InvadeNOLA Magazine October 2012 by InvadeNOLA InvadeNOLA

THE PARTY ISSUE FEATURING: INTERVIEW WITH DJ SOUL SISTER 5 BARS WORTH THE HANGOVER NOLA FEMALE FRONTED BANDS AND MUCH MORE...

LE T T E R F R O M T HE P U B L I S H E R Being a resident of New Orleans for nearly ten years, I have experienced my fair share of celebrations: house parties full of debauchery, galas at the Ogden, and an endless array of ridiculous costume shindigs. My favorite nights, though, have been those unplanned happenings where a drink with friends led to an epic up-til-dawn extravaganza that is talked about for years.

Photo by: Rachel Maloney Cover Photography by: Rachel Maloney Styling by: Jasmine Holzenthal Makeup by: Belinda Avila Models: Alice McGilliuddy & Morgan Ford

This issue of InvadeNOLA aims to embody the idea of partying in New Orleans without relying on the historic cliches: you will see no mentions of festivals or Mardi Gras inside these pages. Instead, we go underground with Chris spotlighting five bars worth the hangover, get our groove on with Caitlin interviewing DJ Soul Sister, and highlight with Lianna four local bands featuring superb female songbirds. This is also the first issue where we introduce a new monthly feature--”The List”--which includes items from our favorite local stores. The piece-de-resistance for those furiously combing their closet for the best night-onthe-town outfit is a fashion photo spread shot by Rachel Maloney and styled by Jasmine Holzenthal that pays homage to the 1990s. (Think Parker Posey in “Party Girl” and Dionne in “Clueless.”) Enjoy! Justin Shiels Founder and Publisher, InvadeNOLA

C ON T R I B U T OR S SARAH BAIRD Editor

BELINDA AVILA-ARTEAGA Makeup belindaa@gmail.com

KIMBERLY EDWARDS Photographer http://kimberlyspins.com/

JASMINE HOLZENTHAL Stylist http://sequincrush.com/

RACHEL MALONEY Photographer http://flickr.com/RachelMaloney

REBECCA DIAZ Writer http://pleasingrecreation.tumblr. com

CHRISTOPHER ROBERT Writer

CAITLIN KIELY Writer http://yeshouse.tumblr.com/

LIANNA PATCH Writer www.theenglishmaven.com

K. MORGAN SASSER Photographer http://morgansasser.com

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LOCAL LOVE

ADVENTURE IN PICTURES:

5 BARS WORTH YOUR HANGOVER BY: CHRISTOPHER ROBERT PHOTOGRAPHY: MORGAN SASSER I’m not going to claim that New Orleans invented drinking in America, but I will say that this city was probably the first to transform it into both an art form and a way of life. New Orleans is a city defined, more than most, by its food, its music, its people -- and the place where those people congregate -- our many, many bars.

To know New Orleans, to truly invade NOLA, you’ll need to spend some time in our local watering holes. So grab some filling food, muster up a strong constitution, and head out. Don’t plan on coming home early.

DRAGON’S DEN Oh, Dragon’s Den. From your weird chinoiserie, to your cheap drinks to your horrible bathrooms, has there ever been a more wretched hive of drum and villainy? New Orleans’ Mos Eisley of drum ‘n bass, dubstep, space-funk, and hip hop, is a loud, pet-friendly, mess of a place that’s just as likely to cave your head in as to blow your mind. But we like it that way. The drinks are cheap for Frenchmen St., the upstairs bar has a kickin’ balcony, and the back courtyard is the perfect spot to take a breather when your head starts spinning. Just don’t go on a night where there’s a high cover charge; it’s probably not worth it. WWW. FACEBOOK.COM/THEDRAGONSDEN | 504-949-1750

MIMI’S IN THE MARIGNY The downstairs is a tall-windowed, exposedbrick, classy neighborhood joint; the upstairs looks like a basement. Both are terrific. The main bar has a copious selection of ales and spirits and better than average bar food (try the goat cheese croquettes in honey; they’re to live for), along with a relaxed vibe that accepts tie-dyed tourists and fedora-donning hipsters with equal aplomb. Its upstairs, though, with its sunken patchwork ceiling and potpourri of cheap Chinese lanterns that’ll really get your blood moving -- especially on Saturday nights when New Orleans legend DJ Soul Sister spins a feet-tingling set of funk, soul, R&B, and gospel from 11 p.m. until the birds start chirping. WWW.MIMISINTHEMARIGNY.NET | 504-872-9868

MAISON Maison is a funny beast. Located in the heart of Frenchmen St., it’s part restaurant catering to tourists (with comedy shows and nightly live music entertainment), and part local hangout, mid-sized concert venue, and club. On any given night you can catch brass bands, electro, or indie rock (the night we went, chignon-sporting, chanteuse Emily Estrella wooed us with lounge standards backed by her Faux Barrio Boys in their semi-regular Friday night slot). Dance lovers unite upstairs for their “Buena Vista Social” Latin dance party, every Friday from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. WWW.MAISONFRENCHMEN.COM | 504-371-5543

HOWLIN’ WOLF Funk, comedy, bounce, and burlesque converge on 907 South Peters St., where the Howlin’ Wolf makes its home in the Warehouse District. Comprised of three separate spaces -- a large concert space/ dance floor with a 1000+ person capacity, the Howlin Wolf Den bar, with a selection of made-to-order eats and 50-beer selection, and The Den itself, a small concert space where the Wolf puts on its weekly Thursday night comedy show. Choose-your-own adventure or roam around -- you’re not likely to be disappointed. WWW.THEHOWLINWOLF.COM 504-522-9653

THE SAINT Its barren brick exterior denoted only by not-at-all-ominous eponymous neon signage (accented with a golden halo, natch), The Saint promises to be the last bar you’ll ever visit -- the end of the line in life’s great debauched journey. Inside, its brick walls are festooned with tokens of souls departed: A glowing Santa being consumed by a spider, a grinning calavera statuette, and a deposed pope holding a tiki umbrella, not to mention various hunting trophies and pixelated pornographies. In purgatory we trust: Come for the cheap wells ($3.75 a drink, plus $0.50 surcharge when a DJ’s on), the daily 7 to 9 p.m. happy hour, and Tuesday night tikioke. Stay for the sunrise. WWW.THESAINTNEWORLEANS.COM | 504-523-0050

INTERVIEW

REAL PEOPLE

FOUR INTERVIEWS WITH NEW ORLEANS CHANGEMAKERS

I N T E R V I E W S B Y: C A I T L I N K I E LY PHOTOGRAPHY: INVADENOLA STAFF

BRETT LABAUVE FOUNDER OF BOUFFANT/BOUFFANT, A DESIGN PARTY MACHINE. HTTP://FACEBOOK.COM/ BOUFFANTBOUFFANT

BRETT LABAUVE Describe yourself in three words. Pure Gold Flake. How did Bouffant/Bouffant get started? Bouffant Bouffant was birthed from a moment in time described as a combination of wealth and anxious desperation. Tell me a little bit about your designs. My designs are expensive. My designs are fake. My designs are rare. My designs are alchemy. My designs are one of the chandeliers at Jean Paul Gautier’s last Spring/ Summer 2011 Hermes fashion show.

designs are pink spray paint at Louis Vuitton Tokyo. My designs are vogueing alone at midnight under the oculus of The Pantheon. My designs are dangerous.

I like choosing who to give my favorite and most sexy pieces too. I choose people who will wear them well. Shameless self promotion is so chic this winter.

You describe Bouffant/Bouffant as a design/party machine. Where does the party aspect fit in? Party is the priority. Without people coming together and rejoicing in a stunt-prone lifestyle while wearing my designs, Bouffant Bouffant is nothing.

Alexander McQueen or Alexander Wang? The Mother of the House of Broel, Alexander Alexis.

Your products have attracted a loyal following locally; your tee shirts sell out almost the moment they hit the shelves. How do you do your marketing? Currently you can only find my My designs fade. My designs are designs at Gnome, a quaint bout that life. My designs are Ionic column capitals from The Sanctuary boutique in the French Quarter. Outside of Gnome it isn’t easy to of Athena Polias at Priene. My acquire a Bouffant Bouffant piece. designs smoke that loud. My

What is the House of Broel? The House of Broel is a tight knit family of queer boys and girls. We’re named after the New Orleans famed Victorian Mansion that hosts weddings, debutant balls, etc. on St. Charles Avenue.

DJ SOUL SISTER Describe yourself in 3 words. Nicety but feisty. You are one of the city’s most respected DJ’s. Your Saturday night Soul Power radio set on WWOZ and your Hustle party at Mimi’s afterwards are institutions in the city. How long have you been at it? I’ve been on the air at WWOZ and throwing parties for close to two decades. The HUSTLE party that I’ve been throwing at Mimi’s will be 9 years old in spring 2013. I specialize in rare groove music and soulful sounds because that’s what I love. That’s why the 20 years feels like all of 2 minutes - because I love every second of what I do and sharing the energy with all of you. What is your most memorable local set? That is so hard, I don’t know if I can answer this one. There are special moments that stand out. Like the time I was playing “Four Corners” by Lee Dorsey at Tipitina’s, opening for the Johnny Vidacovich Trio with George Porter some years ago. George is, of course, an original member of The Meters and they were the rhythm section on that song. So George is on stage, setting up, and he hears me and turns to me with a big smile, points and says, “I was on that!”

Any new projects you want to let us know about? I have my weekly “Musically Speaking” film series which features music-related films and documentaries, stuff that’s not being screened elsewhere. I’m also gearing up the present my 2nd annual roller skate jam, which will happen in December and will feature the Dynamite DJ Dave Soul. Admission will benefit a local nonprofit and it will happen at Airline Skate Center. Last year was wild, so I want to continue to make it wilder. A lot of the tracks you spin are old school. Is it difficult finding “new” material? As a “crate digger,” which is the term given to those of us who scour the world looking for original vinyl albums, it’s never difficult. There are thousands of records out there, and no one has them all. Here in New Orleans there are plenty of vinyl stores that I visit weekly. I also make sure to do vinyl shopping whenever I go out of town. I still remember my first album purchase. Unfortunately it was Step by Step by New Kids on the Block on cassette. I was eight years old. What was yours? I vividly remember the first record that was ever bought for me. It was Music is the Message by Kool &

the Gang: still my favorite album to this day. I can’t for the life of me remember the first one I bought with my own money—seriously. I’m about seventy percent sure it was UTFO’s first album, with “Roxanne, Roxanne” on it. I know you are devoted Parliament Funkadelic fan. If given the chance would you hop on the mothership or stay here on earth? It’s wild on the mothership - I’ve been there! My goal is the same as that of P-Funk, to bring the mothership here to earth so that everyone can get some. Where do you like to dance when you are not spinning? I love checking out live modern jazz and trying to support lots of the young soulful groups and events that aren’t getting lots of play in the media right now. There’s a whole movement that’s about to happen here in New Orleans. I call it soulful takeover, and I’m looking forward to seeing all of the young people rise up, create events, and put some soulful feeling back into it. Also, keep the wild party vibe in it, that’s what makes it fun. What’s the use if it ain’t fun?

DJ SOUL SISTER HTTP://FACEBOOK.COM/DJSOULSISTER

NICK THOMAS MARKETER AT REPUBLIC HTTP://WWW.REPUBLICNOLA.COM/

NICK THOMAS Describe yourself in 3 words. Just some guy. What are a few of the daily tasks for a marketer at a large venue such as Republic New Orleans? Everything from ad buys and print design to social media scheduling and flyer distribution. However, the most important and timeconsuming is managing my team of promoters – each weekly, monthly, and one-off event has it’s own group of promoters, each with their own personalities and nuances. You created a weekly party at Republic called Throwback. What sparked the idea for a 90s themed event? I graduated from Loyola in May 2007 and Republic hired me to be their live music marketing director. Fridays were slow back then, and the owner asked me to produce a night that I’d actually want to go to. I envisioned a hybrid of live music and club night where local indie rock bands could open the night and then a DJ could lead an 80s, 90s, and indie dance party all night. Many NOLA acts at the time

were using retro elements in their songwriting, so the idea seemed to jive. We launched Throwback in September 2007 to a sold out crowd. Tell us a little about the clientele at Republic. Wow. That’s a tough question, and certainly a topic of much debate over the years. There isn’t really one clientele. We host private events with 50 year old corporate types in suits, electronic nights with young EDM kids in neon tutus, hipster shows with art kids and gutter punks, and club nights with the more image-conscious folk. Republic is known by many for the latter, but that’s really a small segment of our clientele. I implore anyone that still holds that ‘Jersey Shore’ stigma to come on out and see for themselves. What’s your favorite throwback tune to get a party started? “Take On Me” by A-Ha is a personal favorite. There’s nothing like belting the words out amongst friends, and the video was revolutionary. But, that’s best suited for two AM.

For a party starter, I’m going with any jock jam or boy band single – the cornier the better. There’s something about embarrassingly bad music that helps people get loose and dance. What sets Republic apart from other Big Easy clubs? I think Republic stands alone in its versatility and diversity. We produce great private events, live music, and club nights. Other venues do a great job in one or two of those areas, while we think we’ve managed to hit the trifecta. The indirect result is a gorgeous, high-end venue with stellar lighting and sound.

SONALI FERNANDO Describe yourself in three words. Everything and nothing. How did you break into music promotion? I was a Music Industry major at Loyola in college. I put shows together for my friends in bands and who were DJs. I have always been a participant in the music scene as both a promoter and musician. I like working and creating with my peers and growing the New Orleans music community. You are affiliated with the House of Templum, a New Orleans artists collective whose members are people of color and/or queer. How has House of Templum changed the party scene in New Orleans? I am not sure what our impact has been, but we certainly saw a gap in nightlife that we knew we could fill when we formed three years ago. In the last year and a half a lot of artists, performers, promoters, and friends have diversified the effort to fill this gap as well. It’s inspiring. You write for Diplo’s website, which profiles the artists on his Mad Decent record label and promotes parties around the

globe. Which artist on the label are you most excited about right now? I have written the occasional blog entry for MD since 2008, usually to support a peer’s project. First and foremost, I’m excited about Paul Devro because the dude is all around awesome musically and as a person. Paper Diamond is a really great producer. I had the opportunity to step into the studio with him (shout out to Reeves over at Winter Circle!) when he was down here. His oeuvre is broad and impressive. Describe the best party you’ve gone to this year? This is tricky to answer, simply because I have pulled away a bit from nightlife. I haven’t been to a lot of electronic shows recently because they don’t get my goat anymore. The last Templum Second Saturday for Endless Gaycation was wicked good, and Big Dick’s House of Big Boobs always kills it. Alka Seltzer or a Bloody Mary for a Sunday morning breakfast? Charged water and bitters from Bar Tonique with a side of Chartreuse.

When I googled Sonali Fernando I discovered a beautiful fashion model and an award winning filmmaker with the BBC. Are all Sonali Fernando’s destined for greatness? Pretty much, yeah. Any up and coming New Orleans MC’s, DJ’s, or Bounce Artists we should be on the look out for? The House of Templum DJ roster: Five, Honey B, and Pr_ck. What people don’t know is how great Five is at producing. Pr_ck’s production chops are picking up as well. He’s made some really great remixes recently. And I’m starting a girls chorus. It will be so strange and sick you might hear an all-girls choir over a bounce track. Who knows? Let’s get weird, my friends.

SONALI FERNANDO MUSIC PROMOTER HTTP://TWITTER.COM/INMYTEMPLE HTTP://ABOUT.ME/INMYTEMPLE

party girl PHOTOGRAPHY: RACHEL MALONEY STYLING BY: JASMINE HOLZENTHAL MAKEUP BY: BELINDA AVILA MODELS: ALICE MCGILLIUDDY & MORGAN FORD

IN NEW ORLEANS, WE LIVE TO PARTY. THIS FASHION SPREAD EXPLORES THE LATEST STYLE TRENDS WHILE PAYING HOMAGE TO THE 1990S.

STYLE

FEATURING LOOKS FROM ARMOIRE: WWW.ARMOIREBOUTIQUE.COM/ ABEILLE NOLA: WWW.ABEILLENOLA.COM/

MORGAN: Dress, Chambray Top and Boots by Armoire; Hoop Earrings by Abeille Nola ALICE: Top, Leggings, Earrings and Collar Necklace by Armoire; Plaid Bracelet by Abeille Nola; Pink Bracelet by Francesca’s Collection

MORGAN: Sweater Dress and Bracelet by Abeille Nola; Socks by American Apparel; Tassel Earrings from Stylist's Collection

ALICE: Sequin Dress, Chambray Shirt, Hoop Earrings and Fur Vest by Abeille Nola; Boots by Shoeffle (in Abeille Nola); Ring by Armoire

MORGAN: Top and Leggings by Armoire; Shoes by BCBG; Necklace by Abeille Nola ALICE: Top, Skirt,Necklace and Bracelet by Abeille Nola; Shoes by Shoeffle (in Abeille Nola); Vintage Purse from Funky Monkey

the list

BY: REBECCA DIAZ PHOTOGRAPHY: RACHEL MALONEY

This season, bold accessories and statement dresses will make even the most seasoned social butterfly feel like she's making her party girl debut. By paying homage to the ultimate arbiters of style and substance - Alicia Silverstone's Cher from Clueless and Parker Posey's Mary from Party Girl - these 90's inspired throwbacks will keep the party going all night long.

1 PYTHON BOOTS - $28 by Nature Breeze from Buffalo Exchange

2 LEOPARD TUXEDO JACKET - $15 from Buffalo Exchange

GALAXY LEGGINGS - $28 by KTOO from Armoire

5 FAUX SNAKESKIN ATTACHE CASE - $39 by Ethel & Myrtle from Abeille NOLA

FUCHSIA SPIKES BRACELET - $21 from Green Serene Boutique

6 BLACK VELVET LOAFERS - $19.50 by Paprika via Buffalo Exchage

GOLD UPSIDE DOWN CROSS NECKLACE - $12 from Armoire

ORNATE PRINT DRESS - $48 by Ginger G from Armoire

9 QUILTED AND CHAINED CELL PHONE CASE - $15 by TC via Abeille NOLA

10 MANIC PANIC DYE AND STYLING GEL $5-12.50 from Buffalo Exchange

11 RED QUILTED MOTORCYCLE JACKET - $48 by Last Kiss from Loft 3H

RED CHECK SUNGLASSES - $12 by A.J. Morgan from Miette

BLUE LEATHER LOCK CUFF - $26 from Green Serene Boutique

BLOGGABLE

GIVE IT A GIRL

BY: LIANNA PATCH

FEMALE-FRONTED GROUPS TAKE NEW ORLEANS BY STORM As the owner of both a larynx and a uterus, New Orleans’ female-fronted groups thrill and inspire me. Taking center stage at venues throughout the city and farther afield, they’ve got chops, charisma, and creativity.

PHOTO CREDIT: Patrick Quirk

B I G H I S T O RY

Meg Roussel leads a double life. As a curator at the World War II Museum, she orchestrated her first major exhibit last year—but as the lead singer of group Big History, Meg is enigmatic, soulful, with a powerful voice easily lent to comparisons with Adele. Big History is dance-pop at its very best: cascading electronic riffs, a pulsing drum undercurrent, and Meg’s potent vocals. When sixmember Big History formed in 2010, Meg was its only musical novice, and feared the spotlight. Even if her confidence was an act at first, it’s genuine now. “Every bone is a beat, is a tambourine,” she purrs from behind mirrored shades, and you can’t help but dance. HTTP://BIGHISTORYMUSIC.COM/

Take-charge frontwoman Ms. Charm Taylor drives the Honorable South, a high-intensity ensemble billing itself as “electric soul rock-n-roll”. Relentless and raw, Taylor sings out, dancing to a band that has grown from its two founding members (Taylor and guitarist Matthew Rosenbeck) to a group of five. As lead singer, Taylor is unapologetically abrasive, embodying a New Orleans that is dirty, addictive, seductive and impossible to imitate. The Honorable South’s 2011 release, I Love My Tribe, gives a sense of the band’s diverse genre inspiration—rock, punk, hip-hop and soul all come together behind Taylor’s sharp volume—but you’d do best not to categorize it. HTTP://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THEHONORABLESOUTH

THE HONORABLE SOUTH

PHOTO CREDIT: Jason Albus

PHOTO CREDIT: Richard Thompson

KRISTIN DIABLE + THE CIT Y

Kristin Diable’s melodically driven music is as fluid and relaxing as her voice, at first dipping into country honey, then finding a brassier edge. She’s backed by The City, a rotating cast anchored by guitarist Casey McAllister and bassist Charles Lumar, and released Kristin Diable and The City in 2012. “Lines on the Road,” a rolling, wistful reflection from that album, was featured on True Blood, giving Kristin even more national exposure. Kristin Diable and The City are on tour through the New Year, but catch them at Three Muses on Frenchmen Street on November 2 for a taste of Diable’s signature roots-rock sound. HTTP://WWW.KRISTINDIABLE.COM/

PHOTO CREDIT: Marc Pagani

NASIMIYU

You’d never know Nasimiyu is originally from Minneapolis from the way she’s embraced New Orleans. The singer’s husky alto leaps and drops over high-energy backing by her five-member band, including trombonist Jeremy Phipps, with whom Nasimiyu also sings as half of duo Saint Bell. Self-taught Simi plays piano, drums and guitar, frequently accompanying herself onstage during frenetic, goosebump-inducing shows. Grab her fulllength album, Rules Aren’t Real, for a mix of political fury, wide-range soul, and sparse, haunting ballads, tied together by Nasimiyu’s emotional vocals. HTTP://NASIMIYU.COM/

THE LAST WORD THE INVADENOLA TEAM HAS DECIDED TO MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTENT SHIFT STARTING ON NOVEMBER 1, 2012. We are excited and proud to introduce a new weekly mini magazine that features: 3 articles on local people, places, and projects and our 3 favorite events. This content will be distributed through a weekly email, sent out every Thursday and archived on our website. This new model will replace our daily blog. We also plan to continue our larger monthly magazines featuring longer format content and photo spreads. Sign up and get a small taste of New Orleans in your inbox every Thursday.

WHAT THE FUDGE ARE WE DOING THIS WEEKEND? Whether its a dance party, a theatre production, or the newest hotel happy hour, InvadeNOLA has the best cross section of New Orleans events for young professionals. Click it: http://www.invadenola.com/events