Lenka, Lenka, Lenka. You’re the reason behind my week-long Show-inspired neurosis where I couldn’t stop humming your song while going though the day and pretending like I was in your music video. I’m sure the bus patrons, my dinner guests and roommates were less than happy with my off-tune chorusing, but you kids know how it goes (if you don’t, make sure to check out her music video here ) After the Chictopia girls attended this pretty Aussie’s show in SF this weekend, we were delighted to see that Lenka’s duds are just as sweet as her voice. Check out our interview below.
xoConnie
Tell us about the song, “The Show”
The song is about feeling out of control. It’s a metaphor that life is a show. It was the quickest song I’ve ever written. It took an hour and half in a car ride with Jason Reeves and we were just laughing. We thought it was hilarious. At that time, we didn’t think it was going to be a single or anything but everybody enjoyed it.
You have a fun music video! Any memorable moments?
When I saw the script, I was like, “Can I cast some friends?” Having mates of mine on set was really nice. It was actually a grueling shoot because we are on the harness and we are dangling in the mid air most of the time from a crane. So it was quite exhausting and challenging but definitely worth it.
Perez Hilton loved you, and your video was well received on Youtube and iTunes. What do you think about the power of internet?
It’s huge obviously. The music industry is just catching up to that. What I like about is that I have a lot of control of using it as a creative platform. We can constantly upload videos and things onto MySpace and keep it exciting and keep my fans excited about it. It’s not like you just put out an album and that’s it. It’s constantly evolving thing. It becomes quite an ephemeral living creature.
We think fashion and music are closely related as they are both manifestation of inspiration and lifestyle. Your thoughts?
Some more than others. I am more into idea of dressing up in costumes and playing around. For me, it’s not about trends but more like creating a visual identity for projects so if you call that fashion, I am definitely all about it. I love dressing up! I spent a lot of time shopping, creating looks, hair, and make-up, and dressing up for my shows. I love doing that since when I was three years old. Now I am doing it professionally.
What was your favorite things to dress up with when you were a child?
I had a few different archetypes that I would dress up as. I had a great dress-up box because my mom was a hippie so she had an amazing Indian skirt and such so I will put all those on and dress up as a gypsy. I loved wearing high heels when I was little. I lived in a bush so it was a quite of juxtaposition. I would also enjoy wearing shoulder pads and putting into boobs. I used to watch Days of Our Lives and then going to the mirror and try to recreate the make up—putting blush and orange eye shadows. Awful, awful styles.
What was the last thing you bought?
I went in a consignment store in Chicago and I bought this two-piece that I thought it was really a borderline—DKNY from the 90s. It’s blue and white polka dot and it’s two-piece! It’s like a skirt with frill and a halter neck top with a tie in a bow. I was like “woo, is this going to be too borderline?” and I put it on. But everyone in the three bands that we are touring together, they were like “You look so hot!” mimics cat growl And I also bought this cape from Ted Baker. It’s so beautiful. I am like little black riding hood.
What is the perks of being an Australian in the US?
The notion of being exotic. I’ve never felt exotic in Australia but coming here, people are like, “Your accent is so cute!”
What make your songs “Lenka”?
Sweet, up-beat, melodic pop with a groove undertone but mostly happy music. Well, that might change in the future. This is my first music that I put out to the world and it’s definitely whimsical and childlike.
