What is the bands name?
The Lavender Scare
How did you come up with the bands name?
The Lavender Scare is a historical phrase used to describe the mass firings of gay and lesbian workers from the US government in the 1950’s. The term is a riff off of McCarthy’s Red Scare, which happened in conjunction, during which gays were described as “lavender lads.” Besides the direct historical reference, we named ourselves the Lavender Scare to speak to the broader message of LGBT discrimination and discrimination towards all minorities as a whole. This theme is something that is always at the forefront of what we do visually and musically.
What is your genre of music?
I typically like to call our sound “Secular Music” as a nod to my Christian upbringings where I was taught music fell into two categories: Christian or Secular. In general, our sound leans towards indie rock taking influence from a variety of acts from RuPaul to Radiohead. And yes, I just put RuPaul and Radiohead in the same sentence.
Give us a little bio about you as a band and as individuals.
We are a newly formed indie rock band based out of Echo Park, Los Angeles, CA. As lead singer and songwriter, a lot of the lyrics come from my past experience struggling with my sexuality and being a devout disciple of the church. Even though those days are passed me, I try to recontextualize those experiences into something relatable that speak to universal themes everyone can understand like discrimination, self-worth, and identity.
Are you a signed?
We are a twink without a sugar daddy.
You have released ‘Drag For a Queen ‘, tell us more about it.
“Drag for a Queen” is our first single. It’s got a dark swag element to it. The lyrics are about a drag queen who finds Jesus and tries to disavow his past lifestyle by preaching to others that they too can change. However, the honeymoon phase does not last long as we see our main character falling back into old habits. It’s a song critical of anti-gay conversion therapy but wrapped in a fun, catchy tune the whole family can enjoy.
We have a music video coming out soon as well. It’s a really colorful video complete with a lovely drag queen named PattiCake. She is serving pastor’s wife realness.
What is the message you are trying to tell your fans?
If you can’t love yourself, then how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else? Now can I get an amen?
Will you be releasing an EP or Album soon?
Not any time soon. Our plan is to release singles for the moment.
Do you have any gigs coming up, if so where will you be heading?
We are sticking to the LA area while we continue to build out our fanbase.
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any other artists or bands?
None at the moment.
Woud you be up for collaborating with artists or bands?
We believe in monogamy.
What made you go in to music?
The initial plan when I was young was to get into music so I can share the gospel. If you listen to “Drag for a Queen,” you can see how well that turned out. 😉
Do you play any instruments?
Luis and I are both multi-instrumentalist.
Who are your influences?
RuPaul, Jesus, and Radiohead
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
By listening to a lot of music. I try not to get too bogged down by whether I like a song or not. I try to ask what can I take away from it whether it be Bob Dylan or 2Chainz.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Hopefully touring with our band and signing to a nice label.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
Eating tacos from a food truck
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
The “most” is hard to say. The first band I was really excited about was Green Day. I’d listen to
“Dookie” on repeat on my front porch with the other neighborhood kids. Hearing “When I Come
Around” for the first time was a light bulb going off in my head.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
“We all came into this world naked. The rest is all drag.”
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an
artist?
If you’re going to cover a song by Radiohead, for the love of God, please don’t cover “Creep.”
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
If you can’t love yourself, then how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else? Now can I
get an amen?
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
1) Gaffer Tape
2) A phone charger
3) Picks
4) A setlist
5) Harsh contour
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Main Website
Facebook
Soundcloud
Twitter
Instagram
