If you lived through the 1980s, you may remember an obsession with materialism and big hair (think Madonna’s “Material Girl”). Girls on Film, from Tallahassee, FL, channels the decade’s other hair bands — the new wave variety — bringing their signature “dancetronic glam wave” act to the Milestone on May 20. Lead singer Rio says to expect “lots of keyboards, lots of dancing, lots of make-up, lots of drama, quirky moves, glam outfits, wicked drum beats, funky-synth bass, big hair and way-out vocals.”
Comprised of Rio, Metro (keyboards, programming), Machine (drums) and Kazhmir (bass, backup vocals), Girls on Film’s musical style pays tribute to ’80s new wave groups like Duran Duran (the source of their moniker), Devo, Depeche Mode and Human League.
“I think it’s a common misperception that the ’80s were all about image and nothing else of any substance. I hear that a lot, and I think it’s ridiculous,” says Rio. “Sure, lots of the bands we loved had serious style, but if you give a good listen to the music, you’ll find that the songwriting is just amazing.”
As an all-girl band with a taste for fashion and playing music with ’80s roots, comparisons between GOF and the Go Go’s readily come to mind. There were a number of all-girl bands in the Reagan Era, but the Go Go’s rocked out and didn’t back down. While millions of guitar-playing, drum-banging, bass-pumping teenage girls celebrated a chance to solidly identify with a group of female musicians, the Go Go’s, who are amidst a 2006 tour, were the butt of many jokes along the way.
“I’m sure [the Go Go’s] got a lot of attention for the fact that all the members were women, but their music more than speaks for itself,” says Rio. “As for Girls on Film, we expected a lot more flack for the all-girl thing than we actually ever got. So I think maybe it’s not considered to be that big a deal anymore … maybe we’ve got the Go Go’s partially to thank for that!”
Chances are, we wouldn’t continue listening to bands 20 years after their initial impact — whether the Go Go’s or aforementioned Depeche Mode (also on tour) — if they didn’t offer us something beyond a gimmick to connect with. Even so, developing a distinctive look is a critical part of almost any act. GOF developed their neon mod style just by digging in and experimenting with their look.
“It’s always been a big part of the fun for us to pick out our clothes, make-up, etc., and the look is constantly evolving,” Rio says. Several designers, including Leigh Ann Bush, Diego Montoya, Ann Todd and Stephan Gyorkos, have also made clothing for the group. Where do the Girls shop? Well, they weren’t willing to part with all of their secrets, but just think hip, cool and retro.
GOF’s most recent musical project grounds the group’s edge: The Remix Reel is a joint effort with Mike Lange, founder of Manhattan’s 2ASides Records. “2ASides has been dropping some of the hottest beats around in the underground dance world, so when Mike wanted to remix some of our songs, we jumped at the chance to work with him.” The original plan was to remix three GOF songs from the group’s 2005 CD, Danceteria, for release as singles. But the project evolved, as some of the dance scene’s biggest names came onboard to rework tracks: Thomas Penton, Steve Porter, DjF, Hatiras, Smoke Keepers, Neil Kolo and Ali Kay.
“So far, the Remix Reel has 11 remixed Girls on Film tracks, and is going to be released along with a re-mastered version of Danceteria,” says Rio. “Club and radio DJs have been supporting the promo tracks, and of course, we’ve heard all the remixes … so yeah, we are super-excited for the release.” A September street date is anticipated at this point.
The group has also been busy touring, with dates in Nashville, Atlanta, Baltimore, Chapel Hill and New York City, where they headlined at the Knitting Factory. Dino Reves filmed a video for “Vaporized,” the first Danceteria single. Cuts from the disc are in rotation on stations across the US, Australia and Canada.
And so the Girls are doing all right. They may dig ’80s music and frocks, but they’re also keeping pace with today’s culture via MySpace and band sites. GOF’s Web site, www.Girlsonfilm.nu, features MP3, e-card and photo downloads, a store, and a tour journal complete with photos and dialogue of daily events — such as their brush with death just outside of Baltimore, as the power steering on the van gave out. Or, were they just being overdramatic glam wavers? You can delve further, guys, should you find yourself smitten and desiring a date with one of the band members. Rio says, “Click the ‘Application to Date’ link on the Web site, complete the questionnaire and submit it along with a 300-word essay on why you love girl bands — OK, I’m totally kidding.”
Well, for some wacky, wild fun, stick with Girls on Film’s live show. Spin tracks on your iPod, play the CD in your car, but for the full Monty, get out to the clubs and, as Rio predicts, you just might find yourself saying: “Oh my god, they’ve made big hair cool again, and you can dance to [it]!”
Girls on Film plays The Milestone Club; May 20, at 8pm. Tickets: $7 DOS. Visit www.themilestoneclub.com
This article appears in May 17-23, 2006.
