Photo: Stunt Company/Matt Wignall
GRETA: "Brigitte Bardot (my style) hangs out with John Lennon circa 1964
(Eric's style), plus 3 members of The Replacements (that would be Dan,
Matt, and Adam)."
ERIC:" When we were discussing the aesthetic direction for Summer House,
we wanted the visuals to align with the sonic qualities of the music. Summer
House is a very much a west-coast pop influenced album with strong roots
in traditional '60s pop and Motown. We cited bands from that time period
for our fashion, specifically The Velvet Underground. Although The Velvet
Underground’s music is not nearly as bubble-gummy and peppy as the
tunes on Summer House, their presentation was very simplistic, stark, and
consistent with their music: black, asymmetrical, and austere. Also, by having all the guys in dark formal wear, the
audience’s eye is usually drawn to Greta, who incorporates a lot of bright
yellow or vintage gold sequence dresses. It helps create a sense of focus.
Look at the pretty girl! Ignore the goofy looking guys standing behind her!"
GRETA: "We all usually wear solid colors (black, gray, red, gold), and
clothes that are conducive for lots of movement and sweat."
ERIC: "I usually wear black all the time, on and off stage. It’s classic, simple,
and it allows me to fall into the background so Greta can visually be upfront
and center. It also makes laundry day easier!"
GRETA: "Obviously, the venues in Chicago are world class and I'm grateful
to always play amazing clubs, but it really comes down to the people filling
the club, which makes or breaks a show experience for us. Our Chicago
listeners are loyal, fun loving, non-jaded music listeners, looking to come
together and have a good time. They are also the best dancers we usually see
at our shows."
ERIC: "It’s nice to see familiar faces out in the audience. It creates a better
vibe on stage to know that your friends and families are all in the same
room as you. Most of my close friends are all musicians, and I respect their
musical tastes and opinions more than anyone else, so it’s always nice to
get some honest feedback after the show besides the standard, “Hey! Great
show! You were really good!” type of stuff."
ERIC: "I love military apparel, so Belmont Army is near the top of my list. I
just wish it wasn’t so damn expensive! One of these days I hope to be able to
afford and own a Schott Perfecto leather jacket. The other guys in the band
are all big fans of Buffalo Exchange, and we’ve all purchased many collared
shirts and blazers from H&M."
GRETA: "I really want to have a night where Eric and I switch clothes. I'll
wear his suit and Beatles boots, and he'll sparkle in one of my vintage gold
dresses. It'd be fun!"
GRETA: "Matt is the best driver. He's amazingly skilled at navigating the van
and our large trailer into tight spots. I'm apparently the worst, judging by
the fact that whenever I offer to drive, the boys leap up and say, Oh, no, you
don't have to! I'm actually in the mood to drive. You just relax."
GRETA: "A blue flowered summer dress that I bought in Osaka, Japan is my
favorite vintage piece I own. I've worn it so often that the fabric (a thin silk)
is now worn through. It just hangs in my closet and sometimes I wear it
around the house. Vintage shopping across the world is one of the best parts
of touring!"
ERIC: "I’ve had really good luck in Portland. I found a pair of black Levi
polyester pants from the '70s the last time we were there, as well as a
vintage pair of Serengeti sunglasses. I also picked up a really nice long
winter jacket that I wear all the time. There’s a plethora of incredible vintage
shops in Portland to peruse; lot’s of great diamond-in-the-rough clothes
there!"