In THE LOOK, OC friends drop by to try on our favorite new arrivals and tell us about their wardrobe preferences past and present. This week, OC's Kyle Wukasch hangs with artist Yukimi Nagano of Little Dragon.
The industry standards for female pop vocalists are exacting: From a never-ending change of looks, to constantly maintaining personality in the public eye, these expectations can often cause musicians to collapse before ever making into the limelight. But for Yukimi Nagano, frontwoman for the band Little Dragon, rewriting these rules and standards her way is the only way to go.
Known for her soulful sound and whimsical look, comparable to that of a young Sade, Nagano possesses the more unassuming characteristics of your typical lead singer. Never one to exalt herself over the rest of band, Nagano does an exemplary job at balancing appearance with content—an attribute that some musicians quickly forget. It’s this sort of quality in a lead singer that keeps a band on track and propels it forward. And such is the case with Little Dragon. With the recent release of their fourth studio album, Nabuma Rubberband, the band continues to be in high demand in the festival circuit while etching their way at what appears to be the prospect of one day having a chart-topping single. We’re pulling for you guys!
We had the pleasure of welcoming Little Dragon’s frontwoman to the studio for this week’s version of The Look.
Name: Yukimi Eleanora Nagano
Hometown: Gothenburg [Sweden]
When did you start song-writing? Around 13
What “look” were you into in high school? I was coming off a gothic moment. I was a big thrift-store junkie and would just mix and match.
Most regrettable fashion moment? Probably that gothic phase right before high school. It makes me cringe and laugh when I see pictures from that time. Me and my friends used to dress up every day for school. Dr. Martens, ripped stockings, weird-ass makeup, and a lot of Depeche Mode.
Your three wardrobe essentials? Bright-colored sneakers, cozy pants, and fancy pants
Most prized piece in your wardrobe? My mom’s old handmade turquoise dress. It reminds me so much of my childhood and of her.
Can you tell us about your first gig, or one close to it? I was eight years old, and had a solo for the last day of school. I was very nervous and I recall my voice being extremely shaky.
Who are some musicians—past or present—that inspire your style? Definitely David Bowie; he wore some sick pieces in the late ‘70s and ‘80s. Early Prince, just because he could wear underwear on stage, not give a fuck, and still be such an amazing performer. [And] Grace Jones, of course.
There exists a strong relationship between fashion and music. From a musician’s perspective, what are some pros and cons to this relationship? There is no doubt fashion strengthens the whole experience. People listen both with their ears and eyes somehow. There are so many platforms to express yourself as an artist these days beyond just the music. Clothes can help you get lost and fantasize. I guess the cons are that there are those times an image of an artist becomes their career; you see someone who looks amazing with music that sucks.
Your band just played two sold out shows at Terminal 5. What's going through your head before you hit the stage? I get pumped up. Excited that all those people have bought tickets to come and see us play! It’s a dream.
What are so
The industry standards for female pop vocalists are exacting: From a never-ending change of looks, to constantly maintaining personality in the public eye, these expectations can often cause musicians to collapse before ever making into the limelight. But for Yukimi Nagano, frontwoman for the band Little Dragon, rewriting these rules and standards her way is the only way to go.
Known for her soulful sound and whimsical look, comparable to that of a young Sade, Nagano possesses the more unassuming characteristics of your typical lead singer. Never one to exalt herself over the rest of band, Nagano does an exemplary job at balancing appearance with content—an attribute that some musicians quickly forget. It’s this sort of quality in a lead singer that keeps a band on track and propels it forward. And such is the case with Little Dragon. With the recent release of their fourth studio album, Nabuma Rubberband, the band continues to be in high demand in the festival circuit while etching their way at what appears to be the prospect of one day having a chart-topping single. We’re pulling for you guys!
We had the pleasure of welcoming Little Dragon’s frontwoman to the studio for this week’s version of The Look.
Name: Yukimi Eleanora Nagano
Hometown: Gothenburg [Sweden]
When did you start song-writing? Around 13
What “look” were you into in high school? I was coming off a gothic moment. I was a big thrift-store junkie and would just mix and match.
Most regrettable fashion moment? Probably that gothic phase right before high school. It makes me cringe and laugh when I see pictures from that time. Me and my friends used to dress up every day for school. Dr. Martens, ripped stockings, weird-ass makeup, and a lot of Depeche Mode.
Your three wardrobe essentials? Bright-colored sneakers, cozy pants, and fancy pants
Most prized piece in your wardrobe? My mom’s old handmade turquoise dress. It reminds me so much of my childhood and of her.
Can you tell us about your first gig, or one close to it? I was eight years old, and had a solo for the last day of school. I was very nervous and I recall my voice being extremely shaky.
Who are some musicians—past or present—that inspire your style? Definitely David Bowie; he wore some sick pieces in the late ‘70s and ‘80s. Early Prince, just because he could wear underwear on stage, not give a fuck, and still be such an amazing performer. [And] Grace Jones, of course.
There exists a strong relationship between fashion and music. From a musician’s perspective, what are some pros and cons to this relationship? There is no doubt fashion strengthens the whole experience. People listen both with their ears and eyes somehow. There are so many platforms to express yourself as an artist these days beyond just the music. Clothes can help you get lost and fantasize. I guess the cons are that there are those times an image of an artist becomes their career; you see someone who looks amazing with music that sucks.
Your band just played two sold out shows at Terminal 5. What's going through your head before you hit the stage? I get pumped up. Excited that all those people have bought tickets to come and see us play! It’s a dream.
What are so