The Maroon Cafe

Maroon Cafe: Interview With Class Actress

2012-02-03T13:23:28-08:00

Elizabeth Harper went from coffeehouse singer-songwriter to melodramatic and heavy electronic influenced she-popper overnight. Well not literally a 24 hour transformation but the Brooklyn native who now uses the Class Actress moniker has reinvented herself with a radiant bravado which is eminent on her 80′s glam effort debut ‘Rapprocher.’

H.Q. Before Class Actress you did a lot of great solo work do you feel that you’ve found your sound?

Class Actress: I think so, It seems to suit me more than the guitar but then again I’m in a different phase in myself. I’m not as shy, not as introverted, or maybe I am more burrowed in class actress.. only time will tell.

H.Q. How does a drama major in school always have a fascination for making Electronic music?

Class Actress: Dance music has always been a saving grace in my life, I always escaped going dancing,
and if you think about it – acting is all about timing.. so is dance music.

H.Q. I’ve read that Madonna’a eponymous debut is a favorite of yours, what track would Class Actress cover if given the chance?

Class Actress: “Burning up” or “Think of Me,” I think I could still put my own spin on those tracks, anything else I couldn’t touch. I mean who else can do Holiday except a wedding band. I mean can you really cover an early Madonna track if everyone says you already sound like an early Madonna cover band? I guess if I was playing a wedding.

H.Q. You’ve classified your life after one of my favorite films ‘Less Than Zero’ do you feel that the culture now is living the same way?

Class Actress: Well, American narcissism is what its about. Greed privilege etc.. So yes I think the new mind control via the Internet iPhone tracking marketing blah blah is helping that post empire along. We’re so obsessed with ourselves, maybe i should do the spotify facebook connect, and just so it says “Elizabeth Harper is listening to – Hello by Lionel Richie” .. will someone hear my cries? I doubt it.

H.Q. What song from ‘Rapprocher’ would you select to add to a remake version of the film?

Class Actress: Definitely not weekend because no one in that film works..
I think “need to know” because its about secrets and what we give up / lose, in order to stay in denial of the truth.

H.Q. Bret Easton Ellis ask you to title his next novel what would that be?

Class Actress: “Beyond Belief” or “Man out of Time.” (I mean i would have to use a Costello title right?)
Or “Everything Counts” (the depeche mode song) I’d have to read the book of course, depends on the subject matter. ”American psycho” although my least fav of his… is a pretty good title.

H.Q. How did the deal with Carpark happen?

Class Actress: Todd heard the EP and got in touch with us and he came and saw us open for the band The XX in Baltimore and then kept coming to shows! He’s a really funny, smart, chill guy and we just vibed and I think he has exceptional taste. I mean between Beach House, Toro y Moi, Animal Collective, etc.. Todd has a good ear for the indie pop.

H.Q. What is it about Brooklyn that inspires such creativity musically?

Class Actress: I think it’s the access we all have to each other and shows etc.. I was living in Brooklyn with all these amazing bands around me doing such cool things I was so inspired to make it happen. My friendships and admiration for/with other bands helped me see a path. Just so happened it was with a producer who lived in Philly.

H.Q. Are you content as an artist where the music industry is at this point?

Class Actress: Well, if this were the 90′s and I was touring as much as we do etc., I think we might have a different level of success but I’m not complaining, it is what it is.. I’m grateful people are connecting with the music. Its all I’ve ever wanted.. was to connect with others. In the same way I connected to bands I’ve loved. There is a truth in music that no other medium can deliver. It goes straight to the spine.

H.Q. Lastly, as a person what would Class Actress like to work more on in 2012?

Class Actress: Love, intimacy, courage and a new record I can’t wait for you to hear..
What will it be called ? “The Starlet’s Conceit” ? who knows… stay tuned. “Rapprocher” is out! and that should hold the lions over, for now.

Class Actress debut album Rapprocher is available now via Carpark Records.

Lia Ices | ‘Little Marriage’

2012-02-03T11:19:39-08:00

Next month marks a year for Brooklyn’s Lia Ices fabulous second effort ‘Grown Unknown‘ watch as our favorite cut from the Lp ‘Little Marriage’ gets its own visuals. Album is available now via Jagjaguwar.

Night Manager | ‘Platonic Lovers’

2012-02-03T10:41:43-08:00

Hey there’s a new dream-pop/lo-fi swirling guitar collective stomping in Brooklyn and they go by the name of Night Manager, they have a new three track effort out titled ‘Ghost,’ and here’s a offering from the now available 7.” ‘Platonic Lovers’ is below and its full of attitude and screams….. please play at our next party!

Peace, love and Caitlin Seager

Lucy Rose | ‘Red Face’

2012-02-03T08:47:59-08:00

Lovable Lucy Rose who we simply adore surfaces this new visual for the stunning single ‘Red Face.’ The joys of recording lively moments in your life and using it to share with the world. Watch the lovely video above. Expect her debut album to see daylight this Summer.

Active Child | ‘Sweet Dreams’ (Eurythmics Cover)

2012-02-03T07:14:32-08:00

Active Child stops by Triple J and covers the pop gem ‘Sweet Dreams’ by the well known outfit Eurythmics. Yes we’ve all heard different versions throughout the years but how many of them included a harp? Enjoy the harptastic performance above. His latest Lp ‘You Are All I See‘ is available now.

Peace, love and Pat Grossi

Mp3 Shuffle: Amos Lee | Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight

2012-02-02T12:39:10-08:00

“I’m in love with a girl,
Who’s in love with the world,
Though I can’t help but follow.
Though I know some day,
She is bound to go away,
And stay over the rainbow.
Gotta learn how to let her go.
Over the rainbow.”

If there was ever a song to put life in perspective, this is it. Amos Lee’s track Keep it Loose, Keep It Tight is from his stellar 2005 self titled debut album.

Amos Lee – Keep It Loose Keep It Tight

Hookworms | ‘I Got Some Business Out West’

2012-02-02T09:20:24-08:00

While the Hookworms prepare to release new material on April 21st, we wanted to visit another track from their brilliant four cut self titled Ep. The hypnotic ‘I Got Some Business Out West’ (below) is full of swirly guitars and screams psychedelia. These dudes are fulfilling all our rock needs at the moment and won’t be surprised at all if they become an even bigger outlet before the year is out.

Hookworms – I Got Some Business Out West

Gotye | ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’ Ft. Kimbra (Jimmy Kimmel Live)

2012-02-02T08:04:09-08:00

We like Gotye we really do but our love for Kimbra is much stronger! which is why this performance of ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’ on U.S. soil is worth the watch. Enjoy the fabulous American television debut above. Album ‘Making Mirrors‘ is available now.

Big K.R.I.T. | ‘Boobie Miles’

2012-02-03T07:28:41-08:00

“The 1st song I wanted 2 release from #4evaNaDay is called Boobie Miles. Its about over coming all the obstacles that block your dreams, the sacrifices that come with how hard you have to go to obtain your goal, giving your all no matter what the situation, the only difference between a winner N a loser is a winner plays until he wins”

First effort from Big K.R.I.T.‘s upcoming release ‘4evaNaDay‘ has surfaced, grab a listen to the smooth delivery of the self produced ‘Boobie Miles’ below. Some serious motivation behind this track, the best thing to happen to hip hop in a very long time! February 20th needs to get here quickly.

Peace, love and Justin Scott!

Big K.R.I.T. – Boobie Miles

Delilah | ’2-4am’ (Mixtape)

2012-02-01T11:09:41-08:00

Our Fresh Face picked Delilah is on the verge of dropping her major label debut ‘From The Roots Up‘ but was ever so gracious to offer us an appetizer for the time being. Listen to her brand new 8 track mixtape release ‘2-4AM,’ a few of the cuts ‘Never Be Another‘ & ‘Love You So‘ (Joe Goodard’s Dub You So Mix) we’ve already covered on the site. Grab a copy of the effort for free below.