Warpaint Interview: SXSW 2010

Los Angeles is breeding ground for free spirits and the four ladies in Warpaint are no exception to that rule. Childhood chums Theresa Wayman and Emily Kokal formed the band, adding Jenny Lee Lindberg and sister Shannyn Sossamon (yeah, the actress) to fill out the rhythm section (Stella Mozgawa has taken over the skins for Sossamon). Crystalline guitar reverberations, lackadaisical post-punk rhythms and breathy, confident whispers give Warpaint's psychedelic paradise an otherworldly buzz. Having made their rounds on every notable blog in the sphere, the foursome self-released a debut EP titled 'Exquisite Corpse,' which was mixed by former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante. The record not only caught the attention of Manimal Vinyl, which gave it a proper release in 2009, but also seminal indie label Rough Trade after their CMJ showcase. It looks as though 2010 will be an even bigger year for the band, as they prep their debut full-length for wide release on Rough Trade and embark on tours the world over, beginning with SXSW.

Describe your sound in your own words.

Bird pop boom crash opera.

How did your band form?

Two sisters and two best friends jim-jamming on Valentine's Day, which led to moving in together and marital bliss.

What are your musical influences?

Theresa: Upright bass.
Jen: Upright bass.
Stella: Upright bass.
Emily: me too!
Plus, Anything from metal to old R&B to Enya to Eric Satie.

How did you come up with your band name?

Stabs in the Dark, our Indian chief.

What's your biggest vice?

Impatience and caffeine, a good team.

What's in your festival survival kit?

Red onesie, airborne, upwards of 90 hats, Alex, a box of avocados, the Kiss Army and water.

Who was your first celeb crush?

Jen: Alf
Theresa: Chris Reeves in 'Superman'
Emily: Goblin King (Ed – David Bowie in 'Labyrinth')
Stella: the dirty one from the Backstreet Boys

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

Jen: Muse
Stella: 'Party in the USA' by Miley Cyrus
Theresa: Justin Timbersteak
Emily: Enya

Beatles or Stones?

Steatles and Bones. You can't do that to a lady!

What's the craziest thing you've seen or experienced while on tour?

Lots of nudity. Nothing special really, we're sorry!