Oct 14
Blackey Death Proof: Marc Bolan, Sewing & Tarantino Flicks
Midnight Mob are a band from New York City – influenced by Guns N Roses, Danzig, Cheap Trick, Social Distortion, Motorhead and T- Rex – fronted by kick ass lady Blackey Death Proof!
Tell me a little bit about yourself?
My name is Blackey Death Proof, and I am the lead singer of Midnight Mob. I enjoy long walks in the park, classic movies, various foods, rolling around stage like a maniac and screaming my lungs out, as well as being the front lady for Midnight Mob.
You’re a freelance make-up artist, hair stylist and alternative model right?
Yes indeed. I have my cosmetology license, but unfortunately I have not been able to keep a salon job due to my band schedule. Fortunately being in a creative field I have been able to meet many creative people looking to build their portfolio whether a photographer or model. I am paid in this field to make others sexier and to be sexy on the other side of the camera. Many photographers love the attitude I add to my photos, which I give credit to the crazy faces I am known to make. Even when I don’t get paid, I still get good stuff out of it, which lands me other jobs. I have received many fun promotional gigs as a bonus instead of pay. These promo gigs are a blast and I get to meet some pretty cool peeps.
How did you first come to music?
I have been listening to music since the womb just like Marc Bolan and I haven’t stopped since. I love all sorts of music. There’s the prefect song or genera for every moment. I came out kicking and screaming in the month of May some 20 odd years ago, and the people around me seemed excited and cheered so I thought there could be some future in it from the beginning. I grew up on gossip, blues, punk rock, and metal. Music was always there. I joined a church Christmas choir when I went to boarding school, but I didn’t REALLY start singing until I joined the band at 19. It was something to cross off the list of things to do before before you die and it just kind of took off.
What do you wear on stage?
Cowboy boots, a self-customized shirt, pants that stretch and some bling. The grand finale is my signature bullet belt. It has been with me forever and is indestructible…which I love.
How important is your stage outfit to you?
It is essential. On stage it’s all about being comfortable and having good range of motion. If I wear something too elaborate or too tight I can’t move or breathe which is way less fun and slows me down. I tend to be very rough with my clothing and have become notorious for tearing my pants. So I’ve gotten fond of those leathery looking leggings. They look awesome, I can jump around, and they are inexpensive to replace. I put much work and thought into what I wear on stage because it so important to be visually awesome & unique.
Make-up-wise what’s your onstage must?
I always do cat eyes and lipstick. I like kicking it old school; it is easy and does not look scary after an hour. I do love some cool smokey eyes, but I always ended up looking like The Crow after he is shot when I was done on stage.
What’s your biggest beauty indulgence?
HAIR SPRAY AND A TEASING COMB!!!!
What are your offstage outfits like?
I pretty much look the same. I mean, if I’m at work I like to be a bit more chic, but you would never really say I am night and day when I’m off stage unless you catch me in my work out clothes and that is another story.
Who are your style icons?
I’m inspired by a lot of people and music. I just combine all my favorite things: metal, punk rock, Bettie Page and various horror/Tarantino movies.
What do you do creatively when you’re not creating/playing music?
I really love to sew. My mom taught me how to do some basic tailoring so I’ve been making my own clothing since I was a kid. If I didn’t alter my clothes in some way, I just don’t feel quite like it belonged to me.
What makes your musical style different?
I think it’s a really good combination of a lot of great time eras. We all come from different musical backgrounds and there’s really something for everyone in it.
Have you ever encountered sexism within the music community?
Not too much. I mean, being a female in an industry dominated by men, most of them can’t help but stare at any girl that’s going to get up there. We are expected to be a bit more timid and well ladylike. So naturally they stare harder when my bass player, Carly, and I get up there and leave a pint of blood on the stage. In all seriousness it has been cool so far and if anything I have been paid huge compliments on my talent.
How do you deal with the haters?
Not every one’s going to like you: what you’re doing, what you sound like, what you’re saying. My band and I are very positive and have made it a point to be cool with everyone because that’s just how people should treat each other. If they don’t like us at that point it’s really their problem and we move on.
Tell me about your latest projects?
We just celebrated the release of our music video for “All For Nothing”, directed by Jarret Belluci. We had a blast shooting it and are through the moon proud of it. In fact the director liked working with us so much and our product, he wants to do another. So hopefully with our crazy schedule we will have another one out to you in the next couple of months.
For more Midnight Mob.
Have a rad day friends!
*Photo credits: 1 – Angie Pollizato Bontempi / 2 – Lauren Peralta / 3
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