Sol Ardour is a New York based band that we here at VKH recently had the opportunity to speak with about the bands appearance.
Were there any inspiration for any of the previous outfits?
Artemis: "SOL ARDOUR's" general concept is: a universal, ethereal group. More specifically we mean to express epic, intense and ambient ideas.
So, for the first costumes we wanted to present our different aura's in the "SOL ARDOUR" frame of reference.
I'm really into being part of the world's inner and outer universe. I wanted to appear animalistic, and trans-galactic. Knowledge, fight, and beauty.
Shola is very visceral. He looked to channel chaos and general badassery. His aesthetic is often that of an anti hero. Inspiration in darkness.
Sion is a cool and calculating person. Fairness and justice are important to him. His image is based on balance, and heroism. A lot of his looks have a military feel.
We all grew up with video games, so lots of the looks were inspired by game character aesthetics.
You're previous outfits were designed by yourselves, where did you get the clothes/how did you make them?
Artemis: Initially we spoke about the concepts. I drafted the concepts on paper - and we began scouring internet shops, local thrift stores and other clothing outlets for things that fit the ideal.
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Is there a connection between the bands appearance and sound?
Artemis: Definitely. The sound is urgent and intense. Each song displays characteristics of us. Our appearance is the same. It's focus is on key points of our character. We will always look as though we belong in the realm of the music, and vice versa.
Cris Ryan designed the bands more recent appearance, did you have any input into what was made?
Artemis: Yes. Cris took his time getting a feel for who we were and what we liked. We gave him a good amount of reference material and were sent alterations as well as sending our own. He truly wanted to create extensions of our personalities with each outfit .
There were two themes. Futurism, and Solidarity. When we first formed, our looks were very individualistic. This set showed that we were a unified force.
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How did you learn of Cris Ryan?
Artemis: Shola and I met Cris through an acquaintance of mine TOKYO BLACK, a dance and electro pop recording and performing artist with a growing fanbase on the east and west coast. It was pretty lucky that we actually bumped into each other while hitting various clubs.
TOKYO had costumes designed by Cris, and I was very impressed by the quality, so I went home and looked through his portfolio.
Why did you choose him to do design the outfits?
Artemis: About a week later, Sai, Cris and I talked about designs and inspirations in a downtown cafe over milkshakes. His work ethic, love of design and attention to detail made us want to work with him. Having a background in video games and animation as recreation, we were able to connect with his designs. Some of his favorite designers are Balmain, McQueen, Givenchy, and Vivienne Westwood, who I'm also very fond of.
The decision to commission Cris for work was finalized that night. TOKYO BLACK had a performance at greenhouse. Seeing the way the costumes moved as she performed, brought them to life and made it clear to me what effect the designs would have in real life.
Are there any plans for future outfits?
Artemis: For sure. Cris and I have already spoken about some concepts we'd like to work on. For future outfits members may be working with different designers, to get a more varied look per person.
Shola: Originally I had a few outfit concepts that i wanted to try out. I'm not very good when it comes to drawing, so I commissioned a few designs. Sadly these never actually got created. I still have a few concept floating around my computer and I have been in touch with various designers, some well known, some not so famous. Its all a matter who actually has the time to take on the work. Now a days everyone is so busy.
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How does it feel being a "visual " band, as opposed to others?
Shola: I feel that dressing the way we do while we perform enhances the experience for show goers. It gives the characters of each songs sort of a physical presence. Listeners can see this and briefly step out of their realm to experience the world of the music.
Artemis: The visual aspect of the band is really important to me for the same reasons Shola expressed. I want to create an all around experience for people.
While we have an emphasis on appearance and enjoy visual kei, I don't consider us a "visual kei" band. Shola and I grew up listening to it, and Sion was completely unaware of it. That scene was created by the influences and ingenuity of youth culture in Japan approx 2 decades ago. It was an amazing expression, and rather than add to it we want to make a new expression in the world, with respect to our roots as multicultural American artists.
What are some of your personal favorite brands, collections, designers, etc.?
Shola: Punk Rave, H.naoto
Artemis: Givenchy, Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Alice Auaa, H&M, TopMan
You can find Sol Ardour at their website, twitter, and their facebook pages here:
https://www.facebook.com/SolArdour
http://www.Solardour.com
https://twitter.com/SolArdour
You can purchase a copy of their EP on their bandcamp or on itunes.
http://solardour.bandcamp.com/
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/heart-viole-n-ts-waxing-moon/id550810492
Also, you can find Cris Ryan and see his work here:
This is some cool shit man!
ReplyDeleteI looove Sol Ardour!!!
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