Bearing the terrible clichéd nature of this question, what do you reckon people will say you sound like?
Zoe: Etta James and Sarah Vaughn having a scrag fight. A bit of soul, a bit of jazz but plenty of mongrel and sass.
Describe the worst gig you have ever played:
Zoe: Singing on top of a speaker. Unsecure hair weft falls out on stage. Total Jerry Springer moment.
Do you have a pre-gig ritual? If so, what is it?
Zoe: It usually involves Jamieson and listening to some tunes in particular, funk queen Betty Davis (not the Betty Davis with the googly eyes) at the moment.
What makes a good musician?
Zoe: Someone who never becomes complacent in their work, but still maintains integrity.
What can a punter expect from your live show?
Stella: A good time, a sexy feeling and drag queen inspired costumes. And sweat.
When, and why did you start writing music?
Stella: I wrote my first song (with choreographed dance moves) when I was seven to profess my love for a boy in primary school.
What makes a good musician?
Stella: Courage, vulnerability, honesty, hard work – the same things that make a good human!
How do you stop your pre-gig jitters?
Stella: I don’t! I let them buzz around in me til I go on stage and then I let them loose.
If someone made a movie about your life, who would play you?
Stella: Fran Drescher.
What part of making music excites you the most?
Stella: Performing. I love the freedom and joy of expressing myself onstage and connecting with the audience. Every night is different and you never know what’s going to happen. Every gig is a kind of adventure.
What do you love about making music?
Stella: It’s fun! It also allows me to honour my emotional experiences and put them to bed. It’s very healing in that way.
Do you have a pre-gig ritual? If so, what is it?
Stella: I eat some carbs, drink some whiskey, have a cigarette. Then I apply my make-up which is like meditation for me. Lately I’ve started doing a Madonna-style huddle/prayer with my band too, which helps a lot.
When’s your next gig?
Both: We are performing at Heel Burners at Bella Union on Saturday November 16 with Coral Lee, Sugar Fed Leopards and DJ Lady Blades heat up the floorboards. Brooklyn Queenz DJs will give you splinters ’til the early hours! Dress up as your favourite Tarantino character! Drink specials and food truck outside.
