Interview 1: Emily Daccarett

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

I was waiting for the license of a song I wanted to use in my short fashion film. The song I wanted was Je t’aime, moi non plus. It was taking too long, so we decided to go with a film composer. While in the studio discussing the project, I was asked to write some lyrics in French and to sing them. My voice fit the vibe we needed, and the rest is history. I’m a fashion designer and have my own brand. It’s something I had dreamt of doing all my life and I thought I had to choose between music and design. As happy as I was pursuing fashion design, I missed singing so much. It had always been a part of me, and it was getting to suppress that feeling. 

What do you like to do when you're not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I love watching movies – all genres. I’m a visual person, I draw a lot of inspiration from film. I took inspiration from Blade Runner, Evangelion Neon Genesis, and Blue Velvet for my ep Cannibal. I like to create stories with my work, both in fashion and music. 

How long has your band been around?

I have been making music for my collections for a while now, but I didn’t form my band until last year. I’m not your traditional band, so I work with a couple different musicians depending on the show. 

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

I’m based out of LA. I romanticize the LA music scene from the ‘70s and try to re-create that ambiance with my music and the shows we do. There is so much history here and I want to honor it. 

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you.

Before starting anything, I had made up my mind that if I ever had my own fashion line, I would use my name. Partly because while in college, my teacher turned to me out of nowhere and said if I ever had my own brand, I should use my first and last name. Everyone in the class agreed I should, and I took it to heart. I worked on turning my name into a brand, so coming out with my music and as a musical artist after launching my brand, I wanted to take my name back for me. My music is me. It is what I feel, fear, love and embrace.

Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.

The worst show I’ve played was for an art installation. The gallery had bad acoustics for a live performance, and we didn’t have monitors, so I couldn’t hear very well. It all sounded like a mess and I missed a few lines. The best was my ep release party. It was the first time I played my songs live, combined with my fashion line. Bringing my two worlds together was magical. 

Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you haven't already?

I love venues with acretro vibe, my favorite place so far has been in the Hollywood Hills overlooking the LA skyline. There are a few cool lounges I’d like to play at. 

If you could play any show with any lineup who would be on the ticket?

Petit Meller, Haim, and Lana Del Rey 

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band?

Make sure you vibe together. You’re a family and it should feel comfortable. 

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

Do not quit piano! I enough to help me write melodies and chord progressions, but it’s something I regret not sticking to.  

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why? 

Growin Addiction. It was the first song I produced myself and found my sound.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

Growin Addiction and Red light. 

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

My lyrics are what I feel. I connect them to theme and tie them together to tell a story. For the songwriting process I still work with S. Peace Nistades. He is the film composer I worked with on my fashion films. 

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

To not be afraid of being feeling vulnerable. 

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

Not really. I write the music on my own. 

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that's coming up?

I’ll be releasing a couple songs this year and producing some cool visual content for it. I recently released my ep, Cannibal and I’m working on an active wear line inspired by the music.