Fashion & Culture
PHOTOGRAPHY
SHELBY GOLDSTEIN
STYLING
MANDY MITCHELL
MUSIC & CULTURE
Blouse and pants CULT GAIA, shoes DR. MARTENS, jewelry SPINELLI KILCOLLIN.
My first encounter with the Eiffel Tower was unforgettable. It was on a warm summer evening when night began to eclipse day. A friend and I stopped to chat on a Parisian boulevard. We went on-and-on about little things when suddenly amber light overcame the grounds. I asked, “What is this beautiful glow around us?” My friend said nothing as he began to walk, and I followed naïvely. We ascended a few steps, and there the tower stood like every image of it I’d seen before. Moments like this can cause anyone to forget everything wrong.
Before the American presidential debates and all the hysteria that would come with the elections coupled with the current pandemic spikes, I experienced another moment where I forgot everything terrible that was happening. A recent encounter with Soko, whom I enjoyed meeting through a Zoom video conference, was more like watching the actress, singer-songwriter, and dancer in a short film. She appeared suddenly on her monitor, and the icon of her scintillating presence graced my computer wearing a black velvet Gucci jacket with a pearl trimmed collar. She is simply chic like actresses from Classical Hollywood cinema. Her porcelain skin and dark hair put me in the mind of the Disney princess Snow White. My ears long to hear her speak, but I’m equally willing to watch. The moment was like a silent movie, and I began reading captions as they appeared across my mind.
As my inquiries came forth and Soko’s mouth moved to answer, I drifted into my research concerning the magnificent adventures of her young life. I recall gleanings from her Instagram page, where she shares casual and intimate moments. However, it’s Soko’s music and films which have impressed me the most. Her musical tracks have a cult following and can channel emotions through subtle resonances and rifts in the vocal arrangements. To take in one of her videos is to experience a walk through Soko’s heart beating like a 1950s teen idol or a stroll through the New Romantic style of the1980s. Let’s not get it twisted though, Soko holds her place in the galaxy of Indie pop stars and otherwise. To listen to her sing is to experience it as if she were performing for you alone. On the casual side of reality, Soko is Earthy, humorous, and part of a tri-fold vegan family. She even showed me her kitchen, which makes me assume that she or her partner can prepare a meal that might put any chef to shame. She seems happy, and the sparkle of her eyes and enthusiasm in her voice reveals a person who’s in touch with their inner-self. I immediately felt comfortable speaking to the French-born artist who has a new release, “Feel Feelings,” as she sat on a sofa somewhere in Los Angeles.
Blouse and shorts 3234U, headband GANNI, jewelry SPINELLI KILCOLLIN.
Top GANNI, turtleneck JONATHAN SIMKHAI, pants MOSCHINO, socks GUCCI, shoes DR. MARTENS,
jewelry SPINELLI KILCOLLIN.
SOKO
Interview for Vestal by Stacy Stewart Smith
October 24, 2020, 3:00 pm
New York, NY
Stacy Stewart Smith __ Hi Soko; welcome to Vestal Magazine!
SOKO __ Hi, Stacy! I am glad to meet you.
Stacy Stewart Smith __ You are such a great actor. How does it feel to have become a type of cult character? Is Soko someone like Marilyn Monroe that you wholly invented? Do you come out of character as soon as you’re alone?
SOKO __ I don’t feel that I am a character; I am just the more enhanced version of myself when I am performing. It is all real—it’s just me, so I do not need to pretend to be someone else. My stage presence is one that happens as I am performing. I am immersed in it totally in the moment, but it’s all just me. I do, however, try as much as possible to sing in a deeper voice when I perform. I like sounding like a man. When I speak to people, I have a different voice, as it is now when I am talking to you. I also talk to my son differently like a mother does, but I try not to baby him too much.
Stacy Stewart Smith __ Musicians who also write send messages about themselves in their lyrics and videos. What messages do you send to us in your music?
SOKO __ I hope to send the message that you can be what you want to be. I am openly queer, and I want people to know it’s okay. Through the lyrics of my songs, I do reveal some of myself, my dreams, etc.…Some of my songs have serious messages, and some don’t. In the videos I’ve done with Ariel Pink, we clown around and have fun pretending.
Stacy Stewart Smith __ You are becoming more famous day-by-day. What do you get from your fans?
SOKO __ Thank you. I think that I am showing my fans and everyone what a nonbinary family looks like. I am currently sending the message that it’s okay to be who you are and have a family. With my partner, Stella, and my son, we are one example of what this type of family looks like. I am open in my posts on the internet—on Instagram, so everyone sees my life. My fans tell me things like, “Oh, thanks, I did not know that I could do that.” Some also have commented to say that we are an example for them. Others have commented, “Why do you have to put your lifestyle out there so blatantly?” They are speaking of our queer lifestyle, but I answer, “If it’s okay for straight families to show images of their happiness, then why can’t we do the same?” I do not put my family out there to prove anything, though; it’s just my life. Some of my fans find strength in the example that Stella and I have set, which, of course, makes me happy. When I was growing up, I did not know that a happy gay family could exist. The only images out there were of gay men, but there were no children. Now, these types of families are everywhere, and everyone can have a family. We need to celebrate each other’s happiness.
Stacy Stewart Smith __ You describe yourself as a White Goth. Such a term is personal, especially when self-acknowledged. I can see this in your style of dress, especially in most of your videos, but do you have a deeper personal meaning for the term?
SOKO __ I call myself a White Goth because I have some of the Goths’ characteristics but not all them. I do not dress in all the dark clothes, so guess I’m softer—maybe I’m more of a romantic in the way I dress, so my style is based on the 1980s and 1990s classic looks. My favorite designer is, of course—Gucci, so there you have it. (smile)
Stacy Stewart Smith __ Soko, some Vestal readers may learn about you when they read this interview. You’re a singer-songwriter, a musician who plays guitar, bass, drums, even keyboards; that’s impressive! I know that your releases have hit highs on European charts, but have there been many hits in America?
SOKO __ Yes, I do play all the instruments, but I also love to collaborate with my friends as well. On my latest record, Feel Feelings, I invited lots of people to come to play with me. On Instagram, I recently celebrated John Lennon’s 80th birthday with a session where my friends played with me while I sang, “Oh My Love.” Patrick Mandia played keys and Jarvis Taveniere—guitar. One of my songs, “First Kiss,” went viral on YouTube and was in the top 10 on Billboard. There has been success on the charts overseas but not as much here in America. It is not something that I have set out to do; I make music that I love. Making the charts is not a focus for me.
Stacy Stewart Smith __ You are raising a son, Indigo Blue Honey. How did you come up with his name? And what’s it like being a rising star and having a young child?
SOKO __ (Smiling) First off, I love indigo children and the concept that they have special powers and unique abilities. Indigo as a color is very dark, so I wanted to mix it with something sweet….this is where the honey name comes in. I named my son after the song “Indigo Blue” by The Clean. Right now, because of Covid-19 happening, we’ve all just been at home. We have been able to spend lots of time together at home as a happy family. He is turning two soon, so he is quite active, so we play and run around the garden. When he was younger, I was filming a lot, but I was able to take him with me everywhere. I love taking him around with us, and Stella always comes along wherever I am working, too. We do not have a nanny; we share all the responsibilities of raising our son.
Top GANNI, turtleneck JONATHAN SIMKHAI, jewelry SPINELLI KILCOLLIN.
Stacy Stewart Smith __ You were nominated for César Awards twice. Once in 2009 (Most Promising Actress) for your role as Monika In The Beginning and again in 2016 (Best Actress) as the dancer Loie Fuller in La Danseuse. It appears that you’re getting closer to a win. What was the experience like being nominated and coming so close to an award equivalent to an Oscar?
SOKO __ In the Beginning is about a conman who pretends that he’s building a highway. The whole region gets involved, and jobs are created. I play his secretary, who is unaware of his scheme. The director, Xavier Giannoli, offered me the role that essentially began my career. Then his wife, Stéphanie Di Guisto, many years later, offered me the lead role in La Danseuse, a role that she had written for me. The experience was a very important part of my life and career. It is always good to be appreciated for something you put so much work into.
Blouse and shorts 3234U, headband GANNI, jewelry SPINELLI KILCOLLIN.
Gloves, shorts and shirt GUCCI, top COLLINA STRADA, jewelry SPINELLI KILCOLLIN.
Stacy Stewart Smith __ The dancer Loie Fuller and her illusions of light and cloth thrilled audiences across Europe at the turn of the 20th Century. I watched your performance, and I am still amazed at how you could transform from your celebrity to that of the main character. It was thrilling because I know so much about Loie Fuller and the time when she escaped from America to live in France during La Belle Époch. What went into your research for the lead role in La Danseuse?
SOKO __ I was in training and rehearsals for eight hours each day. I had coaches and trainers to help me in many aspects of bringing Loie Fuller to life in my performance. There were many stunt persons and doubles, so I did not have to do all of the physical work, but the training went on every day. I called upon Loie Fuller to help me develop my performance, and I believe that she was there with me on the set. I know that she took me over body and soul in some way. I learned so much about this important woman and how she created her dance illusions. She designed the dress that she used and was involved with chemicals to make it glow with lights. She burned her eyes from the lights, and in my rehearsals, I realized what a difficult task this was because she had to perform on an elevated platform in the dark. The platform was only three meters wide and about one and a half meters deep, so it was crazy challenging. She was so talented but also tragic. I think the film captures these things—her great talent and sadness.
Stacy Stewart Smith __ Born in the 1980s, you must have been impressed with so much of the style and culture growing up. Listening to your music and vocals, I hear sounds similar to bands from that era, especially those with drag inspired lead female or androgynous male singers, such as Blondie and Culture Club. Even the styling of your videos manifests the essence of the New Romantic Style from that time. Many of your fans are attracted to you because of this interplay between the past and the present. How have you cultivated the New Romantic style into the unique musical genius you present to the world?
SOKO __ I do love that music, but my music is original. I write all my own songs and lyrics. For me, the way I present myself is natural and just me.
Stacy Stewart Smith __ It is no secret that you describe yourself as pansexual, but does that mean that you can be equally attracted to a man or a woman? I think that with your both sultry and raspy singing voice and some of your boyish looks—that some gay men might even fantasize about you. Could you ever see yourself dating someone born male who describes themselves as gay or transgender?
SOKO __ Yes, I have described myself as pansexual, but this has more to do with me when I was not in a relationship as I am now with Stella. Before this time, I could have made choices to be with anyone that I love. I could be attracted to a male or a female, but because I am “in love” with my partner—I am now a lesbian. I hope that gay men and all people enjoy my music and me; I welcome all. (smile).
Stacy Stewart Smith __ How do your multi-cultural roots play a part in your acting and musical talents?
SOKO __ They do not play so much a part in my career as they do in my everyday life. We all speak French here at home.
Stacy Stewart Smith __ I love your videos! “Are You a Magician?” is quite interesting because the plush green love interest that you create becomes an obsession as they grow larger. Please elaborate on the true meaning behind this video and lyrics.
SOKO __ In my song, “Are you a Magician,” I tell about some of the past relationships where they did not go where I had thought they would. It speaks of a type of loneliness when you put so much into what you believe a person is supposed to be in your life. It’s magical, but it’s all inside you; it’s in your mind. It’s both happy and sad. This song and video describe how you feel when someone comes into your life, and maybe you make them what you want them to be. In the video, I make a doll-like person from cloth, buttons, and stuffing, and then transform them magically. The creation grows the same way that a person you think you love becomes bigger and more important, or maybe it is just inside you. You make them more than they should be, and one day you look up and again like magic—they’re gone.
Stacy Stewart Smith __ I think that everyone reading this article should download your music, watch your videos, and discover or perhaps rediscover the emotions you explore in each performance. I also believe that watching you perform in La Danseuse, which I downloaded on Apple TV, was worth the time. It is truly an unforgettable film because of you. Thank you, Soko, for allowing Vestal magazine to share this time with you!
SOKO __ Thank you, and the Vestal team.
Top GANNI, tights GUCCI, Jewelry SWD JEWELRY.
Photography Shelby Goldstein c/o Pepper Artists Stylist Mandy Mitchell Hair Holly Mills c/o The Wall Group Makeup Holly Silius c/o Frank Reps Talent SOKO @sokothecat Set Design Alexa Polanco