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Broke-Ass Band Interview: LILAC

Updated: Jun 21, 2011 15:19
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I got tipped off by the folks over at Different Fur (who we love because they’re always saying nice things about us) about the relatively new SF band LILAC. With a new EP just released last week and an even newer full-length album being recorded as we speak, the grungy psych-pop rock and rollers are making a splash in the Bay Area music scene. The Bay Bridged posted some FREE downloads from the EP, for all you music cheapskates.

I caught up with LILAC’s Will Ivy, who you might remember from his work in other local favorites such as BRIDEZ, Honey, Hunx and his Punx, and Girls.

LILAC might have just gotten started, but with “condoms” as the answer to our staple “What do you refuse to spend money on” question, the LILAC legacy is sure to continue for generations to come.

Introduce yourself!

Hi my name is Will Ivy. I participate in a sex cult called LILAC.

Describe your sound in five words (or less).

Your wettest dream/worst nightmare.

How do you prepare for a big show? What will you be doing the night before?

The night before I will be working my night job as a stripper.  Before every show I do tantric yoga.

What can people expect at your shows?

Lots of head-banging hair, thrashing, feedback, not much talking AT ALL. The best night of your life.

What do you do during downtime on tour?

Honestly I just make a lot of jokes… and I’m big on dad humor.

What’s next for the band? (i.e. plug your next show!)

Our debut EP is coming out in stores on July 19th, you can already buy it on iTunez.  We just finished recording our full-length LP.  It’s a real soul-crushing dream weaver.  That will come out in a few months.  Our next show is June 26th at Thee Parkside and you can also see us at the Independent in July.

Three things you’d take to a desert island?

A beach towe, sun tan lotion, and white wine spritzers.  I mean…c’mon…it’s an island.

What movie can you watch over and over and never get sick of?

Sleeper by Woody Allen.

Favorite season or time of year?

Twilight is my favorite time of day.  And I really like really hot days in SF that we get like twice a year.

Three things that are in your fridge right now?

There is usually only half drank cokes of ancient age. And rotting food that makes my whole apartment smell like shit. Truth.

Anything in your sock drawer besides socks?

Not porn, that’s for sure.

Favorite thing about San Francisco?

There isn’t one thing.  I love this city.

Favorite SF restaurant?

Yamo.  Tiny place with just a counter.  CHEAP Vietnamese.

Favorite SF bar?

Wild Side West.  It’s an amazing lesbian cowboy bar with a mystical backyard garden.

Now let’s get down to the nitty gritty, i.e. money:

Something I don’t have?  I’m not sure what you want me to say here.

I hadn’t gotten to the question yet! Now here we go: Have any tips for aspiring musicians trying to make it on their craft?

Never give up.  Be relentless.  If you really believe in what you do, approach it with unstubborn, uncocky, modest confidence.  It is your dream, just fucking live it, and don’t be an asshole. Nice and generous people are always the coolest.

Best money saving tip in general?

I wouldn’t know about that.  My life is constant risk where I barely make it every month or every day.

Where do you live now and what are some good cheap/fun things to do in that area?

I live in the Mission, and all you have to do is walk around.  You see people you know everywhere you go and they always have funny things to say.  And at night you can all get drunk in an alley together.  Or at least that’s what I do.

What do you refuse to spend money on?

Condoms.

What is the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought and how did that feel?

One of them is my guitar which is the only guitar I’ve played since I was 15.  Everytime I try another one out and think it’s decent, I play mine again and it is like coming home.  I will never leave my baby.  The most expensive thing Ive bought recently is my Fender Twin Reverb.  I love that thing like it is my child also.

What’s the best deal you’ve ever gotten?

A drug deal.

What is your favorite free thing to do?

THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE.

If you woke up a millionaire, what’s the first thing you’d buy?

A beach house definitely.

What’s one GOOD thing about not having a ton of money?

Inspiration is better with hunger and suffering.

Any last words?

LIVE FOREVER.

*Photos by the lovely and talented Molly DeCoudreaux

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Chloe - Pennywise Reporter

Chloe - Pennywise Reporter

Chloe's youth was split between California and Kauai, frolicking on a macadamia nut farm in the tropics and landing finally in the Bay Area. Raised by super-Jew hippies, and the youngest of three sisters, Chloe learned early the virtues of thrift, economy, and green living. To the chagrin of her parents (who hoped, of course, for a Jewish doctor or lawyer), Chloe has put her degree from UC Berkeley to great use by becoming a folk singer. As "Chloe Makes Music" she plays shows throughout SF and beyond, donning vintage frocks, selling handmade merch, and pinching pennies as she sings for her supper. Calling Berkeley home for the last six years, you can think of Chloe as the website's East Bay Correspondent, opening your eyes to the hippie-filled, tree-hugging, organic-loving, vegan-eating, but way-overlooked and awesome assets of Berkeley, Oakland, and beyond.