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"STEPPIN' UP TO THE MIC WITH CUIR BLEU", By Maestro Stefanos, Style Editor I would like to skip the basic history of the band as most of this can be found in other interviews or on your website. But I would like
an intro from each band member and any information you'd like to add that
is not on the website. i.e. Name, responsibility, instrument and/or position, time with the band, time playing music. Etc.
PIXIE: Miss Pixie Bleu! Singer/songwriter, all-around Frontwoman and Band Leader. Kalib and I started Cuir Bleu together 6 ½ years or so ago – for
KALIB: Kalib, composer, keyboardist, guitarist, singer, beat-master, graphic designer, producer, engineer, vision-guru, band manager/owner (2001-2008), Indie record label owner and music publisher.
LITA: Lita Fondle, back-up vocals and dance. Joined the band in 2005 just before the Folsom Street Fair. Formerly with Information Society, Mulletude and a bunch of other projects over the years. Currently splitting time between Cuir Bleu and two other band projects.
BLACKHEART: Blackheart, joined the band on bass guitar for the first time at the Citadel's Queer Playground party on June 27th.
LEE: Dr. Presson, machinery. As I am brand new to the project, my info has not yet been declassified.
Stefanos: I believe a lot of power resides in a name, and I am always curious why people and groups choose the names they do. Tell me about your choice of band name, Cuir Blue? Where did it come from? What does it mean? How does it lead you?
KALIB: We struggled with a name once it was decided to branch out of Audio Terrorist - where the music started. While working with Cleo Dubois on her two videos, Pixie proposed “Cuir Blue” (from a friend). I don't recall the details, based on Cuir Underground, I think. After that project we decided to make the entire name French, Thus Cuir Bleu.
PIXIE: It was my long-time friend Janna who came up with the name, actually... we were working together and chatting, and somehow got on the topic of band names. She put that one forth, and I loved it! Both for the meaning and the double-entendre the pronunciation creates: “Cuir Bleu” is French for “Blue Leather” but in American English it's pronounced “Queer Blue”... which I felt was a nice nod to the Queer community, too.
Stefanos: Tell me about your choices of album names. Where did it come from? What does it mean? How does it lead you?
KALIB: Selecting a Cuir Bleu album name is always direct. They refer to the key song on the CD. The titles (outside of Branded) are by Pixie. Audio Terrorist album names were always more conceptual. So, I just wanted to be straight up (and not artsy) with Cuir Bleu releases.
PIXIE: In the case of “Sex Toy”, Kalib had written this music and when he played it for me, I said, “Wow – someone needs to write a song called ‘Sex
Toy’ to that!” It was just the vibe I got from it. He said I should do it…and after my initial trepidation (yes, believe it or not, I wasn’t at all sure I could write such a song) it became our new single, so the obvious choice for an album title. What does it mean? *laughing* Well, um… doesn’t everyone want to have or be a sex toy at some point? Or is it just me?
Stefanos: Who left or stepped back and why? Are they welcome back?
PIXIE: Makana has too many other things he’s doing right now, that need his attention. So he won’t be playing with us, at least for a while. He’s absolutely welcome back though, any time he wants to step in! He’s a talented singer as well as a bass player, so if it doesn’t feel like we need more bass at the time, maybe he’ll come and sing a few with me. Hard to say what the future will bring… but yes, he’s always welcome.
KALIB: Like Pixie said, after two years, Makana is focusing on other things. Before that Severin worked with us for a year and before that we were just a duo. I've always had an open door policy. It is about collaborating and sharing what spice you can bring to Cuir Bleu.
Stefanos: So, I knew the band before the line-up change. What do you think the addition of new members will change about Cuir Bleu? Will the music become more complex and rich? Will the sounds you have always wanted become reality?
KALIB: We shall all see together. The last 20 years has been a long series of evolutions with lineups coming and going. Occasionally a name changes (Chaos Magick-> Audio Terrorist-> Cuir Bleu) but the core is the same.
PIXIE: It’s a process and we’re in the midst of it, so hard to tell at the moment! I was sad to see Makana leave the band, but he’s got other things he needs to be working on right now, which I totally understand. Blackheart has joined us on bass, and so far it sounds great. He plays slap bass, which I love, and it definitely gives a different groove. It also brings out a side to my vocals that I’ve missed. I have a background in Blues and low-resonance, soulful singing, and it’s not something that’s generally mixed with Electronica. But then… we’re not your “usual” Electronica band, I suppose!
I’m also really excited about Lee coming on board! He and I have worked together before, and he’s an amazingly talented performer. His “machines”…
synths and percussion and whatever else he decides to add… will really help to fill out the sound. He’s also a grand showman and great at putting together stage shows, which is something we’ve been wanting to focus on; I love the songs we do, and the energy on stage… and I think with this new lineup, we’ll be able to take it to a whole new level. We also have a few new songs that have been waiting in the wings, and there are more I have in mind. So yes – in a lot of ways, I see this as an opportunity to expand into where I want the band to go. I’m really excited about it!
Stefanos: How do you find your new band members? What makes a good Cuir Bleu addition?
KALIB: Someone who is relaxed and can flow with it. Someone who doesn’t mind being in an electronic-rock group vs. a rock band. They are very different musical creatures. Lita has been with us for three years…
PIXIE: Yeah, Lita is a good example. She came to us with a lot of experience in the industry and she loves to sing. She’s also professional enough that she can follow my lead–even when I go down the wrong path–and make it sound good. As far as “finding new members”… we actually have an opening right now, on the Crew; so we do something like talk with a cool online 'Zine (hey! – here’s one now!)and say, “By the way – we’re looking for a great, dedicated roadie or two to come and crew for Cuir Bleu’s rehearsals and live gigs. You’ll get a cool T-shirt, a bit of cash and free entry to all our shows! If you’re interested, get in touch with Pixie at Cuirbleu dot com!” Something like that. Then I ask the nice interviewer – oh, hello, nice interviewer! – if he would be willing toinclude the shameless plug as part of the interview. I’ve had some pretty good success with it. *laughs*
As for what makes a good addition to the band… someone who is open-minded, sex-positive in their attitude, and comfortable around the queer and BDSM communities, which is the crowd we generally play for. They also need to be professional enough to show up when they say they will, behave well when we gig and get along with rest of the crew and band members. Respect is huge. You might think that all goes without saying… but one thing the music biz has taught me is that nothing “goes without saying”! I’m tempted to say “no more Dom/mes” too… too many cooks & all that!
Stefanos: For the new members: why Cuir Bleu? Why not your own project? Or do you have other projects you’re working on?
BLACKHEART: It's not “either/or”, it's “both/and”. Being in Cuir Bleu will aid in the exposure of my own music while making me a better musician all around.
LEE: Since 1994 I have been a participant in, some would say even the Leader of, the highly successful swing band LEE PRESSON AND THE NAILS!
KALIB: CB has been owned by me and Pixie, with me as Band Leader. We have a good working relationship even if we don’t always agree. The key is having a shared vision in common. Oh, and hours and hours of discussions. We both have each other’s best interests at heart so in the end we tend to come around to the same conclusions. Sometimes it is a leap of faith. Starting in late 2008 Pixie will become the band owner and leader, and I will be focusing on the record label end.
PIXIE:
*with a nod to Kalib* When Kalib and I first met and started chatting,
we knew we wanted to do music together. The first time he gave me a
sample CD with some of his stuff and said, “see what you can do with
this”, I listened to it and immediately started scribbling things down.
Which was a bit dangerous, as I was driving at the time. I actually
ended up pulling over several times while driving over the next few
weeks, and I would write out entire songs that just came up as I was
listening. So-I’ve been inspired by his composing from the start, which
makes the process easy. I don’t write music per se--–I write lyrics and
place a melody line over what’s already there. We actually work really
well together and don’t usually get into creative conflicts.
Except sometimes…
I had this song I’d written years and years ago when I was singing with “Gypsy Rags”. It’s called “Deliverance”, and you’ll notice it hasn’t appeared on any of our CDs yet… because it’s been such a pain in the rear! After months of working with it… years, really… Kalib took it one day, printed it out, cut up all the lines into strips… then re-structured the entire thing! And not just on paper! He did a cut-up of the actual recording we had done, too! It was a brilliant process. The thing was, the song was so different now, with lines coming in places I wasn’t used to hearing them… I really did try to re-learn it, but I had to put it on the shelf for nearly a year before I could start at it again fresh and learn to perform the new version. Which is much tighter and works much better, I have to admit. So… sometimes we have our challenges; but the end result really works well. We’re actually doing Deliverance at our shows now, and I think it’s going to make our next CD finally, too.
Stefanos: With the band members having so much history in writing, performance art, musicals, and dance, how does Cuir Bleu work to make their shows more than a music performance?
KALIB: I believe in giving a performance, a show. Give folks more than just a song, more than just music. Gary Numan's early shows were a big influence as well as Bowie's sense of theatre. I think the Pet Shop Boy's “Somewhere” DVD concert is just about as perfect as it can get.
PIXIE: So far we’ve taken our natural strengths and
inclinations and run with them. Kalib and I spent a lot of time
watching and analyzing performance videos of other electronic-based
bands over the past few years, to see how others who were successful
did it, get ideas and augment what we had. I think it’s about to get a
whole lot bigger, though! We’ve wanted to put on more of a performance,
but it required someone on the outside looking in, (*winks at Lee*),
who wasn’t as close to it as Kalib and I are. So I think with Dr.
Presson here coming on board, we have that chance to have someone else
who really understands the theatrical side of things, assess what we’ve
got and help us shape it.
Stefanos: I took a look at your reviews on CuirBleu.com. Most artists only post positive reviews. Why be so honest?
KALIB:
I went to artist grad school (that's where the whole Genderfuck/Audio
Terrorist thing was started) and people were brutal. You had to be. It
helped to perfect the work. But you did it in a way to push each other
to the next level, never to stop the creative flow. You come to trust
the process and get ego out of it.
PIXIE:
I just figured it would look odd if we only showed glowing reviews. I
mean, the truth is, our stuff isn’t for everybody. I may not agree with
some people’s opinion of our music (and I don’t!), but they’re
certainly entitled to their opinions. I think it shows that we care
about being truthful as artists, and that we’re "that"....not salesmen!
Stefanos: Aren't you worried that honesty can hurt your promotions?
PIXIE:
No… I’ve been accused of being too honest for my own good at times…but
really, I think it’s always to the good. And if we don’t sell quite as
many CDs… well, that was someone who might have bought it and not liked
us anyway. Our fans are pretty loyal, and I’ve found that most people
like our stuff when they listen to it. If they don’t… we’re not quite
to their taste. Variety and the “spice of life” and all that.
KALIB:
Never thought of that actually. Hummm...nope, we have never worried
about that. You get what you see. Not sure Pixie or I have ever been
abouthype that is hollow. But about being very real and honest with
others. No one is perfect, why pretend?
Stefanos: Tell me about your philosophy on composing. Is it lyrics then music, vice versa (all vice?) It is your creative process I am looking for.
KALIB: Music first. With AT
it was always my lyrics first and I think some tracks suffered. So, I
wrote only the music for next AT album then I met Pixie and played them
to her. She liked the tracks. She has these instant “explosions of words” moments come to her and the lyric is done in minutes. It is amazing to see.
So, for me, it can go both ways but with CB 90% of the time it is the music first and then Pixie's inspired divine moment. Then we spend years sorting out how to mix, record, produce etc. Millions of small decisions that have little to do with the original creative process that began the cycle.
PIXIE: I don’t know that I have a “philosophy” about it; I mean, I don’t
follow a certain rule when I write. If I’m on my own, I tend to write
lyrics – sometimes with a melody, sometimes not. Then I put them aside
and wait for a piece of music that would work. Other times, Kalib
hands me a piece he’s working on and says, “Here, see what you think”,
and I end up writing lyrics that the piece inspires. I think the thing
that stands out most about my creative process is how the words come to
me. I’ll hear a line in my head, and I’ll HAVE to write it down. If I
do, the rest will come tumbling out in a stream of consciousness; If I
don’t… everything that would have followed it is lost. That’s why I try to always have a pad of paper with me in bed, in the car… wherever!
Stefanos:
The Cuir Bleu website mentions Depeche Mode, Erasure, Goldfrapp, or Le
Tigre as a comparison. Are they influences and/or role-models or a comparison made by a reviewer? How did these groups influence you?
KALIB: This has come from the reviews and fan feedback. I am a huge Mode fan - of course Yaz(zoo) and Erasure came out of Depeche Mode. So, it has been an honor to get that comparison. Pixie and I share that Vince Clark fan history. A couple years back, I was looking for more recent artists and got turned on to Ladytron, and Goldfrapp by some fans. Le Tigre is more like, “Kalib in Grad School meet's Pixie's politics”. I've DJ'd "Vis" a lot in the Bleumobile.
Bon Jovi
PIXIE: I would also say I’ve been greatly influenced by artists like Pat Benatar, Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett… and ok, at the risk of losing the respect of one or two readers, I’m a Bon Jovi fan; it’s true. *laughs* I
also LOVE Depeche Mode, Yaz, Erasure, Eurhythmics… I think one of the highest compliments a fan ever gave me was compare me to Annie Lennox! That was really cool to hear. I think in some ways I strive to be a female Dave Gahan… I could certainly do worse!
Kraftwerk
LEE: I am a fan of Electronica in
general. I tend to be rather old school about it: Kraftwerk, Tangerine
Dream, Yello, Thomas Dolby, Gary Numan and Devo. When it comes to the
new kids I must say I am fond of Aphex Twin, Autechre and of course
that Reznor fellow.
Stefanos: What is it like to be on stage? I
am a lover of being in front of a crowd and showboating myself ... what
drives you on stage to give so much? (Vague I know, but please go with
it!)
BLACKHEART: I respond to the audience’s reaction when playing music.
LEE: I am never comfortable unless I am on a stage.
KALIB: I started young. So did Pixie. We both were child performers who never stopped.
PIXIE: What can I say? I love being on stage – I get off on it. The energy
people put out when they’re dancing or getting into my music and
singing along is amazing. I’ve always been an exhibitionist in a lot of
ways. So when I perform, even if I’m low-energy before the show,
I’ll usually end up giving 110% in my performance – it’s like I can’t
do otherwise. I gather energy from the audience, churn it around and
give it right back.
Stefanos: I know most of you personally
from various parties or performance interactions. I know the BDSM and
Queer communities have embraced you for the fabulous people you are
(volunteers, performers, and
upstanding community members). Tell me
about other about other groups Cuir Bleu would like to be embraced by
and how you are working to get there.
KALIB: First of all, I
just love that we've been able to give back. By 2000, I'd been in the
scene for 12 years and was a bit burned out. Pixie was new to it. She
had a fresh perspective. I credit her 100% for dialing the music back
into kink. As for other groups? You’ll all just have to wait and
see, now won't you? Pixie is very vocal and out. So, CB is not going to
appeal to a range of folks. I think we just get better and better at
giving to the community and opening some folks’ minds. I would love “Sex Toy” to be in an actual sex toy promo. Free with every vibe.
PIXIE: *laughs* yeah, I really like that idea. As far as performance, I would
like to see us expand out a bit into a few of the more “mainstream”
music venues in the Bay Area. It would also be great to play at some larger fetish events, such as the Rubber Ball in London!
Stefanos: What is the missing element of Cuir Blue in your opinions?
PIXIE: Time! It feels like I never have enough time to develop my voice, new
songs, arrangements… a few more hours in each day would go a long way!
KALIB: Oh, always thinking and pushing that one. Sometimes the Electronica
doesn’t let Pixie's full vocal range come out. This is why I push her
to do Darkside live. I just love hearing her bust out. For my part, I
plan to build more tempo dynamics into the next album.
PIXIE: Oh, you probably meant musically, didn’t you? At this point, with
Blackheart and Lee on board, I think we have everything finally – we
just need the time to work together, build more Show and tighten it up!
Stefanos: Where do you perform? How do you choose your venue? Where do you want to perform sooner then later?
PIXIE: Most of our shows have been at clubs or festivals that have to do with the Queer and/or BDSM community… SF Pride and the Folsom Street Fair were the biggest, but also the Stud, Bondage a Go Go, Edges and of course the SF Citadel… We’re hoping to be placed in the lineup for this year’s Folsom Street Fair again, too! It’s their 25th anniversary year, and we had an awesome time when we’ve played there before...I love performing for a big audience of kinky folks!
KALIB: I love what we do, so bigger venues along the same lines. Then again we
play the #1 and #2 largest outdoor events in America so... one of the
big fetish events in Europe, perhaps?
Cheese alert!!!!
Stefanos: With so many sexy people in your band....what's the chance of someone getting a date with any of you?
KALIB: We are all amazingly busy. I don't know if we have time to date! It is
the hidden truth about being in bands and running a record label.
Sometimes folks can't grasp that you eat and sleep in the studio and office. For example, I found time to be interviewed on Memorial Day!
PIXIE: I’d have to say it depends on the date. (Does that sound mercenary?) I’m open to the idea… it’s just
hard to find the time! So it would have to be someone or something that
really catches my interest and attention. I’m a pretty energy-driven
person; I either connect with someone or I don’t. If I do… all sorts of
fun is possible! I won’t fake it if it’s not there, though. Oh yeah –
and it would have to be with someone who REALLY IS comfortable with a poly lifestyle! *laughs* No, really. One thing I don’t do---at all---is monogamy. *bats eyes*
LEE: Any known allergies or phobias?
KALIB: I'll leave this one to Pixie. She is the
poster child of them all. I've been around all of these communities
most of my life--many close friends. They refer to me as the "hopeless
heterosexual".
LEE: Straight but not narrow.
PIXIE: Hah! Yeah, I guess I kinda am, at that! Bi, Switchy and Poly. I’ve identified as straight I think… before age 17. Never really as “gay” or “Lesbian”, since I’ve always liked guys, even when I dated girls. As for the TS part… I’m a “gen-femme”, born female, and don’t have a desire to alter that. Well, ok… sometimes it does sound attractive… but not enoughthat I’d do anything more than cross-dressing. Besides… I have sex on the brain enough, without adding more testosterone to my system! (laughs) I can’t imagine! I haven’t dated anyone who was MTF or FTM thus far, but I don’t discriminate on the basis of gender… so it’s always possible. In that copious spare time of mine…
Stefanos: What is the most flattering or influential statement made by a fan that still drives you?
KALIB: The latest one for Sex Toy on iTunes...
PIXIE: I was approached by a fan through my Tribe profile, who was commenting
on something I’d said on a BDSM forum. She said, “I just lookedup
your profile because I liked what you had to say… I had no idea you
were in Cuir Bleu! I wake up to you singing every morning!” It turns
out she has a CD alarm clock, and had bought our CD at one of our
shows---and liked it so much, she set it to wake her in the morning.
That’s hands-down the coolest compliment I’ve received so far… it was
just REALLY great to hear. May have pumped up my ego a bit…
Stefanos: What is the most detrimental or harsh statement made by a fan that still haunts you?
PIXIE: Oh, the review you mentioned on our site, that Betty posted. That was hard to read (and I disagree with it)… but it did spur me on to want to do a better CD the second time around. I even sent it to her for review! No – I’m actually not a masochist…
KALIB: Can't think of any. I haunt myself better than any of the fans. The usual stuff.
BLACKHEART: Who's Peter Frampton?
I hope you find Cuir Bleu as intriguing as I do, and if you're looking for more information about the band, their music, or concert dates to go see them live, go to www.cuirbleu.com and download music, find those gig dates, and learn where you can hunt them down and chit-chat with them on the Internet...
...or better yet, why don't you come down to see them live as they perform at SF Citadel!!
SATURDAY, SEPT. 27:
"THIS SHIT WILL FUCK U UP--
THE OFFICIAL FOLSOM STREET FAIR PARTY"
