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Lift; raise, elevate, exalt, uplift…and rock out.
by Brenda Kahn
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All-girl band Lift started as a concept in the mind of Molly
Bancroft back in 1992. Through the nineties, Lift recorded two full
length albums, an EP, toured with the Indigo Girls, defined their
sound, their look and their ideals. Now the power-pop, Atlanta based
trio shares some of their goals, aspirations and shopping tips with
WOMANROCK.com.
Lift is: Molly Bancroft, vocals, guitar; Simone Simonton, drums;
Julie Clark, bass
WOMANROCK:
What is Lift?
MOLLY:
Lift started as a concept as early as '92. I was living in Boston
recording songs in an eight-track studio with some friends of mine
at MIT Media Lab. After a label offered to release a 7" single,
I had to make up a band name. I didn't want to be the Molly Bancroft
Band. The meaning behind LIFT appealed to me, since my musical goal
is to inspire people with the music.
The "real" LIFT got together in Atlanta in '95, where the lineup
then included another guitar player. Since I'd wanted to pare it
down to a trio and move in a bit of a different direction musically,
we made the decision to become a trio in '98.
WOMANROCK:
Tell me about your albums "Lifelike" and "September."
SIMONE:
We've recorded 2 full length albums and an EP. Our album "Lifelike"
was officially released by Daemon Records in '97. The first album
was never really released because of legal/contractual snafus, which
is too bad because it has a lot of great songs on it (Stellar, Lyric
Moon Records '96). The EP (September)
is mostly distributed over the Internet.
WOMANROCK:
How did Orangestar Records come about?
SIMONE:
"Orangestar Records" was started to release our latest EP, September.
Maybe someday it'll be a "real" label- you know, for other bands,
but for now it's just for the EP.
MOLLY:
I think it's so tough to release your own records, tour and do your
own publicity. It takes so much work and time. For most musicians,
it becomes more difficult to balance the amount of business with
time to create music when you have your own record label. Right
now, we feel that pressure-- that there's never enough time or resources
to get the music heard on a greater level. That's what is appealing
about the indie/major label "carrot" - resources, distribution,
promotion, etc. At a certain point, we want to focus more on the
music...
WOMANROCK:
What about MP3 files?
MOLLY:
I think it's an interesting new and hopeful means of distributing
music for those who don't have a label. In some ways, there is such
a "glut" of artists trying to get recognition that it's difficult
to find new artists without really hearing a lot of crap. But in
a positive sense, it's giving people a voice and exposing us to
music from all over the world. I'm excited about the possibilities
of MP3's.
WOMANROCK:
Do you think you'd be happier on a major label?
SIMONE:
The goal is to affect as many people as possible with the music.
It just so happens that goes hand in hand with getting a major label
deal. It still seems like the best way to really get out there.
It takes a lot of money to record and tour and promote- not to mention
the connections needed to get certain opportunities. Major labels
have all of that. It's just too bad that they also have most of
the control. Not to be negative, but it seems that no matter what,
the artist suffers a bit. As for right now, we're just doing what
we've always done ... making fresh and inspiring music and playing
shows for people who want it.
MOLLY:
Yeah, some of my fave bands have been on major labels and then dropped.
For example: Catherine Wheel, Kitchens of Distinction, etc. And
then of course, Aimee Mann. Her struggles are a good example of
the dilemma artists face. We want the "machine" to be behind our
music so that it's in stores, on the radio, accessible for people
to hear it, see us perform in all parts of the USA/world. But on
the other hand, it doesn't mean that it's all glory once you're
"there." We're at least aware of the benefits and the pitfalls.
WOMANROCK:
Who has been most helpful in your career so far?
SIMONE:
Amy Ray and Emily Sailers (Indigo Girls) gave us the opportunity
to open some shows for them during the "Lifelike" era. It was great
exposure and experience for us. We basically went from knowing what
it felt like to play a small club of 100 people to a major venue
of 7,000 people overnight. That's an opportunity that most unsigned
or even indie bands never get.
JULIE:
For me, personally, Shawn Mullins really gave me the chance to be
a professional musician which made me a better bass player and for
that I am tirelessly thankful. For LIFT I think it would have to
be the Indigo Girls. What they did most for us was give us a big
stage and a huge audience to prove to ourselves that this is what
we were cut out for. It was eye-opening and life-altering all the
same (and it was LOADS of fun!!!).
MOLLY:
It seems like along the way, there are always some people that are
there, with good motives, that sort of appear just when you want
to throw in the towel. Because the music industry is full of sharks,
and we've been bitten a few times, but there are also some truly
helpful people wanting good music to get out into the world.
WOMANROCK:
How do you express yourselves physically on stage, what is the fashion
of Lift?
SIMONE:
I'm a minimalist in the makeup department. I like lipstick and lip
gloss, but the heavy eye mascara and liner are out for me. I feel
like a drag queen in that stuff. I shop mostly at thrift stores
and vintage shops. Being a drummer I can't wear anything too loose
or long sleeved. So I like snug, sleeveless and black for the most
part. It depends on my mood; sometimes a bright tacky shirt is a
must.
JULIE:
mmmm .... I like funky vintage stuff. The tighter the better (gotta
watch the cookie intake!!!). I got some really great stuff from
a video shoot I did in LA last year. The cool wardrobe chick let
me keep everything! I wear almost everything she gave me on-stage
these days. Black and Tight is always cool. Make-up .... I like
glittery/shiny stuff. M.A.C. is the way to go. And, PS., if anyone
says that getting your nose pierced does NOT hurt .... please slap
them for me! Thanks!
MOLLY:
Hair color has become my fashion. I change it all the time. Right
now it's somewhere between blonde, strawberry blonde and brown.
I like it because I know I don't look like everyone else on the
street!! My fashion philosophy is sort of anti-trendy and post-grunge.
I like interesting clothes that I don't see a million people wearing.
I like big chunky cool shoes, chokers, minimal jewelry except a
lucky bracelet and then some funky nail polish and maybe a girly
barrette if my hair's in that kind of mood. I just want a weekend
in New York to go shopping in the Village and I'd be a happy camper.
WOMANROCK:
Any last words for WOMANROCK readers?
SIMONE:
Yeah the world needs more *real* woman rockers.
JULIE:
Yeah .... what she said.
MOLLY:
Take your own path; don't copy someone else's. The people I most
admire are those that have the guts to be individuals. That goes
with music and life in general. Just do your thang, grrls!
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_________________________________
For
updated tour dates and more information, check out the official
Lift site:
http://www.orangestar.com/lift/home.html
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_________________________________
Brenda Kahn is a New
York recording artist and the editor of WOMANROCK.com. Past notes
from the Editor. |
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