Interview: Lizzi Bougatsos

The other day, I had a chance to pick the brain of Gang Gang Dance’s eclectic lyricist and drummer, Lizzi Bougatsos, who tipped me off to her favorite NYC hot spots, inspirations, and a sneak preview of her band’s next album…

Your style has been discussed and featured in both fashion and music magazines throughout your career.  How would you define your personal style?

Ghetto,worn,boho,beachy chic and Gangsta! I’m an accessories chick but I try to lay it on light.  Drumming with rings doesn’t work.  I like men’s clothes.  I try to keep it real and represent the east coast rappers while i play.  I adore YSL always and think Balenciaga is future music!

What exactly can folks expect from a Gang Gang dance show?

Hopefully a search into the inner self and exploration.  I’ve been thinking of our shows as spheres lately.  A place where you can get in your own zone and not care of others around you.  Kind of like the dubstep motto…dancing in the dark.  Anything goes…

Favorite NYC hangout?

Well I’d have to say Bacaro.  It’s close to my house and I love the owners and the fungi gnocci.  I want it right now.   I also like Whole Foods cause they have great windows and a stellar location.  Tomkins Square Park is a rad freak show although I spend more time at the South Street Seaport on benches watchin the waves and eating oysters on the streets.

You are very passionate about visual art and have had exhibits at galleries throughout downtown.  What inspires you, aside from music?

Sorry have to turn to music for a sec…..

Reggae, true souls that are struggling, people that have no choice but to exist and become stronger.  That’s how it is in the Ghetto.  It’s survival.  Be strong and do good.  Everywhere you go let yourself go…..kind of ideals.I can relate to the music that speaks of this.  It centers me and clears my priorities like I’ve found a sense of purpose.  Living in NYC all these years has been a struggle.  One has to let down their pride often.  Sometimes there’s nowhere to turn. You have to learn to live cheap.  Like eat pizza even if you wanna go raw food!  Ha. People kept me here.  I’m inspired by the ones I love and I am loyal.  This is true inspiration.  Friends. People that live on the streets.  Homeless people.  It’s getting worse and worse with Obama elected……I’m sad to say.

Fill in the blank: I cannot live without….

Dark Chocolate

Another fill in the blank. On Saturday morning, you can find me…

In bed with my dude

Who was the first person that inspired you to make music?

Genesis P-Orridge.  The video “Discipline”

First thing you do when you wake up…..

Coffee or foaming bathtub.

What musical artists you have been listening to/enjoying lately?

Mary Margaret O’hara always.  I’ve been compared to her and stayed at her house in Vancouver.  Aster Aweke and this song that my friend Jimmy Hay made us a cd of.  I don’t know the artist…but it’s been trailing in my head!  I’m a lyricist so Howard Devoto…Suede…Shit now I’ve been into Beyonce but I feel like she’s stealin some juice.   I don’t have any albums tho.  I love Antony and the Johnsons.  Last Poets….Live I looovvvvveee Tunde and Ryan Sawyer’s project.  It’s invigorating.  Matteah Baim’s new album is pretty sweet.  I liked Linda Perhacs album with the moon on the front.  But Mary Margaret is my heart.

Saint Dymphna was my favorite album of 2008.  Tell me a little bit about the next Gang Gang album? What can we expect sonically?

Aerial Bliss and more pop songs!