Earlier this month I had the pleasure of interviewing the dynamic indie-electronica duo of The Limousines, Eric Victorino and Giovanni Giusti. From their recent New Orleans escapades at VooDoo Fest, to introducing the “Burglar Chic” aesthetic to on/off stage dressing, the hilarious pair gave me the rundown on their music and personal style. Be sure to have a listen to their album Get Sharp and check to see if they’ll be performing in a city near you!
LV: You guys just got back from VooDoo Fest, tell me about it?
GG: It was crazy. We both wore Skeleton suits and we were the only band really dressed up.
EV: The other bands have no spirit!
GG: Yeah! Anyways, we had a lot fun. There was a huge crowd and we went on right before Odd Future, so that was interesting. Then we went out to some bars that night and had a fun time.
The Limousines Perform at VooDoo Fest 2011. Image via Pooneh Ghana
LV: What’d you think of the city of New Orleans?
EV: It’s probably my #3 favorite city. We were on tour once with a band of Mormons and the day before New Orleans they’re like “Hey, when we get to New Orleans we’d like to hang out with you guys. We’re gonna go see a movie” and we just laughed. Who goes to the movies in New Orleans?
GG: I think the first thing we did was go to Cafe Du Monde (coffee stand in New Orleans) and get beignets (french-style doughnuts) and it was delicious.
LV: So how many times have you been to New Orleans?
EV: Been there a lot but never not for a show
GG: Yeah, we should do a vacation together. I don’t think we’ve ever been on a vacation together. We should just go
EV: (laughs) It’ll be our honeymoon.
LV: What artists inspire you?
GG: I grew up listening to a lot of jazz and hip hop like Mob Deep, Jay-Z, and Nas. Then I started listening to more electronic stuff and glitchy stuff: Telefon-Tel-Aviv, Aphex Twin, and then throwback Depeche Mode, New Order type stuff. It’s all over the place, I like old classic country stuff and then crazy techno shit
EV: It’s pretty similar for me. We started based on musical appreciation of each other. We met in the studio and we fell in love and fate brought us together. All the stars have aligned (laughs)
LV: In terms of fashion, how would you guys define your style?
EV: Burglar chic. If you can leave the club and rob a house successfully, then you’re dressed well.
The Limousines rock their signature "burglar chic" look
LV: How do you guys go about choosing your on stage ensembles before the tour starts?
EV: I have a suitcase full clothes and that’s basically it. That’s all I really need because I end up just wearing two pairs of pants and two shirts for a whole tour.
GG: I did a whole round of thrift shopping. I’d literally go to a thrift store every morning because they update really well everyday. I just buy t-shirts and junk.
LV: What is your on stage fashion essential? What’s more of a priority, comfort or looks?
GG: We are sweating balls on stage usually and I’m not comfortable, but I like how it looks.
EV: I buy like one outfit and wear it for like two weeks at a time. On and offstage.
LV: So you guys are repeat offenders of fashion?
GG: Oh, yeah. I mean sometimes I switch to leather or jean vests.
Who are your music/style icons?
GG: David Bowie, without a doubt. Billy Idol too.
EV: I’d say David Bowie mixed with Crystal Castles.
GG: Throw a little Elton John in there too.
LV: Elton John.. Does that mean you wear sunglasses on stage?
GG: Ehhh… I do it for festivals but if feels kinda weird.
EV: It does feel chostrophobic a little.
GG: It’s strange to worry about something. On stage you don’t want to worry about anything. Like if it’s gas station glasses you might not mind them falling but if you’re wearing something decent you don’t want to step on them.
LV: When it gets real crazy they fall off I’d imagine
EV: Yeah pretty much after the end of the first song I take them off because I know things are gonna get weird
xx
