It’s hard to imagine that Merrill Nesker was not too long ago, an elementary and drama school teacher. These days, the Canadian born rockster is one of the most electrifying performers dance music has. Never afraid to be different and always challenging people’s opinions and perceptions of her as an artist. Gender identity is one theme of Peaches’ music as she has suffered from gender identity issues since childhood her lyrics and live shows consciously blur the distinction between male and female – she appeared on the cover of her album Fatherfucker with a full beard for instance. No one does filth like Peaches. Her new album ‘I Feel Cream’ is another fabulous offering, this time producing with the likes of Simian Mobile Disco, Soulwax, Digitalism and Drums of Death and is her most pop-sounding album to date. Lead single ‘Talk To Me’ is a snarling rant, that will no doubt echo around one of London’s most historic commons. That’s not to say she’s mellowing or taking things easy, far from it in fact. At her recent Ether Festival Hall gig she was levitated towards the lasers on wires, wearing a see-through leotard with a flashing pink light on her crotch and angel wings. Summing up, Iggy Pop is one of her biggest fans – that says it all. Next month sees Peaches join a host of the world’s biggest stars at the Get Loaded In The Park Festival on Clapham Common, London on Bank Holiday Sunday 30th. Get ready for the chaos.
DMC speaks to the Toronto superstar as she flies into London…
Hi Peaches. Quite a change in direction, one minute you’re teaching children how to act and dance, the next you’re rocking out in front off thousands of mentalists. What’s all that about?
“Ha ha. Well actually I was doing them both at the same time, it was like the movie ‘Flashdance’ where Jenifer Beals is a welder by day and dancer by night.”
You play almost all the instruments for your songs, you program your own electronic beats and produce your records. So what’s it going to be then, performing live or burying your head in the studio making the music?
“Performing is immediate satisfaction and studio takes time. I like the immediate!”
Your songs have featured in movies such as ‘Mean Girls’, ‘Waiting…’, ‘Jackass Number Two’, ‘My Little Eye’ and ‘Lost in Translation’. Is this an area you want to explore more, for instance, would you like to score an entire film?
“It would be fun to do a score and perhaps an appearance at the same time, like Jonathan Richman in the movie ‘Something About Mary’.
You’ve done a number of collaborations over the years – Iggy Pop, Marilyn Manson, Bloc Party and Chicks on Speed to name a few. Who have you most enjoyed working with during your career?
“That’s an easy one, Iggy every day of the week, he’s always on it and he’s so much fun working with him.”
What one singer has truly inspired you over the years?
“Wendy O Williams from The Plasmatics.”
You have an extremely hectic schedule over the summer. You’re performing at a number of festivals all over the world, what do you enjoy most about playing in the UK?
“Brilliant taste in music, when the UK rocks you know you’ve done well. But the main thing? They get my stage banter straight away. I’m really looking forward to Get Loaded in The Park, what a party that’s going to be, and yes, I suppose I will get loaded.”
Where is the strangest place you’ve ever performed?
“In a hotel room”.
Do you prefer playing at an open air festival or at a small intimate venue?
Intimate venues are always the most fun and sweaty.
Your live shows are pretty MENTAL to say the least!! Can you describe that feeling you have when you’re up on stage?
I’m just focused and giving the audience 500%
Your new album, ‘I Feel Cream’ has been described as your most ‘pop-sounding’ album to date. If so, was this a conscious decision and why did you decide on the fellow artists to contribute to the album?
“Well the pop element just kinda happened, it was a lot of fun to make and I wanted to put something out that expressed all the things missing in pop culture. As for the likes of Soulwax and Simian joining me in the studio, well, they’re all friends of mine. All killer artists.”
What’s your favourite fruit?
“Blueberries!”
Peaches will be performing Get Loaded in The Park, August 30th on Clapham Common with Carl Craig, Roni Size, Reprazent, Royksopp, Pendulum, Laurent Garnier, Felix Da Housecat, Miss Kittin, Crookers, Rob Da Bank, Krafty Kuts, Tom Middleton and many more. Tickets via www.ticketmaster.co.uk
