Talk Normal may be made up of two ladies, but that doesn’t stop them from taking jarring melodies and dissonant guitars and cranking them over some furious art rock beats.  Channeling the best of early 90s noise rock and pop, the ladies of Talk Normal released Sugarland this fall through Rare Book Room and are set out to tour the country to support it.  Both members took the time to answer Ghettoblaster’s questions about their homebase, and possible reasons why Andrya likes to call NYC “The City of Dirt & Dreams.”
What’s your town’s nickname?
Big Apple
What’s your nickname for your town?
NYC. Bklyn. W-burg. GPT. Nothing too creative, basically text-style abbreviations to sort out where we’re going to meet around town. 🙂 Andrya likes to call it “The City of Dirt & Dreams.”
Why do you live there?
Right now we both still live here to play music with the other. Also because even after 12/13 years it’s hard to find anywhere else with so much to offer.
What is your favorite local attraction (monument, park, etc)?
The small park at the end of Grand Street in Williamsburg has an aura of calm reflection. The growing number of taco trucks also is a warming attraction… Endless Summer @ Bedford and N6th, El Diablo Tacos @ Union Pool. Anywhere where you accidentally look up and see the most gorgeous east coast sunset over the city —- nature’s gift.
What is your favorite local event/festival?
Fond of the NYC International Pickle Day Festival. Also every single venue that has outside shows in the summer, from Central park to parking lots under train tracks in Bushwick = awesome.
What is the best time of year to be there?
Easily Spring & Fall. Best weather of anywhere. Summer has a certain survivor’s gritty pride, and winter is a brutal bleak spell. Though there are ALWAYS amazing shows, exhibits, things to see hear do — so no complaints.
Who is your favorite local celebrity/personality?
The steady stream of wackos that travel in & out of West Nile… where one of us spends a lot of time.
Where is the best place to drink and what’s their specialty or happy hour?
Daddy’s, when DANA BELL is working the bar. Check out her art here.
Who has the best jukebox (and what’s in it)?
Daddy’s also has a nice jukebox, lots of old country & curious rock + classic rocksteady musical biscuits. Even more reason to go hang with Dana Bell. Although she’ll probably be happy to take requests & DJ off her iPod, if you’re polite.
What is your favorite place to see live music and what was your favorite show there?
The show makes the place, and there’s always so many unofficial (& official) venues operating at any time that the charm of the shows being hosted usually takes it to the next level more so than the actual place. But always of interest are Monster Island/Secret Project Robot, Death By Audio, Cakeshop, Silent Barn, West Nile… The epic 4/20/09 Knyfe Hyts record release show @ Secret Project Robot was one for the record books.
What is your favorite local band?
Who could have just one? Sightings, Kynfe Hyts, Pterodactyl, Marnie Stern, High Places (recently moved to west coast), Magik Markers (half the band at least), These Are Powers, Antimagic, Red Dawn II, Awesome Color, Air Waves etc.
What is your favorite diner or restaurant and what is their best dish?
Supercore’s lunch specials…. right price, + yum. Also their Green Tea Au Lait — soymilk optional.
What is your favorite record store and what was your best find there?
Permanent Records rules, check out their website by JMBOTRN. Andrya’s roommate Ted just came home from there with the Eno Mobius Rodelius (Cluster meets Eno) album After The Heat. Last three songs on Side B are a collector’s gems. Good find Ted. Thanks Permanent.
What is your favorite local shop?
Food & food-related: Marlow & Sons! The deli on Bedford and Grand where you can get Kombucha for $3.50 instead of the $5 elsewhere. VINNIE’S PIZZA on bedford —- the vegan options are amazing. The Garden in Greenpoint – if you catch the sales you can get awesome organic/whole food for cheap. Bulk counter is top shelf stuff for nothing.
What is your favorite local publication (alternative weekly, zine, website or blog)?
Showpaper, bare bones listing of shows, featuring great new artwork with every issue. Major kudos to Showpaper.