SFgate/Interview

===Interviewhttps://web.archive.org/web/20120121023627/http://blog.sfgate.com/culture/2011/05/27/530-lykke-li-grimes-regency-ballroom/===
5/30: Lykke Li & Grimes @ Regency Ballroom
With an otherworldly voice and pop-star-worthy looks to rival her own, it’s no wonder Swedish indie sensation Lykke Li nabbed Grimes as support act for her current tour. The Canadian songstress wowed audiences and critics alike with her live performance at this year’s SXSW Music Festival.
The unique style of Claire Boucher, aka Grimes, defies genres. She delivers eerie childlike vocals over a blend of synth pop and hard-hitting beats. With a post-punk, DIY, conceptual art aesthetic, she oozes originality. From invented languages to Dune references, her work is fascinating.
With two albums released last year, a split EP with fellow Canadian d’Eon released last month, and a sophomore LP on its way, Grimes is moving at unparalleled speeds. Geidi Primes, Halfaxa and Darkbloom are all available on Arbutus Records.
Saying that audience members can expect “beauty, grace and a good outfit” at her shows is an understatement if you’ve watched her music videos or seen her live. Check out the stunning kaleidoscope-infused music video for Grimes’ single, “Vanessa,” directed by Grimes & John Londono:
Grimes will open for Lykke Li Monday, May 30, at the Regency Ballroom. I caught up Claire (aka Grimes), to ask her the standard questions about musical influences, touring, and future plans. But she caught me off-guard by steering the conversation in very unexpected directions. Charming, funny and brutally honest, she let’s us in on a few intimate secrets. Read on!
Describe your sound in five words or less.
Carnivalesque.
Who are some of your biggest influences?
Cleopatra, Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, New Edition, Enya, Tchaikovsky.
What are other bands should people be listening to?
Doldrums, Tonstartsbandht, Mozart’s Sister.
Favorite thing about San Francisco?
Heh, the fact that I’ve never been there, so it will be all new and warm and there are supposedly open-minded people.
Favorite SF restaurant?
The one that is waiting for me.
How do you prepare for a big show? What will you be doing the night before?
1000 skips on a skip rope, no smoking, no yelling, no dairy.
What can people expect at your shows?
Beauty and grace, and a good outfit if I have the energy.
Favorite places you’ve been on tour this year? Highlights? Stories?
I really enjoyed Shreveport, Louisiana, and the one day I spend in London England. When I was in Pensacola, Florida, I got really upset while I was playing and had like a huge nervous breakdown on stage, and then when I went outside, the house across the street had completely exploded and was in flames and I thought perhaps it was, like, a product of my anxiety, or that I had anxiety ’cause I knew the house was on fire subconsciously. That’s probably pretty conceited to say, because I’m sure it had nothing to do with me, but I like to tell the story regardless.
What do you do during downtime on tour?
I do a lot of skipping on my rope and complaining in the car. I like to think that I read books, but I’m not sure if I really do.
Tell us about the new album.
It’s the best thing I’ve done. It’s really like paired down instrumentally, with most of the focus on the vocals. Production-wise, I’m most influenced by Outkast and Dungeon Family, but vocally it’s like Mariah Carey and Enya, and I used a Juno G so theres lots of like buzzing and distorted dub-steppy bass and stuff. But the instrumentals are also like miles ahead of my old ones, even if they’re simple. It’s not so loop-y anymore. Also, I want every song on the album to be a potential single. I just want it to be a great album with no filler.
What’s next for you?
Well, I’m working on becoming more stylish in a literal sense. Also just cracking down on various things, like practicing every day and stuff. I guess the next thing is to release this album and tour, but I think I/we want to do a crazy good job with it this time. Try a lot harder./p>
Now for the important questions: What did you have for breakfast today?
No breakfast, too busy.
Three things you’d take to a desert island?
My friends, my studio, weapons, downers and a soccer ball (this is more than three, I suppose).
What movie can you watch over and over and never get sick of?
The Fifth Element.
Favorite season?
October, Fall, because its not too hot and not too cold so I can wear my most fashionable clothes and Halloween is approaching.
Category:Interview Category:2011