Le'TALK: Mark McGee of Basuketto

by Juleana Enright

A new improvisational collective has taken up residency at the Red Stag Supperclub on Wednesdays during the month of March. We know what you're thinking: how is watching someone else's jam session any fun? But trust us, the Red Stag's Basuketto residency is nothing like being dragged to your friend's band practice, hanging in a basement awaiting a night full of false starts and endless loops.

Featuring central members Mark McGee (Father You See Queen, Votel, Marijuana Deathsquads, To Kill a Petty Bourgeoisie) and Ben Clark (Votel, Cecil Otter, Doomtree), Basuketto unites Twin Cities musicians - such as Nona Marie Invie (Dark Dark Dark), JT Bates (Alpha Consumer, the Pines, Bryan Nichols Quartet), electronic beat conspirator Albert Elmore, Adam Marx (Father You See Queen, the Cloak Ox) and super-producer Ryan Olson (Gayngs, Poliça, Marijuana Deathsquads) - from a variety of genres to explore time constraints, tempo, sound and vocal arrangements live. What results is an eclectic mix of original collaborative work from some of the most innovative artists under the TC radar.

Mark McGee. Photo by Robyn Lewis

Tonight, Clark and McGee are joined by fellow Votel bandmate and former Lookbook and Digitata vocalist Maggie Morrison to tackle the lascivious synth sounds and pulsating metallic beats of Swedish electronica duo The Knife. We caught up with Basuketto curator Mark McGee to chat about the criteria for selecting the weekly rooster, the art of improv and how musicians can benefit from practicing an “open” relationship with their bandmates.

l'étoile: First off, tell us about Basuketto. What was the inspiration behind it?

McGee: Originally Basuketto was basuketto buro, Japanese for basketball. Basketball is one of the most improvisational sports.

l'étoile: From Nona of Dark Dark Dark to Aby Wolf and Joey Van Phillips, many of this project's guests – past and present – are musicians who are no strangers to working within collaborations and collectives. Is this one of the prerequisites for choosing the lineup?

McGee: No, not really. We are interested in seeing what will happen in an improv environment, regardless of any prior experience. Hopefully, if we continue this, we will work with more musicians that have no improv experiences.

l'étoile: Basuketto isn't completely an “anything goes” type of improv format. The performers are asked to maintain a certain criteria as far as time, tempo and a few other technical aspects are concerned. How do you prepare each guest to stay within these confines during their set? Does any sort of “practice” set go on between you and your guests before the night of?

McGee: We do two sets. A cover set, which we do light rehearsals before the set. The second is pure improv. We decide time, tempo, and key right before. I'm excited for this week's covers. Maggie Morrison is doing The Knife and Aby Wolf is doing Björk the next week.

l'étoile: Music duos seem to be the trend “du jour” in local music. They take us by storm, become buzzworthy, but also have a tendency to fizzle out just as fast as they caught ablaze. Local collectives tend to have more longevity. Do you see music as having monogamous and polyamorous qualities? Do you think bands who add a little variety into their “relationship” – in the form of a side project or a solo act – tend to flourish and grow on a creative level?

McGee: I think every artist benefits from multiple experiences. Basuketto has been an inspiration for me personally. But, yes, playing with multiple people does grow the creative level, in my opinion.

l'étoile: Creatively and personally, do you find it easier to interact with people who have had experience working with a variety of musicians and cross genres compared to those who have mainly stuck to small bands?

McGee: Yes, I always learn from different artists, and the more genres the better. I really want to work with more jazz and country players.

l'étoile: Locally, with whom are you dying to collaborate you haven't yet worked with?

McGee: I really don't want to say, I mean I don't want to jinx my chances.

l'etoile: There are two more performances of Basuketto left. Can we expect other improv-focused projects from you and Ben in the near future?

McGee: Yes, we are going to play at the Turf Club on May 25 with Laliberte and Votel is opening up for Big Freedia on May 11.

Basuketto plays free shows tonight and next Wednesday, March 28 at the Red Stag Supperclub (509 1st Avenue NE, Minneapolis) at 10 p.m.

Le'Talk: Life after the "Runway": A Q&A with Danielle Everine & Christopher Straub

by Jahna Peloquin, l'étoile Fashion Editor

Calling all Project Runway fans: Two of the design competition's local contestants are showing their latest collections in two separate fashion shows this weekend: Danielle Everine on Friday, and Christopher Straub on Sunday.

After having made her mark in the local scene with last fall's MNfashion-produced runway show "Pale Rider" and making two appearances in Voltage: Fashion Amplified, Danielle Everine made it onto the profile-raising Project Runway, making her one of the most recognizable names in Twin Cities fashion. The busy designer gives us a peek at what's next for her with an intimate, in-store fashion show this Friday at Cliché featuring her abbreviated fall 2011 collection inspired by the sea, "Call Me Ishmael."

[Danielle Everine. Photo: Sara Kiesling]

l'étoile: For the show, you're collaborating with illustrator Lisa Luck on custom screenprints (who we worked with on a paper dolls-inspired spread last April). How did you and Lisa get hooked up?

Danielle: Lisa is an incredible illustrator. She drew the beautiful imagery for the Pale Rider lookbook and promotional material. We had been hoping to work on another project together. When I started to design this collection, she immediately came to mind.

We love your nautical, seafaring theme. What got your inspired? Have you been reading Moby Dick?

Danielle: I learned to sail on a 24-foot keel boat over the summer. David (Everine's boyfriend) races a sailboat with a few friends on Lake Minnetonka. I had to overcome my fear of falling in the water and get over my seasickness. We would go out only for a few hours at a time, which was always sufficient for me. I started to think about those travelers from yore that were at sea for months or years at a time. Their travels were rugged yet romantic. I revisited some whaling and sailing texts only to be more inspired by the structures and symbols of the boats.

[Poster art for the show by Lisa Luck]

How did coming out the Project Runway experience affect your latest creations?

Danielle: PR was a whirlwind, hectic experience that was not necessarily conducive to my spirited approach to design. With this collection, I have returned to my literary inspired way of thinking that defines me as a designer. I have once again embraced the adventurous freedom that comes along with living in Minnesota.

In the show, you'll be featuring your first line of handbags. Do you see yourself spanning out toward doing more accessories than just clothing?

Danielle: I found a new love for accessories! Leather and other rugged textiles are always on my mind, but can sometimes be difficult to wear as apparel pieces. Handbags and belts can be a stylish and utilitarian way to finalize an outfit. Plus, I am able to work with the materials I love.

[Fall 2011 sketches by Everine]

Meanwhile, season six's Christopher Straub has become something of a local darling, consistently showing up on Twin Cities talk shows, talking trends and offering his Project Runway-honed critiques. He's also in the midst of an upcoming collaboration with major retailer maurices, launching at the end of this month, not to mention his own namesake collection. He'll be showing his Spring/Summer 2012 looks this Sunday at a runway show at the Westin Edina hotel at Galleria. Straub gives us a look at what to expect.

[Christopher Straub. Photo: Bethany Young]

l'étoile: For the show, you're featuring some of your own custom prints. Did your experience on Project Runway inspire you to continue creating your own, versus buying already-printed fabric?

Christopher: The Create-A-Print challenges didn't begin until the season after mine so I didn't get to go through the process on the show. I had to source my own fabric printers and figure it out for myself. Now that I've done several collections with my own prints I cannot go back to buying pre-made ones at the fabric store.

[A Spring/Summer 2012 look by Straub. Photo: Social 360]

We first saw hints of a tougher edge in your Sol Inspirations pieces, which had almost an Alexander McQueen feel to them, and it looks like your collection is a continuation of this. Have you purposefully decided to move away from the ultra-feminine, be-petaled aesthetic you've become known for?

Christopher: I've decided to create a visual difference between my "runway-only" collections and my "ready-to-wear" collections. The runway pieces have more structure and architecture while the ready-to-wear stays true to the aesthetic that viewers of Project Runway are familiar with. I love creating digital prints...they are becoming increasing more popular thanks to such design houses as McQueen, Balenciaga, and Stella McCartney.

[A Spring/Summer 2012 look by Straub. Photo: Social 360]

What can we expect with your upcoming line for maurices?

I'm happy to say that my exclusive collection for maurices is going to mark my return to the textural petals look that I'm known for. Also, the price point is exceptional with pieces starting at just $12.

You've become something of a go-to local style expert. How did you get to be so good behind a camera?

Prior to Project Runway I was a fashion stylist, so that part of the business comes naturally. I've styled all over the country and have, also, worked in Paris a couple times styling photo shoots and commercials for a luxury fashion line.

Event details:
Danielle Everine presents "Call Me Ishmael":
Tickets: Free
When: 7-9 p.m. Friday, November 11.
Where: Cliché, 2403 Lyndale Avenue S, Minneapolis, 612-870-0420, www.clichempls.com

Christopher Straub Spring/Summer 2012 Collection:
Tickets: $50-100 VIP, $25 general admission.
When: Doors open at 3:15 p.m. for VIP ticket holders and 3:45 p.m. for general admission, 4 p.m. fashion show, Sunday, November 13.
Where: The Westin Edina Galleria, 3201 Galleria, Edina, 952-567-5000, www.christopherstraub.com

Le'Talk: Mondo Guerra talks "Project Runway" and Saturday's Fashion Face-off

By Jahna Peloquin

Arguably one of the most recognizable contestants in the history of Project Runway, season eight finalist (and fan favorite) Mondo Guerra is touring the country with a series of "fashion face-off" events for Macy's. Before he makes his Twin Cities stop at Macy's Rosedale on Saturday afternoon, he took a few minutes to chat with us over the phone about New York Fashion Week, his personal style tips, adjusting to fame, and what's next for the designer. Watch for Guerra to hit the screen again later this year as a contestant on Project Runway All-Stars.

l’étoile: So you’re flying in to the Twin Cities after spending some time at New York Fashion Week this past week. What did you do while you were out there?

Mondo Guerra: I was in Portland for Fashion’s Night Out, and I flew a red eye overnight to New York for the Project Runway finale show. When I got to the door I didn’t have my credentials and they weren’t going to let me in, but finally one of the producers saw me. I only made it in for the last four shows. I was kind of bummed.

Did you attend any other shows?

No, just the Project Runway finale. I love what I do, but being there can be a little overwhelming. I try to stay away as much as possible. I basically visited with my friends who live in New York and went shopping.

We heard you were at the Project Runway reunion party on Saturday. Was it fun to see everyone together in one room?

Yeah. But it was overwhelming, a lot of people wanting your attention all at once.
Do you stay in touch with other contestants from your season?

I was sharing a room (during the taping of the show) with (season eight contestants) Michael Drummond and Michael Costello, so I’m in touch with both Michaels a lot. We recently became friends with (season eight's) Mila (Hermanovski). But we’re all so busy, it’s hard to keep in touch. Everybody’s doing their thing. But we talk on the phone for 30 minutes every week.

We totally thought you should have won last season. A lot of people thought you were robbed.
I think that everything happens for a reason. and honestly over the past year I've learned a lot about myself, how to deal with business and the exposure, and it’s a lot of adjusting, a lot of getting used to. I believe I got second because I wasn’t ready to win the whole thing.Because even now, being the runner-up, there’s a lot of attention, and I enjoy all my fans and people that support me but it can be a little overwhelming. I don’t want that to translate as me not being ungrateful - I'm very very grateful for everything that’s happened in my life, but I’m still getting used to it. It hasn’t even been a year yet, and a lot has changed. (Right: A look from Guerra's Spring 2011/Project Runway collection.)

You’re in town for Saturday’s fashion face-off. How did you get involved with Macy’s?
They had contacted me last year, and I don’t even remember where my first one was, it was Denver I think. They called me back for the fall, which means I must have done a good job. It was really fun. I actually really enjoy doing them. People that watch the show will go out to them, and the audience is really active.

So you’ll be talking your fashion do’s and don’t's at Saturday’s event. Can you jump the gun and throw out a few right now?

Well I think that in fashion there are always current trends, but being realistic and being a consumer myself, clothes can be really expensive. I think it’s important to go through your closet and see what you have, and see what is going on for each season, and go out and buy the pieces that will work with what you already have. I don’t think you should go out and buy a full outfit, but rather buying investment pieces - a good purse, a good shoe, a new skirt, a new top - you'll want to add some of those trends into your current wardrobe and work with what you have. And you want to continue to have your own point of view as a dresser. I think it’s really important to be dressing to be comfortable in what you’re wearing, because confidence will go further than a $2,000 pair of shoes. I don't really have any don’t's. Except my biggest pet peeve is when people wear pajama bottoms in public, so I guess that's my only don't.

We loved your Fall 2011 collection. Why did you decide to stay true to your point of view, despite the judges’ criticism to be more marketable?

Art is all relative, and I’m an artist. If you see a Keith Haring painting, you know it’s going to be a Keith Haring. If you see an Andy Warhol, you know it's Andy Warhol. If you look at this experience, being a fashion designer as a body of work, as an artist I want to look back and know what I was doing at that point in my life. Over the years, the work will tell my life story. (Left: A look from Guerra's Fall 2011 collection.)

You opted to show at El Paso Fashion Week instead of New York last spring. Why?
I feel that it’s too soon. I think that it’s important for me to always do the best work I can do, and I feel like there’s a lot of pressure in New York. For me, it wasn’t the right time. i was able to show with (season eight contestants) Michael Costello and Christopher Collins, which was really comfortable. I felt in good company, and there wasn’t that feeling of competition. I think that’s the thing I dislike the most about fashion is the feeling of competition. I get tired of having to always have the pressure of doing better than everyone else.

Will this be your first time in Minneapolis?

It will be my first time, I am coming back in the beginning of November to judge the fashion contest at the Fusion+Fashion event.

Right, that's the event that has architects designing fashion?
Exactly. The contact for that show is from Minneapolis, and Denver has something similar. And I've heard that Minneapolis is a great place, so I'm excited. Any recommendations?

Yes! Where to begin? There's a really great modern art museum called the Walker Art Center you should definitely check out, plus it's worth seeing the Guthrie Theater purely for the architecture, and the Weisman Art Museum, which was designed by Frank Gehry. And if you're a music fan, you should go see First Avenue, it's a legendary nightclub where Prince filmed Purple Rain. And really good restaurants everywhere.
Cool, thanks!

What's next for you? Any plans for a Spring 2012 collection?
Yeah, I think things are underway right now. I don’t want to get into any specifics on what and where and how or even the name of the collection or my branding. But I will tell you that I am getting very serious about it. A lot of people are wanting product for me. What a lot of people don’t understand is that production takes a long time to turnover. For my first product to the consumer, I want it to be better than everything I've ever done. I don’t want to drop the ball, after being on Project Runway and getting all that exposure. Beyond that in the past year the thing that has brought me the most joy was speaking on HIV awareness, and taking the responsibility of what unfolded on the show (referencing the revelation he made that he has HIV while on the show). Information on what I’m doing can be found at livingpositivebydesign.com

Le'TALK: Lookbook

By Juleana Enright

I catch up with the Lookbook patriarch of beats, Grant Cutler, in the subterranean parlor of the 7^th St. Entry. It's a Thursday night and the band is on the Tapes N' Tapes "Tour of the Twin Cities" roster, alongside electronic rockers, Mystery Palace and the headliners themselves. With shoulder-length locks, warm and sultry eyes and a plaid button-up tucked into slim blue jeans, he could resemble a famous 70's porn star - who shall remain nameless - but in reality he's somewhat reticent, with a shy charm and an instant familiarity. It's like chatting with an old friend.

Although the night was promised to be an electronic, experimental affair, the crowd was relatively stagnant, very unlike most Lookbook shows where the dance pit is saturated with shoulder shimmies, dramatic head bobs and Flashdance-style moves. Creating electronic rhythm comes organically to the band, but believe it or not, Cutler doesn't listen to much electronic music.

"People will probably be disappointed to hear it, but I listen to a lot of Bonnie 'Prince' Billy. That's what's on when I'm at home making food. And Glen Campbell...I mostly listen to folk and country."

As the list continues, a few other eclectic artists come into the mix.

"I'm really into Washed Out," a bedroom synth-pop project with blurry vocals and a chill wave vibe.

And the Ed Bangers records, Justice, in particular.

"That one Justice album was amazing. The production, the vocals. It was so new, no one was doing that."

When asked about the pairing with local one-man-calypso project, Shahs, at their anticipated release show, Cutler explains they had the honor of basically planning out the entire night, line-up included.

"Zoo Animal is a record I listen to quite a lot. I've known Holly (Hansen) for a while. She's awesome. They're one of the best bands in town. And Shahs I love. DJ Skullbuster is my roommate. He hasn't done much DJing but I'm trying to get him out there because he's really good.

On the much gossiped about new music video for the single "Over and Over" from local director and Lookbook pal, Bo Hakala. Cutler says, "It's super sexual, not like stripper sexual, but it definitely has its cum shot moments. Maggie's drenched in water for most of it."

To my left a similar discussion regarding the new video transpires between Lookbook vocalist, Maggie Morrison, and members of Tapes N' Tapes. I hear someone throw D'Angelo around as a descriptor. I look back over at Cutler -

"I might have to be out of the room while it shows."

Makes sense. The two have a bit of a sibling vibe going on. They had casually know each other through previous bands, including Morrison's work with local electro glam-ers, Digitata. They had joked about starting a band called Tina Turn-On with Morrison's friend, but instead the two of them scrapped the name and the "funny" songs and began working out a slow, ambient sound that would evolve into the danceable, electro-focused, songs fans associate with the band today.

"We actually didn't have a name for 6 months. "Believe the Hype" was the first song we kept. It's ancient."

To the local music community, Lookbook's sound is anything but ancient. In fact, with the music scene catching synth-fever lately, it sounds very current. I was curious to hear where Cutler stood on being lumped into this 80's redux trend.

"It was just the music we were making at the time. We didn't want it to be like an 80's revival, but there is something comfortable about it. It's familiar. It's like (the music to) a prom I never went to...It's like the prom my older sister had. Maggie legitimizes the lyrics. She puts a serious spin on my synthesized tracks."

From catchy anthems to emotive and haunting tone poems, Morrison's lyrics are every bit "legit," and a perfect combination of fun club music and music you'd listen to alone on a rainy day. In either atmosphere, you're getting something out of the music; it's an experience.

As I start to digress into a quip, complete with broad gestures, Cutler stops me.

"Do you mind if we move just an inch or two? There's a pipe above you and I keep worrying you'll smack your head on it."

It's quite possibly this characteristic in Cutler - his attentiveness - that makes the album's compositions flow so perfectly. And it's the empathy and humanism both members exude that draws in adoring fans. All too often the bands under the 80's redux umbrella get by on a level of detached irony and the connection between artist and audience is lost in a sea of hyped persona. It's the antithesis of this attitude fans cleave to. Lookbook isn't obsessed with merely a stage presence, but is a band that invites you to get lost in the music with them. In this city, a band like that doesn't stay a secret for long.