Today, we dropped in on Haley Bowery of The Manimals.
The Manimals are taking part in Spring Fling 98 at the Knitting Factory this Sunday, May 29. Doors are at 6:30PM and it will cost you $10…more details after our visit.
Here's what we found out when we dropped by.
* * *
Quirky NY Chick (QNYC): ... and brought a friend who didn't know your music, what song of yours would you play for them and why?
Haley Bowery (HB): “Teeth” from our new album, SEVEN. It’s a concept album and it veers into a few different styles that are new for us, but “Teeth” still feels like classic Manimals. It’s a glam-rock stomper with tons of attitude that belies its emotional core.
(QNYC): ... what song or album would you feel I needed to hear before I left?
(HB): I’m living for Mother Feather’s self-titled album right now. It checks literally all of the boxes for me: hard rock energy, glam style, monster hooks, female vocals, blurred genre lines, and the most powerful, genius lyrics.
(QNYC): ... and browsed your book collection, what would you suggest I read?
(HB): The His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman. These have been favorites of mine since I was twelve, and believe it or not, they’re even better as an adult. On the surface, they’re young adult fantasy novels, but they go to unexpectedly deep and philosophical places.
(QNYC): … vinyl, cassette or digital?
(HB): Vinyl. I like full-sized art, listening to entire albums in one sitting, and the crackle.
(QNYC): ... bicycle, skateboard or roller skates?
(HB): Bicycle! I ride everywhere. I’ve even been a bike messenger. Nothing makes me happier than a bike ride along the Hudson River in the summer.
(QNYC): ... what's the most valuable piece of advice you've been given?
(HB): I went to theatre school, and every second was grueling and hysterical and full of self-doubt. Before we graduated, we had to perform in a showcase, and I was having a really hard time tapping into anything real. I could do funny or clever just fine, but it felt really dangerous to let myself feel all of the feelings in my more serious song. One day, it just clicked, and as I sobbed (this happens a lot in theatre school) my teacher took my face in her hands and said “You’re not allowed to show only half of yourself ever again.” It’s hard to own all of your parts, especially when some of them seem ugly, but you’re interesting because of all the colors- I’ve kept that advice with me for a decade now.
My thanks to Haley for letting me "drop by".
The Manimals released their new album, Seven, in April 2016. You can't pick it up HERE.
Sunday, May 29
361 Metropolitan Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
Doors: 6:30PM / Show: 7PM
All Ages
