If you’ve yet to hear of Painted Face, you’re not alone, but all that is about to change. With her incredible vocals mixed with vibrant music, it won’t be long until everyone will fall in love with Allie aka Painted Face. Having played in previous bands, one of them later being Telepathe, she’s now embarking on a solo journey to do what she’s always felt was her calling. Lucky for us folks on the West Coast, she’s recently kicked off a tour, check the dates below and check out the interview we did we with her.
Her EP Undreamt is available now for only $5.00, cop it here.
Let’s start with your name, Painted Face. What’s the meaning behind it and how was it thought of?
Painted Face: I saw the words “Painted Face” written on the back of a tarot card. I had been looking for a name that I could use as a moniker and it was both personal and abstract so it seemed good for solo project. It’s also really visual, it has a lot of possible meanings.
For people that haven’t heard your music yet, how would you describe your sound?
Painted Face: I would say it’s spacey synth pop. It’s kind of dark kind of serene and very melodic.
When did you start playing your first instrument or figure out that this is what you wanted to do?
Painted Face: I grew playing music and dancing, but I don’t know that I realized it was a necessity to me like food and water until after college.
So what was it after college that you made realize that this was you and that you had to pursue this path?
Painted Face: I think I just couldn’t deny the creative part of me that wanted to create all the time. I have a lot of interests, technology and fashion are among them, but music is not negotiable. it’s just a part of me.
Being an independent artist, what sort of difficulties have you faced in getting your music out there, etc?
Painted Face: Well, this project is fairly new and I have to say it hasn’t been too difficult. I m not necessarily starting from scratch though, having played music in several bands in NYC prior to this. Also with the Internet, it’s pretty easy to connect with other artists/musicians.
Let’s talk about that. Having played in a few bands previously. How does that experience compare to doing something solo? Do you feel it gives you more creative freedom?
Painted Face: I played in band called Wikkid with 3 other girls that eventually turned into Telepathe and also Blood Lines. I recorded and toured with both bands (releases on the Social Registry in Brooklyn) before moving to DC to collaborate with my brother, producer Alvin Risk.
Working solo definitely takes more time because you have to invest yourself in every aspect of songwriting. I’m mainly a guitar player and singer, but in this project I write keyboard parts, bass parts and beats. It’s a lot of programming. But yes, ultimately, you have creative license to do what ever you want and that’s really empowering.
What initially drew me to your music is your angelic voice that’s paired so well with the music, did you ever take vocal lessons or was that something that came some what natural to you and you gradually worked on?
Painted Face: Thanks!
I grew up singing and fronted some bands but Painted Face is really the first project I’ve done that is very vocally driven. I’m excited to keep growing as a singer. It’s challenge to nail really memorable vocal melodies but this is my greatest focus.
So who are some artists that you would say have helped influenced your style and sound or who did you really idolize and look up to ?
Painted Face: For Painted Face, I’m inspired by iconic female performers. I love Kate Bush, Yoko Ono, Siouxsie Sioux, Elizabeth Fraser. There is no shortage of inspiration!
You mentioned connecting and working with other musicians, do you have plans for other projects?
Painted Face: I’m hoping to collaborate with some people on remixes for the Undreamt EP. In DC there is an amazing amount of talent and hopefully I can pick up some projects with other producers there.
Wrapping this up. What do you hope people take away from your show?
Painted Face: I hope people take away a bit of beauty, a bit of drama, and I hope they dance 
Her EP Undreamt is available now for only $5.00, cop it here.
Current Tour Dates:
Feb 24 – Le Voyeur – Olympia, WA
Feb 25 – The Cobalt – Vancouver, BC
Feb 27 – Tube – Portland
Mar 01 – KIMO’s – San Francisco
Mar 02 – East Nile – Oakland
Catch Painted Face on: Facebook | MySpace | Twitter
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