De Novo Dahl, Nashville’s premier psychedelic claymation art core pop extravaganza is arriving to DC this Sunday to play Velvet Lounge. If you’ve caught them at DAM! in 2006, or saw them open for Hot Hot Heat, The Dance Party or even just googled them…you know you’re in for a threat. If there is a band that screams “good time”, than this is it.
Don’t trust me? (shame on you) Well, just peep this:
I will admit to only realizing they were about to arrive a day a go, so I promptly emailed their “people” who told me I had to “SEND THE QUESTIONS OVER NOW!”, if I wanted them back in time, which resulted in this 15 minute keyboard match with their omnichord player and vocalist Serai Zaffiro.
So, never mind the interview, as it is short and we’ve done better, but just use this as a reminder that if your Sunday (with Monday being a holiday-bonus!) needs some pizzaz, this is the band to hear. AND SEE.
BYT:What are you wearing right now?
Serai:Gray and black pajamas.
BYT:What will you be wearing on Sunday at your DC show?
Serai:Colorfully embroidered, rhinestone studded, tailored suits. We call them nudie suits.
BYT: What do you wear when off stage?
Serai:Jeans, a t shirt, and boots.
BYT: Who are your style inspirations?
Serai:The Flying Burrito Brothers and The Muppet’s
BYT:Would you ever shop at The Gap?
Serai:Sure, I have before.
BYT:Are you sick of people constantly talking about your outfits?
Serai:No, we feel like superheroes in our outfits. Everyone likes to dress up, right? I’m just glad you didn’t ask what our name means. That is the question we are sick of.
I promise not to ask (if you care to know…it is all explained in their darling bio) Ok, so onto the new record, you had some major producing/mixing/help from members of Flaming Lips, Belle and Sebastian and Super Furries. Who was your favorite (you sort of have to pick)
Serai:They were producers that worked with those bands not actual members. But if you want us to chose the favorites of those bands it would be the Flaming Lips.
BYT: So much for internet research. Is there someone you’re dying to work with?
Serai:Anyone from the Wu Tang Clan
BYT:Pick two favorite songs from the album you want to shout from the rooftops and tell us why you want to shout them from the rooftops :
Serai:
T. Rex Electric Warrior
Bang a Gong
Jeepster
-They are just awesome
BYT:Nashville has an obscenely high musician per capita ratio. Do you all hang out? Anyone you’re bff’s with? Anyone you’re mortal enemies with?
Serai:We are friends with lots of Nashville bands. Bands like The Privates, Hands off Cuba, American Bang, Autovaughn, Hands Down Eugene, Forget Cassettes, Hot Pipes, Caitlin Rose, etc. We have no enemies, we’re lovers not fighters.
BYT: For those that have never seen you live before, describe to DC audiences what to expect on Sunday…
Serai:Psychedelic western ware, lots of dancing, and loud rock and roll.
BYT:What is next?
Serai:Lots of touring.
BYT:And finally…one for the road.
Serai:Forever in blue jeans babe.
