Eartheater has long since made the step out of subculture as a musician. However, ever since she composed music for the big Chanel fashion shows and lolls around on huge advertising posters as the new Mugler muse, she has also become recognised in the world of fashion.
So it's no wonder that the American with British-Russian roots was met by euphoria and a sold-out venue from an unconventional Berlin audience in November. On her European tour, the 34-year-old is currently promoting her recently released album “Powders“ - in typical Eartheater style, she takes on topics such as excess and metamorphosis with a scantily covered chest.
Born into a strict Christian family in the rural US state of Pennsylvania, the singer moved to the metropolis of New York at an early age, where she has been pursuing her musical career since 2009. During her performances, she likes to combine fluffy faux fur with dominant leather buckles, or cheekily pairs stuffy secretary glasses with a pink rhinestone thong. It is precisely this ambivalence that is so fascinating about the artist Alexandra Drewchin, better known by her alias Eartheater. Shortly after her performance at Silent Green in Wedding, we spoke to the “Gesamtkunstwerk“ about her fashionable attitude.
1. How often do you change outfits during the day?
That absolutely depends on whether I'm on tour or working on new music. Some days I am overly inspired and the impressions change, then I have the constant need to adapt to these different emotions. It can happen that I change my clothes five times. Clothes are an emotional outlet for me, a kind of armour that speaks even when I'm not using spoken words. Especially when I'm working on new music for a long time, getting dressed can seem like a chore. Then I like to wear a uniform look, staple pieces that don't require much thought.
2. What is your favourite piece of clothing right now?
There are a few pieces, but I'm currently in love with these flat black boots from Australian brand Dion Lee – they're incredible. During my Powders Tour I either wear those or my white Shaft boots from Anonymous Club.
3. You are one of the muses for the Parisian fashion house Mugler under the creative direction of Casey Cadwallader. What exactly are your tasks?
The main task is to provide an insight into my personal perception of the world, my feelings and my reactions to the world. But it seems to me that the much more important basis for our joint creative work lies in building a sincere friendship. Casey, his stylist Haley Wollens and I have a very close friendship – they understand my thinking and I understand theirs. We also take enough time together outside of the work context to build that relationship – the inspiration comes naturally.
4. If you could only wear one brand for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Whatever my friends do! There's nothing better than wearing something you have a personal relationship with and know exactly where it comes from.
5. When you compare Berlin and New York in terms of fashion, what do you notice first?
There is a huge difference when it comes to the use of colour. New York is definitely more colourful and playful, whereas Berlin is more muted, even demure. What I particularly like is that Berliners have an understanding of the functionality, durability and authenticity of their clothes. If you look out on the street, you will see long, leather trench coats combined with pleated fabric trousers. A durable, sturdy belt and good boots complete the outfit. Little room for nonsense – I like that!
6. The 2000s are very much in fashion at the moment. Does this style also influence you musically?
Undoubtedly! They are inescapable. Ultimately, we are what we experience. You're nobody if you haven't experienced anything yet, to put it poetically. I actively lived through the 2000s and they definitely have special features that are worth revisiting or even making better.
7. Your stage outfits are usually very revealing and body-hugging. How do you pick them?
I have a lot of curves. We can talk openly – I have huge breasts and they need good support. That's why I like designers who know how to support a woman's body in the best possible way. A look should always be both comfortable and aerodynamic.
8. What does an Eartheater look always have to have?
It has to have a lot: It should be sexy, comfortable and a little playful, but also capable. I have to be able to move, run, sprint and sometimes even jump. In the past, I would certainly have mentioned long artificial nails as an absolute Eartheater must-have. Now, I play the guitar a lot and have to work with my fingers – long nails are just a hindrance then. Now I like the natural look.
9. Which fashion trend do you dislike most at the moment?
These oversized red boots from MSCHF are one of the worst fashion inventions – just silly and annoying.
10. What is your price pain threshold for a garment?
Just like my fashion whims, my income as an artist fluctuates. Nothing is stable in the music industry, so my pain threshold always depends on how much I have at the time. Let's put it this way, I love a bargain as much as a splurge.
Our interview with Eartheater first appeared in German here:
