The Precious Empire has been busy taking over NYC and the globe. Lady Starlight was spotted in Glasgow selling some new un-mentionables. Darian Darling modeled some new pop-art and worked those infamous crimsom lips, and Breedlove is busy working the NYC scene with his mega-popular Magic Monday!
Lady Starlight Takes Over the Cathouse Nightclub
Lady Starlight stormed the Cathouse Nightclub in Glasgow a few days ago, spinning records and selling her new Starlight panties!
New Pictures of Darian Darling
Darian Darling modeled a FABULOUS dress created by Hally McGehean. Pop art ostrich feathers? Pearls? Darian? Count US in!
LIGHT AS A FEATHER, STIFF AS A BOARD - THE DRESSES Models Darian Darling and J David McKenney Photography by Chip Miller Makeup by Maria Ramagli Hair by Darley Junqueira
Darian Darling wearing LIGHT AS A FEATHER, STIFF AS A BOARD. Photography by Chip Miller Makeup by Maria Ramagli Hair by Darley Junqueira
Starry Nightlife
NYArtBeat.com's Victor Corona mentions Precious Empire members Breedlove, Darian Darling, and the Joce in his review of NYC's latest 'Starry' nightlife.
"At St. Jerome’s on the Lower East Side, for example, the work week is inaugurated with carousing instead of grumbling. Magic Mondays at the Rivington Street bar consist of a vigorous revelry generated by the songs of Breedlove, a friendly singer usually seen sporting garments typical of the ’80s and ’90s. At a recent Magic Monday, a fog machine started its work and the small bar quickly filled. The crowd of bar regulars enthusiastically sang along to cheery, rousing songs like “Oh, Pierre!” “OK By Me,” and “New York City Rooftop,” whichBreedlovesang with a robust voice as he walked among partiers, beer in hand. Richie Rich, an original club kid compatriot of Alig and a founder of the Heatherette fashion label, arrived alongside Jocelyn Saldana, who daringly posed in a subway sans any garments for Zach Hyman’s Decent Exposures series. Remaining devoted to the creation of his magic musical moments, Breedlove has amassed a fan following that includes veteran practitioners of the art of New York nightlife and recent college grads eager to plunge into the various strains of local culture."
"Immersed in the uptown Columbus Circle chic of the Hudson Hotel’s Library, Thursday night’s Ladyland is described on the party’s Facebook page as “a motley cast of muppets, models, and musicians” by organizer Kelle Calco. In a setting that meshes bookish décor with a violet billiards table, Ladyland’s dazzling duo of hosts,Darian Darling and Tommy Hottpants, cultivate a rock and roll atmosphere that attracts fashion industry toilers, neon-haired club kids, and suit-and-tie types. Noting the inspiration for the party’s name in a Jimi Hendrix song, a recent write-up in On Makeup Magazine reported, “The feel is reminiscent of The Rolling Stones documentary Gimme Shelter or a sexy Warhol Factory party—complete with the characters and creativity that originally made New York City the creative capital of the world.” Recent visitors at Ladyland have included Brian Newman, the debonair trumpet player at the Plaza Hotel’s Oak Room and lower Manhattan’s Duane Park, and rock icon Debbie Harry, who has collaborated in the past with Ladyland’s DJ, Miss Guy."
Dirty. Fucking. Showbiz. Do you have your tickets yet? Check out some of the videos below to get a little taste of the glam buffet that is the Semi Precious Weapons' 'Dirty Showbiz Tour' also starring Breedlove and Lady Starlight. They still have quite a few more headlining dates! SO BUY YOUR TICKETS! What are you waiting for?
Semi Precious Weapons are serving up the glaMOUR this fall with their headlining tour with opening artists, Lady Starlight & Breedlove. Check out the dates listed below to see if SPW is coming near you.
10/2/2010 - Wrong Bar - Toronto, ON, CAN -- BUY TICKETS!
Semi Precious Weapons have just announced a date for a headline show in London at the London O2 Academy2 Islington on Wednesday, December 15th! Hopefully they add more headlining dates - We'll Keep you posted! You can buy your tickets here!
Semi Precious Weapons have just announced a date for a headline show in London at the London O2 Academy2 Islington on Wednesday, December 15th! Hopefully they add more headlining dates - We'll Keep you posted! You can buy your tickets here!
Also Don't Forget!!!! Buy Your Tickets to Semi Precious Weapons Headlining U.S. Tour Starring Lady Starlight and Breedlove!
Semi Precious Weapons are serving up the glaMOUR this fall with their headlining tour with opening artists, Lady Starlight & Breedlove. SPW has a lot in store for this tour and we can't wait to see what they have planned. Check out the dates listed below to see if SPW is coming near you.
9/20/2010 - Masquerade Music Park- Atlanta, GA, United States -- BUY TICKETS!
9/22/2010 - Numbers - Houston, TX, United States -- BUY TICKETS!
Semi Precious Weapons are serving up the glaMOUR this fall with their headlining tour with opening artists, Lady Starlight & Breedlove. SPW has a lot in store for this tour and we can't wait to see what they have planned. Check out the dates listed below to see if SPW is coming near you.
9/20/2010 - Masquerade Music Park- Atlanta, GA, United States -- BUY TICKETS!
9/22/2010 - Numbers - Houston, TX, United States -- BUY TICKETS!
Jon Chattman and Andrew Plotkin of Thecheappop.com interviewed Justin Tranter this week about their new studio album, jewelry line, and touring. TheCheapPop.com has been following Semi Precious Weapons since before 2007 and have plenty of great interviews on their website for you to check out! I spy: Darian Darling, Breedlove... and a black cabbage patch doll??
The interview was also posted in the Huffington Post:
"Justin Tranter probably knows it by now. How could he not? All signs continue to point toward rock and roll domination, and the lead singer of Semi Precious Weapons is just days away from another sweet taste in that direction. So, yeah he probably knows what's on the verge of happening.
As he plucked his glossed lips, and subtly-clicked his high heels together (yeah, you read that right), the Chicago native discussed going on tour next week with pop's reigning queen, Lady Gaga. For Tranter and SPW, it's their second "Monster Ball" tour of duty with Ms. G, but the first time they'll be doing it while in the midst of promoting their new album "You Love You" - which, of course, was produced by Gaga.
While the band has a long, loving history with the artist formerly known as Stefani Germanotta (she used to open up for SPW back in the day), SPW have actually been building a loyal fanbase of their own...on their own for years. Rigorous touring and buzzworthy songs like "Magnetic Baby" (You know you downloaded it for RockBand2) have made for a legion of followers who haul ass to each show wearing little, dancing a lot, and making for likely some of the finest moments in androgynous rock music scene history.
From a swanky Queens hotel, I spoke with Tranter on everything I just wrote about, his burgeoning jewelry line (Fetty), and what the future holds for SPW."
Semi Precious Weapons, Breedlove, Lady Starlight, & Nico Vega will be kicking off their Mini-US Tour tomorrow night at The Roxy in LA! You can still buy your tickets for that show HERE!
04/30 San Diego, CA @ Warren Field/UCSD (Ticket Info Coming Soon!)
"There is no better way to start a riot than with Semi Precious Weapons! The New York rockers finish their Japanese tour with Lady Gaga on the 19th of April and they start again with her in Europe on the 7th of May. Rather than going on a holiday, the band has announced some all-ages headlining shows in April. They will also dominate an arena near you as they continue to support Lady Gaga on The Monster Ball Tour in North America." - Artist Advocacy
Opening all dates, is "Rock 'N Roll Cabaret" artist, Breedlove. Check out some of his tunes here! Also Semi Precious Weapons just confirmed via Twitter that the amazing multi-media artist Lady Starlight will be spinning records at the starred dates below. And also performing is L.A. based rock band, Nico Vega, who have previously performed with Semi Precious Weapons at past shows.
Semi Precious Weapons, Breedlove, Lady Starlight, & Nico Vega will be kicking off their Mini-US Tour tomorrow night at The Roxy in LA! You can still buy your tickets for that show HERE!
04/30 San Diego, CA @ Warren Field/UCSD (Ticket Info Coming Soon!)
"There is no better way to start a riot than with Semi Precious Weapons! The New York rockers finish their Japanese tour with Lady Gaga on the 19th of April and they start again with her in Europe on the 7th of May. Rather than going on a holiday, the band has announced some all-ages headlining shows in April. They will also dominate an arena near you as they continue to support Lady Gaga on The Monster Ball Tour in North America." - Artist Advocacy
Opening all dates, is "Rock 'N Roll Cabaret" artist, Breedlove. Check out some of his tunes here! Also Semi Precious Weapons just confirmed via Twitter that the amazing multi-media artist Lady Starlight will be spinning records at the starred dates below. And also performing is L.A. based rock band, Nico Vega, who have previously performed with Semi Precious Weapons at past shows.
"There is no better way to start a riot than with Semi Precious Weapons! The New York rockers finish their Japanese tour with Lady Gaga on the 19th of April and they start again with her in Europe on the 7th of May. Rather than going on a holiday, the band has announced some all-ages headlining shows in April. They will also dominate an arena near you as they continue to support Lady Gaga on The Monster Ball Tour in North America." - Artist Advocacy
Opening all dates, is "Rock 'N Roll Cabaret" artist, Breedlove. Check out some of his tunes here! Also Semi Precious Weapons just confirmed via Twitter that the amazing multi-media artist Lady Starlight will be spinning records at the starred dates below. And also performing is L.A. based rock band, Nico Vega, who have previously performed with Semi Precious Weapons at past shows.
Be sure to buy your tickets and remind your friends as well! This is an event you do NOT want to miss!
Why hello there little weapons! It's Fab Friday! Where every Friday (well almost every Friday) we give you a dose of fab by interviewing or covering a person that truly embodies everything Fab! This morning we have none other than Breedlove! For those of you who may not know that much about Breedlove, read on to catch up!
SPWW:So, Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Breedlove: My name is Breedlove, I'm a singer/songwriter/performance artist who has been living and working in New York City for the last ten years. I was born in San Francisco to two performers, my mom was a popular cabaret singer in the '70s and '80s and still has a strong following, my dad sang with my mom and is also a well known actor in the Bay Area. I spent the first 5 years of my life on tour with them, living mostly in hotels or the houses of nightclub owners (one in Texas actually had a pool in the living room) until a truant officer came to our door and told them they had to put me in school.
I was born into Dirty Fucking Showbiz.. In fact, it's all I know really. If I'm not schlepping a heavy suitcase of costumes and music to a venue to put on a show half the audience isn't paying attention to, I'm not really living. The glamour of the unglamourous side of showbiz is what interests me most...the body odor and safety pins and blood stains.
Living and performing in NYC I've met the friends I always dreamed I'd meet. I can honestly say I'm now living the life of my childhood dreams.
SPWW:What does it mean to "Dress to Depress"?
Breedlove: Dress to depress means what it says; wear what makes you feel the worst about yourself and makes others feel depressed just looking at you. You can also substitute "depress" with "amuse" because I often make myself laugh when I catch my reflection in a shop window and see how ridiculous I look. That's how I decide how effective an outfit is, by how sad, amused, or even scared I am to wear it (I guess scared of being pulled off the street, thrown in a white van, and locked in a mental hospital). My favorite thing to do is go someplace fancy in an ill-fitting sweatsuit or an outfit consisting of clothing made for children. People get really freaked out and that's the point. The best part is, it's very inexpensive, in fact, the cheaper the better.
SPWW:What are some items of clothing that you consider to be "Must Haves"? You know some people say, you HAVE TO HAVE a certain pair of shoes or a black dress...
Breedlove: I'm "infamous" for a tank top I had airbrushed with a giant picture of my face (see latfh.com and the fashion "Don'ts" page of the February issue of Glamour magazine). I'm having it reproduced and will eventually be selling them at my shows, and I can't imagine a more important garment for people to own. But until those are available, I'd say a pair of sweatpants from a discount store...the more ill-fitting the better. In fact, I'm going shopping for a pair today!
SPWW:Justin talked about your band in the NME feature and said, "If you heard them and didn’t know who they were you’d be positive it was 1977." What inspires your music, and if you were to pick a genre for it what would that be?
Breedlove: My music is inspired by pretty much every genre of the 1970's, top 40 rock and pop from the era, folk, soul, disco, glam, metal, prog, experimental, and art rock. My performance aesthetic is very theatrical, so I call the whole thing Rock 'N Roll Cabaret.
SPWW:You have a supremely catchy song called "Love on the Telephone" that is currently our ringtone. What are your thoughts on Telephone lovin'? And did Lady Gaga and Beyonce steal your concept?
Breedlove: I wrote Love on the Telephone in 2006 while house sitting for my friend Maria who co-wrote the Jennifer Lopez hit Waiting for Tonight (I think there's magical songwriting energy in her apartment). I was watching TV late at night because I couldn't sleep, and there were all these ads on for various phone dating lines. I just got the hook spinning over and over in my head, and the first verse wrote itself pretty quickly. I sat on it for a few years then finished it in 2008 in order to perform it at The Anna Copa Cabanna show.
People often assume it's about phone sex, which is fine, but I wrote it about a reclusive man who has made a New Years resolution to start meeting women, and figures out a way to do so while laying in bed in his pajamas. It's set in a time before cell phones and the Internet, where party lines and the like could be a legitimate method for meeting new people, not just to talk dirty.
When the Gaga/Beyonce track came out a bunch of people contacted me saying they heard similarities. When you have a group of friends as creative and tight as we all are, you get inspired by each other on a moment to moment basis. If my tune inspired them in any way it's an honor because our songs sound completely different, and I LOVE theirs and the video they made for it. At the end of the day, where my friends and our artistic visions are concerned, I'm of the mentality that whats mine is ours.
SPWW:Do you have any projects your currently working on? What's next for Breedlove?
Breedlove: I'm continuing the long but thrilling process of recording my first album. The tracks on myspace are just a preview, I do have more completed and am currently working on a few that I'm very excited about. It's already been over a year since I started, and I'm letting it take as long as it needs to because I don't believe in rushing the natural flow of creative energy. In a lot of ways what I'm creating right now is an aural collage, and I'm still gathering scraps of sounds and ideas. I had the album mapped out at the start, but new songs keep writing themselves and pushing to the front of the line, so even I haven't a clue what the finished album will look like.
There's a chance i could be doing a little touring soon. It's kind of a magical time right now, every day I get some more exciting news about myself or my friends. I like waking up every day and being surprised by all the good news. ___________________________________________________________________
Thanks again to Breedlove for giving us the opportunity to interview him. For more info on Breedlove and to check out his fucking amazing tunes, visit his MyspaceAND be sure to follow him on Twitter!
"Before Semi Precious Weapons moved to New York or even met, we all dreamed that the city would be like it was in the Warhol documentaries. And it just wasn’t. It was more like girls wishing they were in Sex and the City and dudes swearing that they hate The Strokes when they look and sound just like them. We moved there and hooked up, but the whole place was just boring us to tears, so we said, “Fuck it, instead of complaining about the New York party scene, let’s just start a fucking trophy party band and create our own one.”
Around this time we met Lady Gaga, through Lady Starlight, who was an acquaintance of mine. She told us about Gaga and got her to open for us, and she came and was just amazing. She and Starlight lit their hair on fire, they stripped, they broke everything and they were wasted. It was beyond fucking fabulous, so I came up with the name Filthy Glamour for us all. There are two parts to it – our sound is harder and filthier than glam rock, so firstly I thought, “I’ll just go for Filthy Glamour”, and then when people say, “Well, what is Filthy Glamour? I’ll say, “It sounds like Dirty Fucking Showbiz.”
But at that point it was still very difficult – we were still on our own and it was hard for us to get booked in normal music venues. Our music was fun and we look… well, I’ve been dressing like this since I was 15… but we all look weird. I think people just didn’t know who to put us on a bill with, and as a result we started playing these dance parties in places like Coco 66 in Brooklyn, and downstairs at Webster Hall. Our music is nothing like dance, but it was just easier for us to play a 30-minute set in the middle of a DJ party than to play a show with four hipster bands.
That was a beautiful mistake, because all the dance parties were fucking packed with people there just to drink and get laid – but then they accidentally see a band! So we ended up building this scene out of nothing and creating a world of our own. We became superstars of this world that probably only 1,000 people knew about.
There were all these different people who we started playing with, who have become a part of Filthy Glamour. A girl named Tokyo Diva – she’s hip-hop, but it’s really fucking filthy and glamorous. There’s another character called Breedlove. His fashion and music motto is ‘dress to depress’, and he wears the most ill-fitting sweatpants anyone could ever wear and these dirty T-shirts with his own face painted on them. The band he’s got is sick – if you heard them and didn’t know who they were you’d be positive it was 1977.
Nico Vega fit into the Dirty Fucking Showbiz world too. They’re a three-piece with a girl singer. She’s a much different type of glamour than I am though – she performs barefoot, but as a band they look unbelievable and she sings her fucking ass off. And then there’s another band outside of LA called The Ringers, who we’ve brought to New York a couple times. They’re Iggy Pop meets kids’ cartoons! They’re fucking ridiculous. Darian Darling is a blogger and personality who’s a central part of the whole scene too – look her up. And as far as the fashion is concerned there’s a store in Brooklyn called Alter that’s kind of a home-base for Filthy Glamour. It’s cheap, it’s exciting, and it’s ridiculous. Much like the music.
Saying all that, I don’t think the New York Press is really ready for Filthy Glamour yet. I do think the kids are though. In fact, I know that for sure. When we went back and played Radio City with Gaga recently, we filmed a video at The Trash Party and it was amazing. It was the filthiest thing ever… there are actually people fucking in the video, I mean, you can’t see penetration, but it was full on. I guess what I’m saying is that it’s really fucking weird and really amazing that even though we’re away on tour, this filthy world we started back in New York – full of important characters just going for it – is still thriving. "
Today's Weapon Wednesday features Deadly Weapons, Emma Louise and Sydney Magnetic. Check out her fab letter and her fab SPW inspired art!
"My name is Emma Louise and it's pretty safe to say that before Semi Precious Weapons, my life was incredibly boring.
I live in St. Louis and had no idea who they were until maybe 8:00 on January 7, 2010. the night i went to see lady gaga with my best friend in the world. Talk about looking "shocked" when Justin Tranter changes clothes onstage and sends champagne to the audience. But we were the best kind of shocked, the "holy shit this is what we have been waiting for all our lives" kind of shocked. Of course, the night only got more awesome when Lady Gaga took the stage and rocked our worlds, but neither of us could forget the filthy glaMOUR we had been introduced to.
We had the next day off from school, and I spent the whole day listening to Semi Precious Weapons on Youtube. A friend lent me the "We Love You" CD and my world was rocked. Permanently.
So when I needed a new gym bag, I seized the opportunity and made the most kuntFABULOUS tote bag in the entire world.
It's pretty easy to make at home yourself, even! Just find a fab picture of someone (or two people) who is incredibly fabulous and open it with photoshop. make it black and white and then print it out on tough paper like cardstock. Cut out the black parts with an x-acto knife, tape it down to your totebag or whatever fabulous thing you are spray painting, and spray paint the fuck out of it! i used fluorescent pink spray paint which is always the best color. and then you can add words like "glam and gorgeous" if you want super glaMOUR.
My best friend and i are such glamorpusses that when we found out about Weapon Wednesday on SPWworld, we had a picture of Justin Tranter developed to take a picture with so you can see our gorg. faces. Then we made this video (which was retweeted by Semi Precious Weapons themselves!) of us putting on makeup and looking magic.
Emma and Sydney's video started a trend among others and SPW Fan Performance art is running rampant on youtube -- Check out these videos of Darian Darling and Breedlove performing to SPW:
