Whiskey and Interpol Get Husbandry Over the Break-Up Hump
While we question at least one-third of the theorem that sex is natural, fun and best when it's one-on-one, we know that intimacy is inexorably enmeshed with most of our favorite art. In today's Late Night Dedication, we test the carnal knowledge of Carina Zachary of Husbandry. The chameleonic Brooklyn post-hardcore quartet released their excellent, frenetic full-length debut Fera on Aqualamb earlier this summer.
What was on the first mix you made for a crush?
The first song that comes to mind is probably "Sober" by Tool. Probably not the most romantic song to include on a mix for your crush! But I always found something incredibly sensual about the vulnerability in Maynard [James Keenan]'s voice in that song. "Everlong" by Foo Fighters, which I feel [was] kind of a staple in the "mixtape to your crush" department back then, and maybe even still today. Definitely threw some Rage Against the Machine and NIN on there. I was about 12 or 13, at the time and the kid I was into did not feel the same towards me. I want my mix CD back.
What albums can you not listen to because of a break-up
I don't think I've ever avoided listening to an album due to a break-up. If anything, I think heartache has always pushed me towards embracing the catharsis and venting through immersing myself in films and music. Mewithoutyou's A→B Life, Marriages' Kitsune, True Widow's Circumambulation, the Mars Volta's Amputechture and anything with Jarrod Taylor's voice [Reverent Fear, Stomacher] have been instrumental in carrying me over that hump. And whenever I listen to those albums now, I do so with fondness … oh, also, lots of Depeche Mode, Interpol and Jameson!
Thoughts on PDA at a gig?
PDA at a gig: It's not really my cup of tea, but I won't hate on it. One instance comes to mind that kind of baffled me, though. It was at the Dillinger Escape Plan show in Brooklyn at Rough Trade a while back. This couple I was standing behind was sucking face pretty much the whole set. Which is fine, whatever. I can see how Dillinger's feral, primal energy and sounds might turn you on. But they're so amazing [that] I couldn't comprehend why you'd go to their show just to stand around and kiss. Much more fun to watch Greg [Puciato] cling to balconies and Ben [Weinman] somersault into the crowd. [Kanye Shrug]
Is music during sex corny?
I'm a fan of music during sex, depending on the vibe of where I'm at and who I'm with. Sometimes the mood is right and you need to just go full force, with the lights on, while that episode of Law and Order is going. Other times, you have a nice dinner, dim the lights, pop Massive Attack's Mezzanine in real quick and go to town.
Does going to a show constitute a date?
I consider going to a show a date. I can see how maybe it may not be the right setting for a first date. But it can make for a no-pressure time, to sort of gauge what someone's like in a social setting and bond over cool bands. It could always lead to a second or third date. Everyone out there should make a Husbandry show their first date. We'll set the mood for you. Do it.
What musician would you want to make out with most (dead or alive)?
A make-out session: There are a few that I can think of that might get me in trouble if I divulged. So, I'm going to go with Mike Patton. There's this sort of fearless approach to music that he has. It's confidence and talent and dedication. I find that really sexy. I'm very inspired by how prolific he is. I'm also going to go ahead and say FKA Twigs, because the girl [Tahliah Debrett Barnett] just oozes sexiness, intelligence and general otherworldliness. I'd probably say Jim Morrison, too, 'cause he was super handsome. The haters can suck it.
Does music taste matter in a relationship?
Music taste in a relationship matters only to a certain extent. I think things like dedication, passion and a sense of transparency with each other holds more weight. Guys and girls can have exquisite taste in music and be complete assholes. I know, go figure. As difficult as it may be not to, you can't judge a significant other too harshly based on their musical tastes. Unless, it's Nickelback. Or Puddle of Mudd. Or ... I digress.
Would you ever date someone that was a fan of your band?
I think it'd be kind of difficult to make things work with someone who didn't at the very least respect what my guys and I do. It's not realistic. You don't have to be a die-hard groupie. But being with someone who is supportive of something I'm so invested in wouldn't be a bad thing at all.
Have you ever cried while listening to a song? If so, what was the last time?
Okay, so I'm totally going to sound like a sap for this, but I was moved to tears at one of my own shows. Our friends in Spotlights were in the middle of their song "The Grower" at our album release show at Sunnyvale. And I had this moment where I welled up. The guys and I put so much of ourselves into writing this album, and to be celebrating the release that night, surrounded by our friends and other bands / musicians we admire, our label … it was a culmination of a lot of emotions at once. Definitely one of the best nights I've had.
Have you ever had to talk to somebody about a song you’ve written about them?
I've written songs about people and spoken about it afterwards with them. Some of those songs explore sexual themes; others, more vengeful themes. They've found it flattering, for the most part. I tend to be subtle or discreet in the way I write about people I've involved myself with. It's fun to tell a personal story without having to give it all away.
What musician knows the most about love?
There are so many to choose from. But Nina Simone and Jeff Buckley are the ones that come to mind. They really do it for me. I'm Dominican, and I have to say that Juan Luis Guerra and Bachata artist Luis Vargas have this down to an art form. Also, Mexican singer Vicente Fernández is a master.
Do you like love songs or hate songs more?
I enjoy a good love song. I'm all about the love. I think more folks should open up and get on that wavelength. Expunge hate from our lives as much as possible. My guilty pleasure lately has been "Salvatore" by Lana Del Rey. She makes me swoon.