine – she’s probably my favourite contemporary songwriter. She manages to talk about such dark issues in such an uplifting way.
Wolf Alice because they were one of the first rock bands that contained a female musician to get their way onto big festivals and they’ve just nailed it.
Deap Vally are one of our biggest influences and they are just incredible. Full of so much fuzz and filthy guitar sounds. They were also one of the first to start a duo that held their own without needing more guitars to beef them up.
Could I also say I love PINS, Calva Louise, Madonnatron, Valeras, The Cosmics, Junodef, Nova Twins, The Pearl Harts, Clt Drp, Ghum, Sit Down, Something Leather, Two Tribes, Goat Girl, Courtney Barnett??
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