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Die Pretty from NYC came into my life when their label Unconform Records from Germany sent me their debut album for review. I was instantly hooked by their Punk/ Rock crossover sound which is really enjoyable. I caught up with Sarah and Skip for an interview and here's what they had to say for themselves.
Street Voice: So guys can you tell our readers a bit about Die Pretty?
Sarah: We're a female-fronted punk/rock group based out of Brooklyn NY currently playing the NYC/Northeastern U.S. scene. We're signed to Unconform Records out of Germany where they released our album Bittersweet in February '09...getting positive reviews so far and looking to tour Europe by 2010..
Skip: We love playing live shows, meeting fans and eating at restaurants in new york city.
Street Voice: Talking of your band name do you ever fins people get you muddled up with the British Rock outfit who share your name?
Sarah: No we haven't had any confusion yet..sometimes when I've looked online i've noticed their name but it's a totally different style of music..
Skip - Not really at all...
Street Voice: There's no way in a million years I could be in the same band as my bro so how do you two manage it?
Sarah: We get along pretty well and if we have any issues we voice them right away to prevent any fights from happening..
Skip: We have no other choice but to deal with differences when they occur. She's my sister, so its not like I can change that ever. We have a mutual understanding about many things, almost like we are twins and can read each others thoughts..its kinda funny. besides..im usually right about everything lol...
Street Voice: Are there plenty of fights and if so who comes out on top?
Sarah: Not too many fights...a tiff here and there but we always work it out..
Skip: She can really throw a punch, so i stay out of her way...
Street Voice: As you know I loved your album so were other reviews as positive?
Sarah: For the most part we've been getting pretty positive feedback so far...
Skip: We've gotten some great reviews and have been compared to some great bands like Social Distortion, Pennywise, No doubt...so we are just honored to be mentioned in the same sentence as those groups...
Street Voice: Talking of the album how pleased were you wish the finished results of Bitter Sweet?
Sarah: Very pleased with the results..I feel that it represents us well.
Skip: Bittersweet was a culmination of different stages of our lives. The songs represent, good times, bad times, highs, lows, pain, strife, sorrow, happiness, joy, excitement and also many questions. I think the title of the record sums up the notion that no matter what happens to you, good or bad, you gotta take life for what its worth. The sweet aint as sweet without the sour.
Street Voice: You're both into tattoos so have you any that are more meaningful/special to you than the others?
Sarah: Yes I have a girl playing bass on my arm and a microphone both representing my love for music..
Skip: Ihave a guitar, microphone and a Johnny Cash record...those are my favorites.
Street Voice: Sarah with you having sleeve tattoos has this hindered you regards employment?
Sarah: No it hasn't..I cover them up for the interview so no one actually knows I have them until I get the job lol...then its too late!
Skip: Tattoos and art are more accepted in New York City. This town is filled with actors, musicians and everyone seems to be a little more tolerant to alternative lifestyles.
Street Voice: So what bands actually inspired you to pick up your instruments and play some punk rock?
Sarah: When I was a teenager different southern California bands inspired me..Pennywise, The Offspring, NOFX, and No Doubt to name a few..
Skip - Pennywise, Rancid, Offspring, Green Day, Suicide Machines, Goldfinger, The Clash....
Street Voice: Are there any plans for you guys to come over to Europe to play in 2009/2010?
Sarah: Yes we are in talks of a possible European tour for the end of 2009 or beginning of 2010...soon enough we will make our way over!
Skip: Yes hopefully this year we can get to europe for some shows. we have never played there, so it would be totally rad!
Street Voice: Aside from Die Pretty do you play in any other bands?
Sarah: No...i write some dancy/new wave stuff on the side though..
Skip - Naw...just this band cuz its awesome.
Street Voice: So what's NYC like as a scene these days? Are there still many places to play?
Sarah: Yeah there's a lot of cool clubs to play including Arlene's Grocery and R Bar..there's not as much of a punk rock scene here though..its not like the old days of the Ramones etc..
Skip: Webster hall, Delancey, Roseland Ballroom, Hammerstein Ballroom. these are all venues I go to regularly to check out bands. The days of Blondie, Ramones, New York Dolls is long gone, but not forgotten. There is still a punk movement in New York, its just a little under the radar...
Street Voice: So out the two of you who's the party animal?
Sarah: I would have to say Skip haha...although a few times a year the animal comes out in me :-)
Skip - I would say me, althought sarah is right....I dubbed her crazy side the "animal" and we see it come out here and there..
Street Voice: Anything you'd like to add?
Sarah: Just for anyone out there reading to check out our site: www.myspace.com/dieprettynyc and to come on out to our shows when we visit Europe!
Skip: I guess we are supposed to say something about world peace and that shit, but fuck it.... please take a listen to our new record and help spread the word about Die Pretty! Rock On!
Thanks to Sarah and Skip for doing the interview. This NYC are highly rated by Street Voice and are certainly worth checking out. Their album 'Bittersweet' is a must to pick up as it's one of the best albums I've heard so far in 2009.
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