http://www.xlr8r.com/features/2009/08/inbox-joyo-velardeThis week,
XLR8R Inbox shoots the breeze with a very pregnant
Joyo Velarde.
The soulful Bay Area hip-hop queen (and Lyrics Born's official main
squeeze) gets juiced on Depeche Mode, bossing friends around on the
playground, and her impending picture-perfect family life. Look for her
funky fresh debut full-length,
Love & Understanding, this November on
Quannum.
XLR8R: What are you listening to right now?
Joyo Velarde: I'm just now getting into them, but I caught a PBS
Soundstage performance of
Death Cab for Cutie,
after which I immediately purchased their album. Love the writing! I've
also been listening to a phenomenal band from New Zealand:
Fat Freddy's Drop. Heavy vibes; hi-tek, dubby soul.
What's the weirdest story you have ever heard about yourself?
Can't say that I have. Guess that's a good thing!
What band did you want to be in when you were 15?
Depeche Mode—no-brainer.
Worst live show experience?
If we're talking about myself as a performer, it would have to be a
Chicago gig we did a few years ago on a Lyrics Born tour, where I'd
been battling the flu and just about passed out on stage. Being on the
road is work enough, but to have to perform when you're sick absolutely
bites.
Favorite city in which to play?
Top 3:
1) Sydney, for the surroundings
2) Austin, for the energy
3) Home sweet home, for the
commute
What is it like working with Lyrics Born (or being married to him, for that matter)?
The thing I love about working with him in the studio is that he knows
exactly what he wants, whether in the production process of a track or
getting the right performance out of you. Getting to tour/travel with
him is obviously a huge perk—take in the local color, do a show,
and have someone spoon you at the end of each night? Super-delicious.
What is your favorite thing that you own?
Our home.
Name one item of clothing you can't live without.
Doesn't exist.
If you could reduce your music to a single word, what would it be?
Developing.
For what did you always get in trouble when you were little?
Bossing around all my playmates. I've always liked to delegate things.
What's the last thing you read?
Unaccustomed Earth by
Jhumpa Lahiri.
Complete this sentence: In the future...
I can see our firstborn (due in October!) running around our backyard
while I finally get to harvest the vegetable garden I've always wanted
to grow, and Daddy's chillin' in the shade drinkin' his favorite adult
beverage of choice.
Stupidest thing you've done in the last 12 months?
According to my husband, it was the purchase of two patio chairs that have managed to remain in the living room.
What's next?
Baby, album, one more baby (God willing), more albums to the infinite degree...