BY CHRISTA WITTMIER / Special to the Star-Advertiser
This weekend, Waikiki will come alive with a street party to celebrate the reopening of the luxury DFS Galleria. A free event with many attractions besides the shopping, the highlight will be a live performance by energetic, style-conscious indie U.K. duo Noisettes.
NOISETTESWith Taimane Gardner and Starr Kalahiki» Where: Kalakaua Ave. between Lewers St. and Royal Hawaiian Ave. |
The Noisettes, comprising lead singer and bassist Shingai Shoniwa and guitarist Dan Smith, are known for their genre-bending pop music and dynamic live performances. They were named best live band in the U.K. last year by the U.K. Guardian — a breakout commendation in a country that loves its pop music performers. The duo also garnered a lot of positive feedback touring with the likes of Bloc Party and Lady Gaga on the festival circuit across the U.S. and Europe over the past decade.
Shoniwa is a tall, slender, impeccably fashion-forward artist. Guests at the DFS event may have a hard time differentiating her from the models in the fashion show — until she takes hold of the microphone and her bass guitar. “Shingai” means “be strong” in the Shona language of Zimbabwe and is fitting for the performer’s personal style and vocals.
She was raised in a creatively supportive traditional African family and demonstrated an affinity for many genres of music including blues, hip-hop, punk, dirty garage rock and pure R&B. She has also used her talents to raise awareness for many charitable organizations, singing John Lennon’s “Imagine” on YouTube in support of Instant Karma to Save Darfur (youtube.com/watch?v=zJgV_dXGvCE).
Shoniwa has been compared to many artists: “Grace Jones meets Henry Rollins,” said Entertainment Weekly; “equal parts Iggy Pop and Billie Holiday,” gushed Rolling Stone. Videos reveal not only Shoniwa’s fashion sense but her bright and positive lyrics. One day, she’s crooning “Keep the rain behind you and the sun straight up ahead” in Westminster Abbey; the next she’s climbing up a sound rig in The Netherlands asking, “What is gratitude? My spirit tells me to thank you.”
The DFS street party will have food by Waikiki neighbors Rumfire, Azure, Beachhouse at the Moana and many others. Ukulele superstar Taimane Gardner and Hawaiian singer Starr Kalahiki also will perform.
We exchanged some questions with the Noisettes via email:
CHRISTA WITTMIER: What’s most important in your life right now, today? What’s on your mind?
DAN SMITH: Wow. Tough question. I’m in Edinburgh right now at the Fringe (Festival), visiting my girlfriend Lucy, who is producing a theater show here. Trying to stay out of the mist which is soaking everything. Music is always the most important thing in my life. I’m always mulling over how certain pieces of music work in my head and trying to finish off songs and lyrics with loose ends.
CW: Who are some people you are paying attention to these days? In art? In fashion? In music?
DS: I think David Bowie’s song “Valentine’s Day” is awesome. I can’t stop it spinning around in my head and I can’t stop regurgitating it to anyone in earshot of my Ziggy Stardust voice. Really liking Pond at the moment. … Really love the group of 7 Canadian Painters. Tom Thomson. Also love Childe Hassam — one of my all-time favorites.
In the world of fashion, I’m enjoying all the tartan surrounding me at the moment.
SHINGAI SHONIWA: I’m really excited about the art, fashion and music coming out from Africa. … There’s so much creativity and development. There are people like Nneka, a Nigerian performer I love; Asa, a Nigerian musician based in Paris; and Seun Kuti.
CW: What’s in top rotation on your iPod/Spotify/whatever?
DS: I never wear headphones because I don’t like being isolated like that, but I have an almost photographic memory for music so I can clearly hear things in my head, negating the need for an iPod. I think Xanman by Pond is a great track to burn up a hill (cycling), then down to.
SS: I listen to vinyl. I have a record player so that somewhat limits what I listen to. But I really like The Invisible. I worked with David Okumu — he’s the lead singer and guitar and a fantastic producer — and also Lulu James.
CW: The climate here doesn’t leave much room for a whole lot of personal style. Is there any advice you have for looking chic in the heat?
DS: Waistcoats are good for the heat. I mostly like suits but will wear a good trouser and waistcoat combo. There’s a couple of places in Brighton that do amazing T-shirts with flashy blingy gold and silver on them.
SS: When sun is concerned, it’s shades and hats! I will probably bring a hat box with me. I think pastels work well. I think you should embrace the sun and wear what works with it.
CW: Is there anything that you are looking forward to experience while you are in Hawaii?
DS: Looking forward to seeing the site Hendrix played at in the film “Rainbow Bridge,” which is a volcanic crater.
SS: I can’t wait to see birds — I love birds. I can’t wait to exhale. I don’t (know) much about Hawaii, but I want to explore music traditions in Hawaii. I’ve been listening more now and there’s some incredible music and harmony in Hawaii.