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A few days ago I finally got the chance to chat with the guys from The Hotcakes! We talked about music, what makes the band tick, and (my favorite) their personal styles. Saying the guys were easy to talk to, would be the mother of all understatements - they let me in on their jokes, included me in stories and told me exactly who liked Meatloaf and who did not (although I’m still not 100% clear). Approachable, funny as hell, well spoken and quick witted - they made me feel instantly comfortable… like, ‘part of the band’ comfortable (yes - those of you who know me just lol’ed). After about an hour, here’s what I got:
Me: I’ll start off easy. How would you describe the bands sound?
The Hotcakes: It’s classic rock with a modern, pop twist. And some jazz thrown in. And soul - it’s really a mix of what inspires us - which runs the gamut. We get inspired by everyone from Blondie to Billy Joel. Led Zeplin. The Police. We write our songs together as a band, so whatever we’re feeling at the moment goes into the song.
Me: All right. Harder. How would you describe the bands fashion style?
The Hotcakes: We like to think of ourselves at the crossroads of classy and rock & roll. Erin is center stage in sequins and glitter and other shiny stuff and we aim to compliment her with our music AND our outfits. A white shirt and black tie are the only things we try to keep constant amongst all of us - but we all put our own twist on it.
Lee (drums): I wear a vest and a red handkerchief - which is a nod to “Paint the Town Red” (their song which is now the official song of the Cincinnati REDS!)
Matt (keys): I usually wear a blazer and some nice sneaks… and Kevin’s shirt is usually un-tucked
Kevin (bass): Lies. They give me a hard time because I have the best style.
Me: Ok, hardest. Describe your own personal style?
Lee: I am a sucker for quality clothing. Being a drummer, I can’t have any extra fabric going on, so I like slim fit shirts and well fitted tees. I recently discovered Muji’s Stretch Button Down Shirts which are 97/3 Cotton/Rayon blend - for performing these are awesome, they’re on par with my Hugo Boss slim fit shirts, but way more affordable! I’m also a big fan of JackThreads.com, which I recently discovered - it’s my exact style.
Me: If you had to live the rest of your life in one outfit… what would it be?
Lee: Jeans and a black James Perse T-shirt and a blazer, then you can take it day to night. Done.
Kevin: Well… let me start by stating that I have a very “complicated relationship” with fashion. I will only wear things that fit perfectly, and 99% of shirts don’t fit. Pants and shoes - fine - but shirts… I have 2 or 3 MAX in rotation at any given time. They also need to be in dark navy or black, have button down collars and be 50/50 cotton/poly… and they’re usually un-tucked - HA
Lee/Matt: (laughing) Yeah we need to talk about that!
Me: Well - you know what you like.
Kevin: Yup - that’s important!
Me: Agreed! OK - favorite article of clothing currently in your wardrobe?
Kevin: Easy. My Viking Bulldog T-shirt from Gnome Enterprises. If I’m going to have stuff on my t-shirt it needs to be cool and not mass produced - I got mine in Williamsburg at Artists & Fleas
Me: Matt how about you? Personal style?
Matt: I’m a t-shirt and jeans kind of guy - all day, everyday. I’m lucky because jeans generally fit right off the rack, so I don’t have to think about it too much. I wear what’s comfortable. I do have a ‘thing’ I guess, I like to spice up my outfit with belts - nylon belts, belts with big buckles, bright colored belts - you name it, I have it. Oh yeah - and watches - I like watches where you can switch out the bands - like a mood watch - HA.
Me: And one piece of clothing you can’t live without?
Matt: My hunter green, zip-up hoodie - hands down!
