Introducing Cherie Ko, the genius behind Pastelpower, guitarist of the band Obedient Wives Club, vocalist of three-piece International band Bored Spies and hit Youtube sensation. With no less than 4,000,000 views and over 30,000 subscribers, we’re safe to say that this lady is brimming with talent and there’s no way of not being smitten by her lovely voice. We managed to catch up with the ‘Princess of Pastelwave’ herself as she gave us insights into inspiration behind her songs, thoughts on playing Baybeats, even the scent of her musical sound and more.
How did the band form?
Cherie Ko: I created Pastelpower one night in September 2012 last year, while messing around with my keyboard in bed. I just thought it would be a fun thing to do, something less serious.
What made you try out for this year’s Baybeats Festival?
CK: I didn’t, Baybeats asked me to play, so i said yes!
What are your thoughts on playing Baybeats Festival?
CK: I think it is a great platform for local bands to get together and showcase our music to the public. With so many local bands playing together at the same venue, it will also help to let bands gain new audience, as it creates a spillover effect. I also think it’s just about displaying our love for music, there’s something about being in the same place as so many people who share the same passion as you do.
Like any other band that has been working hard to successfully break into the local music scene, what obstacles did y’all face during the earlier months/ years?
CK: I didn’t consciously try to break into the local music scene, I just put out some of my demos on the internet without expecting anything in return. But i guess it was because of Obedient Wives Club, that Pastelpower gained more attention because a lot of OWC’s fans got to know about PP, and we kind of play the same genre of music. (ish)
Which are your band’s greatest music influence?
CK: Francoise Hardy, France Gall, Vashti Bunyan, Broadcast, Beach House, and a lot of other dream-pop artists.
Where do you get inspiration to compose your songs?
CK: Mostly films. I’m a big fan of directors like Godard, John Waters, Michel Gondry, Richard Linklater, and Sofia Coppola. My songwriting process usually involves me watching a movie with a keyboard in hand. I would mute the movie, and start writing songs and think of them as soundtracks.
If there was one phrase that could define the band, what would it be?
CK: Kitschy, tacky, and sweet to the point of cheesy
If your musical sound was a scent/ flavor, what would it be?
CK: Cheap perfume
How is it like juggling your different music projects? (Obedient Wives Club/ Bored Spies)
CK: It’s actually not all that difficult! But I can imagine it might seem confusing to an outsider’s POV. I seem to take on a different persona whenever I’m playing with my different bands. It doesn’t seem unnatural or strange to me though, because I feel like i have all these layers of me, and they are presented in the different types of music that i play.
Describe your experience touring and playing to an international audience?
CK: The whole touring experience was something that came as a culture shock to me. Pre-tour, I had this romanticization of the touring life that it was all fun and games, and like a holiday just that it involved playing music – and what could be better than that right? Soon enough, I learnt that it was all a myth. Touring is tough, and there’s a lot of work involved like loading heavy gear into tour vans, and travelling hours each day to go to different cities. That being said, although it was a challenge, it was also such an amazing experience, to be playing a show to a fresh audience every night. The responses we had have been really great, and foreign audiences are so receptive and encouraging. It is also so humbling to be sharing stages with all these great bands from all over the world.
Here’s a little teaser of what to expect at her set! Sit back and enjoy as you prepare yourself to be transported into a scene of cult favorite Sofia Coppola film, The Virgin Suicides. (Think pastel hues, delicate Petit Four and warm tea.)
Saturday, 29th. 3.30pm, Observation Deck. 6.15pm & 9.15pm, Concourse. We’ll see you Pastel Power Rangers there! (lol.)
Images: Pastel Power’s Facebook Page
