Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers were just been hanging out at SXSW, but on Wednesday they will be in LA to play a show at Spaceland. Their sound is a mash up of garage rock and the blues, made even more interesting by Shilpa’s prowess on the harmonium. The sound that Shilpa pulls out of this unconventional instrument is so penetrating and emotive. Paired with her sultry and snarling voice, she will draw you in for keeps.
While you are waiting for Wednesday night to finally get here, check out my interview with Shilpa below, conducted right before she headed to Austin!
You released your second album Teenage and Torture via Knitting Factory Records at the beginning of the year. Can you describe what your music is like for those that may not yet be familiar with you? I read you’ve been compared to a vulgar Ella Fitzgerald!
SR: I’m more like a horny Frank Sinatra. I don’t know what these people are talking about.
I am so intrigued by the fact that you play the harmonium. It’s cool to hear new music that is more diverse than just guitar, bass, and drums. How did you come to choose such an old fashioned instrument?
SR: My parents forced me. My parents forced me into being this cool.
Is it a tough instrument to play?
SR: It’s purely acoustic, which makes it hard for a rock format. I’m sure most people think I play it for novelty. Whatever. I’m not gonna sell you on my musical ability.
Who are the Happy Hookers and how did you meet?
SR: We met through mutual friends and through playing out.
I love your campy new video for “Heaven in Stereo.” It’s obviously very like a cheesy horror movie from the ‘80s. Was it fun to make? I especially like how the girl at the end has that ultra crazy look in her eyes after she kills the werewolf. After the director yelled cut, did you have to take the gun gently away from her?
SR: I’m not an actress. My only pointer to the director was to make sure he didn’t make us look like assholes. I really dug his treatment of the song and let him run with his inspiration.
I love your song “Venus Shaver.” Your voice is so powerful and the music is so raw, tough, and bluesy. Can you explain what the song is about? It seems to be about unfair female beauty standards. Is that at all accurate?
SR: Beauty standards are bullshit. Women spend half their paychecks obsessing over their looks. I was hoping we’d get to the White House by now.
Are you excited to be playing SXSW? Have you ever played it before?
SR: This will be our 4th time.
Are you looking forward to seeing any of the bands that are playing?
SR: Of course. I dig new music. I can’t wait to see who this year’s pageant winner is.
I was happy to see you’ll be coming to our neck of the woods on March 23rd to play at Spaceland. There’s a band called Acid Mother’s Temple opening up for you right? What are they like? Their band name makes me feel like they would keep me up for 10 hours staring intently at bathroom wallpaper and thinking hard about my mom’s forehead, while constantly eating a PB& J sandwich and yet never seeming to finish it. Are they anything like that?
SR: AMT is amazing! They will school us on time and tone. PBJ will rot your soul.
What else is on the horizon for you guys?
SR: Clouds. Lots of beautiful clouds.
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You can get tickets for Wednesday’s show at Spaceland HERE.
For more information:
Shilpa Ray
Shilpa Ray on MySpace
Shilpa Ray on Facebook
Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers Tour Dates:
03.23 – Spaceland, Los Angeles, CA
03.24 – Bottom of the Hill, San Francisco, CA
03.26 – Fir Lounge, Portland, OR
03.27 – The Wild Buffalo, Bellingham, WA
03.28 – Chop Suey, Seattle, WA
03.29 – Bitmore Cabaret, Vancouver, BC, Canada
03.31 – Broken City, Calgary, AB, Canada
04.01 – The Badlander, Missoula, MT
04.02 – Urban Lounge, Salt Lake City, UT
04.03 – Larimer Lounge, Denver, CO
04.04 – Bourbon Theatre, Lincoln, NE
04.05 – 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis, MN
04.06 – Empty Bottle, Chicago, IL
04.07 – The Strutt, Kalamazoo, MI
04.08 – El Mocambo, Toronto, ON, Canada
