18 Questions With introduces 1883 readers to the brightest young artists, actors, creatives and beyond. From childhood memories and guilty pleasures to their latest ventures and upcoming projects, our goal is to bring you closer to the people who inspire and entertain us.
Norwegian punk rockers Sløtface are back with a new record called Film Buff via Propeller Recordings. The group is led by the charismatic frontwoman Haley Shea and the album traverses stereotypes, expectations, gender roles and toxic masculinity through the lens of various movie tropes.
Sløtface’s Haley Shea sits down with 1883 Magazine to chat about Film Buff, her favourite memory growing up, and the moment that made her realize she wanted to pursue music as a career.
What’s one exciting thing that happened to you this week?
I went to band practice and played our new album live from start to finish. Felt really good.
What was the last thing you read?
Been re-reading Stephen King’s Dark Tower series this summer and am half-way through the 6th book this week. Highly recommend it.
Favourite memory growing up?
Coming home from swim practice being super hungry and getting a really lovely home cooked meal, especially if there were warm chocolate chip cookies for dessert.
Where was the last place you travelled to?
Shows in smaller places in Norway, and then right outside Siena in Italy for my mum’s 60th this summer.
What was the last thing that made you laugh?
My partner and I have been sick this week, so we re-watched a favourite movie “Frank”. It always makes us laugh.
What’s your nighttime ritual?
Reading in bed until my book falls on my face and I shut the lights off. If I’m home alone preferably with a fan on full blast pointed directly in my face.
Who would be on your dream dinner party guest list?
Probably all my favorite people to make music with who’ve never met each other. Every producer I’ve loved recording with, every song-writer from all my favorite sessions, all my current and former band-mates. Chatting about music, eating good food.
Favourite movie and favourite quote from a movie?
Too tough to choose, but maybe Scott Pilgrim vs. the world? Or it might be Frank actually. Or 10 things I hate about you. Or Arrival. Or Hereditary. Favorite quote: “Let’s go do some crimes? Get sushi and not pay” – Repo Man.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Ironic – Alanis Morisette.
Favourite item in your closet?
This leopard print, pleather trench coat I bought in Melbourne last year. Nothing makes me happier.
In a few short words, describe your music for someone who’s never heard it.
It’s poppy-rock music for people who are into lyrics and pop-culture references.
What inspired your new album, Film Buff?
Well, mostly, you know – Films. All Edgar Wrights stuff, Thelma and Louise is a big important one, horror films, 30 rock, Quentin Tarantino. Grady Hendrix books. 100 Gecs 10,000 gecs. Sparks were a big influence. Lots of Podcasts – especially This American Life and Heavyweight.
What is one fun fact about yourself that people may not know?
My parents are both American but I’ve grown up in Norway my whole life. I could not tell you which language I think in if I’m by myself.
Tell us about your first-ever show?
My first show in a band was in this band-school program I joined when I was 11. We played P!nk and Hotel California and played a show every six months or so and I always felt like that was a lifetime to wait until I could get back on stage and sing again.
Could you recall the moment that made you realize you wanted to pursue music as a career?
There really wasn’t one big moment. I never thought I’d pursue it as a career, I just figured I should keep being in bands for as long as it was fun. It wasn’t really until 2021 during the pandemic that I decided I would try to do this for life and started thinking of myself as an actual musician.
Which artists would be on your dream collaboration list?
St. Vincent. Aaron Dessner. Mk. Gee. Model/Actriz.
What surprises do you have in store for your UK/IR tour?
People can expect a very high energy show that will be sweaty and fun and loud with all the new tunes. I have an absolute dream team of a band coming on this trip and I can’t wait to see what ridiculous stunts our guitarist Tobias and our bassist Bosse pull. We also have the best merch we’ve ever had with us that we’re insanely proud of.
Where do you hope your music career takes you this year and beyond?
I hope it puts me in rooms with people who love the same stuff I do – music, movies, TV-shows, art, books. That sense of comradery that comes from sharing something you love with people that makes you all happy is special to me.
Sløtface’s new album Film Buff is out now.
Follow Sløtface @slotfaceofficial
Photography Leah Solomons
