Getting Sassy with…LoveLikeFire
We here around THE CULTURE OF ME were once obsessed with all things relating to Sassy and Dirt
magazines. And while those titles are long gone, the sentiment of how
they covered the culture industries has indeed left its mark on writers
and culture vultures everywhere. It is because of that influence that
we are proud to present our features post, "Getting Sassy
with…", wherein we bring you that much closer to your favorite bands
by way of a simple Q&A session that's both painless and
informative. Ha! Beat that, FOX News!
This time: LoveLikeFire.
(photo by Warren DiFranco)
We have sort of been having one of the crushes you never quite get over with this west coast crew of 90s alternative rock launchers called LoveLikeFire since the first opening bars of their song "Signs" shocked us into fits and swells of tension, heartache and emotions that some adults try locking away as they age. Ann Yu's voice, the frenetic instrumentation, the packaging of all that is right about pop music and none of the garbled junk sometimes thrown in by an absentee producer, all of this is of note for a young band that's raising their own flag on their sloop, heading out on the bumpy waters, not all odds against them. With great promise, we sent our questionnaire off to the band and Ann sent us back her answers, where we learn about Milli Vanilli, lip gloss and Judy Blume books.
Name?
Ann Yu.
Hometown?
Las Vegas, NV.
I now live in:
San Francisco, CA.
Number of states visited?
35.
My favorite place in my hometown is:
Blueberry Hill Pancake House, the late night diner, open 24 hours, you can entertain yourself for hours there. I have some really great memories of Blueberry Hill.
Most recent phone bill total?
$356, but I got them to reduce it to $106, because I basically said I couldn't pay it. I like to talk and walk, it's really a bad habit when you live in a walking city.
Items found in my day-to-day bag (if applicable):
SPF lip gloss ‘cause I am prone to freckles on my lips, wallet, mini voice recorder you never know when inspiration hits, to do lists, coupons – musicians like to save money too!
First album bought on your own?
Milli Vanilli. My sis and I performed “Blame It On The Rain” for my parents.
Favorite song memorized as a child?
“Amazing Grace”. It haunted me, I thought it was such a sad song. I learned it in two different languages I liked the melody so much.
When I sing in the shower, it’s usually:
“Lovefool” by The Cardigans. I don’t know why I just like to sing this particular song in the shower.
The one song that must be on every mixtape is:
“So Said Kay” by The Field Mice. I got this song on a mixtape and it gave me goose bumps, I just love the lyrics and it's such a simple yet beautiful song, I just loved it. This song and “Vapour Trail” by Ride–this song hits me the same way, total mixtape material.
Last book read?
The Pharmacist's Mate by Amy Tussleman.
Favorite book ever?
Are You There God, It's Me Margaret. Nothing tops this book for me or how it made me feel.
Favorite thing you bought this year?
My silver dress with quilted sleeves and pockets from Camden. It was hanging on a rack all by its lonesome, one in my size for five pounds. It's so beautiful and so well crafted, I wish I could wear it every day.
After the jump, way more with Ann Yu of LoveLikeFire.
Instruments played (chronologically)?
Toy guitar, 8 years old; Yamaha keyboard, 8 years old; violin, 10 years old; electric guitar, 16 years old.
Least favorite day job before getting this gig?
House cleaning. It's one thing cleaning your own house, but cleaning someone else's place who is way messier than you is no fun.
Favorite record this year?
No favorite record yet of 2009, I am enjoying the new Grizzly Bear album but not sure if it will make it as my favorite though.
Favorite record ever?
Radiohead, OK Computer.
The one record I’d save from a house fire is:
My Eggstone collection, I don't know if I could find their stuff anywhere again.
Guilty pleasure record you don’t want us to know about?
Eminem, The Eminem Show, someone else in the band turned me on to this album. The production is amazing and every song is ridiculously catchy and good. There, I said it.
My favorite place to play on tour is:
Now that we're back from the UK, I'd say Brighton is my favorite place to play. It's right near the sea, and the people there are super friendly, really yummy English breakfasts and cool shops.
If I wasn’t doing music I would be:
Behind the scenes in music, working at a label or something. But to be honest, I haven't really thought about it enough.
Last illegally downloaded song/album (be honest)?
The new Phoenix album. Sorry.
Latest TV addictions?
“Chelsea Lately”, I like to watch really mindless TV when I watch TV and this show makes me laugh and is about nothing important so it fits my needs well.
Favorite music video this year?
Fever Ray, “When I Grow Up”. It's creepy and beautiful.
Who is in your dream band (must be living musicians)?
Nick Zinner on guitar, Matt Barrick on drums, Sharin Foo on bass.
The best concert I went to this year was:
The Walkmen at The Fillmore.
Recent song you can't get out of your head?
Ida Maria, “Oh My God”.
Press play on your iPod/media player and list the first three songs that come up. ?
“Some Things Last A Long Time” by Beach House, “The Things We Did And Didn't Do” by Magnetic Fields, “Run”, by Supergrass.
(mp3) LoveLikeFire – From A Tower
Godspeed!
