Blonde Redhead and Death Valley Girls on Art and Music
In a double interview on Artribune, Kazu Makino of Blonde Redhead and Larry Schemel of Death Valley Girls share their definitions of art and music. Blonde Redhead, formed in 1993 in New York, includes Kazu Makino (vocals/guitar) and Italian twins Amedeo Pace (vocals/guitar) and Simone Pace (drums). Their debut album was produced by Steve Shelley of Sonic Youth, and their second album title references Pier Paolo Pasolini's novel "Una vita violenta." Guy Picciotto of Fugazi produced several of their albums. In September 2020, they reissued "Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons" for its 20th anniversary. Death Valley Girls, formed in Los Angeles in 2013, features Bonnie Bloomgarden and Larry Schemel. Iggy Pop appeared in one of their videos, inspired by Andy Warhol. The band was chosen by Dr. Martens for a film series celebrating LA and NYC music scenes. Both artists discuss their creative identities and influences, including Valentine Schlegel, Balthus, Isamu Noguchi, John Waters, and Linder Sterling.
Key facts
- Blonde Redhead formed in 1993 in New York.
- Kazu Makino is the spokesperson for Blonde Redhead.
- Amedeo and Simone Pace are Italian twins born in Milan, raised in Canada.
- First album produced by Steve Shelley of Sonic Youth.
- Second album title references Pier Paolo Pasolini's novel.
- Guy Picciotto produced several Blonde Redhead albums.
- Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons reissued in September 2020.
- Death Valley Girls formed in Los Angeles in 2013.
- Iggy Pop appeared in a Death Valley Girls video.
- Dr. Martens selected Death Valley Girls for a film series.
- Kazu Makino considers herself an artist.
- Larry Schemel does not call himself an artist but makes art.
- Kazu Makino's favorite visual artists include Valentine Schlegel, Balthus, Isamu Noguchi.
- Larry Schemel cites John Waters and Linder Sterling as influences.
Entities
Artists
- Kazu Makino
- Amedeo Pace
- Simone Pace
- Maki Takahashi
- Steve Shelley
- Pier Paolo Pasolini
- Guy Picciotto
- Bonnie Bloomgarden
- Larry Schemel
- Iggy Pop
- Andy Warhol
- Valentine Schlegel
- Balthus
- Isamu Noguchi
- John Waters
- Linder Sterling
- Julian House
- Samantha Stella
Institutions
- Blonde Redhead
- Sonic Youth
- Fugazi
- Death Valley Girls
- MC5
- New York Dolls
- The Stooges
- Dr. Martens
- Tate
- Artribune
Locations
- New York
- United States
- Milan
- Italy
- Canada
- Los Angeles
- London
- United Kingdom
- Genoa
- Milano