Check out our interview with SLUGS who is a 4 piece alt rock outfit out of Los Angeles comprised of singer/songwriter/guitarist Marissa Longstreet, Sarsten Noice (bass/vocals), Josh Beavers (lead guitar) and Dash Hutton (drums). Their influences range from Linda Perhacs with their melodic harmonies and tenderness to Thee Oh Sees with their high energy, spitfire performances.
Their latest single “Super Sane” features high voltage expression along with a calmer wash, showcasing restrained strums of electric guitar which is both divinely gripping and atmospheric. The delicate lower harmonies are so haunting, while the intimate vocals are gentle and totally skeletal in their honesty. Somewhat warm and somewhat cold, the overall feel is wonderfully juxtaposed with feelings of healing and acceptance. The minimalist sound is also vividly complex in its dynamics and meticulously placed elements.
Follow SLUGS @slugslyfe
(answered by Marissa)
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Down to fun
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I’ve been writing songs with friends since high school and just kept it moving.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Listen and learn!
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
My dad always sang and played guitar in the home. Radiohead and Beatles were a staple in the house. I got a lot of influence from the folk and industrial sounds of bucolic upstate NY and the punk scene in Rochester, NY.
Do you play any instrument?
Guitar
Do you ever get nervous?
Sure! Everyday! I used to be so nervous before performing I could barely be on stage. Then I read a comment on a Rochester music forum about how nervous I always seemed and realized I loved the audacity of the punk acts who would lousily play their earnest songs. Quickly after that, I adapted a ‘persona’ realizing it’s not about being “good” it’s about delivering in the most uninhibited way. Much more fun for me too.
Tell us about your new single “Super Sane?”
It’s a song I wrote after breaking down during a yoga class; crying over a memory of a friend who had recently passed away. Another friend of mine had just had a baby. The song is about when the celebration of life and sorrow of death can intersect. It made me feel insane, but that ecstatic dance of gratitude and sorrow was a more fruitful release than maintaining composure. We recorded it as a demo with our friend Kenny Becker of the band ‘Goon’. I liked how the rawness of the demo and scratch vocals mirrored the vulnerability of the song, so we built the rest of the song off that demo.
Did you had plans/concerts planned and cancelled because of COVID? If so have you done any online concerts or interaction with your fans?
We were preparing to play our first show in over a year opening for Mattson II in March. That was cancelled. We’ve had a couple virtual shows that were strange, but enjoyable.
Favorite song? And why?
It’s ever changing. Lately I’ve been stuck on the Toth “Practice Magic and Seek Professional Help When Necessary” record. “Picture of You” is an honest and relatable sentiment.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
Painting my fence. And probably starting an experimental noise pop project.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
Sharing music, helping people celebrate or commiserate. I hope our songs heal people or serve as a suitable audio wallpaper.
What’s next for SLUGS in 2021?
Our next single will be out in February and we plan to release our album in June.
Any loves other than music?
I like to get out of my head. Reading, hiking, yoga, screen printing, being a good friend, collage…
Best advice ever given?
Maybe not the BEST, but “feelings are not facts” is a piece I visit often.
How’s a typical day in your life?
These days, I wake, pick a record to enjoy, journal my favorite memory from the day before and 10 things I’m grateful for, do some sort of physical activity (dance, yoga, hike), probably make a phone call, feed myself, maybe play guitar or write—sometimes I don’t touch my guitar for weeks, I usually read at night and call it a damn day.
Name one your strengths?
I’m passionate, for better and for worse.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Pancakes and coffee, call my Mom, porch reading or walking to the park, playing softball with friends and on Sunday nights I watch a music doc with a couple pals.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Is It My Body? – Alice Cooper
What is your own definition of happiness?
Gratitude.
Do you support any charities?
I volunteer weekly with the LA Food Bank.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Big steamed kale fan.
And your favorite cheat food?
Anything in the chip family.
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
I wish I had deal-breakers! What most people would consider red flags I find interesting… but I would say domestic violence would probably be my first-date deal-breaker.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Appreciating whoever I am 5 years from now.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Relaxed and plaid.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think it’s an annhilistic platform that manipulates us. And funny!
Where we can follow you?
@slugslyfe on IG
Quote: Start a band, use your hands, be thankful for what you’ve got.
Movie: I don’t watch many movies so, Castaway.
Travel Destination: Anywhere when I’m with Audrey, Liz and Sam.
Sports Team: I just hope everyone’s having fun out there.
