The Opener: Ms* Gloom’s noir electropop has glamour and grit

The Opener is The FADER’s mini-interview series with exciting new artists we think you should know.

What’s black and white and red all over? Ms* Gloom, the sultry electropop singer whose slick tunes are as glamorous as her noirish aesthetics. Her February mixtape J Is For Joon introduced the Orange County-born, LA-raised singer to listeners across the country, though she’s remained a bit of an IYKYK secret. An upcoming remix project seems liable to change all of that, featuring heavy-hitters like the iconic AraabMuzik and our recent GEN F star Quiet Light.

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In between assembling a seriously stacked lineup of collaborators for that project, Ms* Gloom also found time to soundtrack the new runway show by textile aficionado Ben Doctor, whose latest collection “Ivory Tower” envisions a party girl who gets everything she wants without trying too hard. I can see why the uncannily poised Ms* Gloom appealed to Doctor’s sensibilities: in her plush, evocative music, Gloom adopts a persona somewhere between Brigitte Bardot and Betty Boop, coquettish and campy and cutting all at once. Ms* Gloom probably wouldn’t wear the clothes in the collection – hardly a bright red statement piece to be found – but the two couldn’t feel more aligned in spirit.

Ahead of the release of J Is For Joon (RMX), The FADER caught up with Ms* Gloom over email to chat about getting inspired by Marc Jacobs, her favorite accessory, and the ideal level of fame.

What’s the coolest thing to do in your hometown?
Ms* Gloom: Cliff jumping at Table Rock, but they don’t let you do that anymore. Swimming from cove to cove is nice too. There are some great hikes with caves too. I used to sit in them with friends when I was younger. Felt private and special.

What was the first album you bought?
Confessions on a Dance Floor by Madonna. I’d listen to the CD every night as I went to sleep and would wake up with it still playing in the morning. Shortly after, I bought both B’day by Beyonce and the Duchess by Fergie at the same store in Istanbul when I was visiting family. I listened to those two records non stop for the entire trip.

What was the last movie you watched?
Marc by Sofia Coppola. Marc Jacobs is a major pillar of inspiration for me. I used to buy whatever discounted stuff I could find of his at Loehmann’s just to feel like I could be a part of it. They carried pieces that were in the weirder, “less desirable” colorways which ended up being kind of a blessing. I relate to many of the emotions he discusses in conceiving a collection - from making the fearful, seemingly impossible first step, to “post-art-done” emptiness, to obsessing over past mistakes… and also in not taking no for an answer. I also share his love for camp, the 70’s and Yves Saint Laurent. He’s not shy about revealing his sources of inspiration, which feels rare these days, especially in the music world. He remains curious and giddy about things he likes and isn’t scared to violate what’s sacred. When I wear his clothes, I feel caught somewhere between the wonder of a child and the elegance of a sophisticated woman.

When you’re not making music, how do you spend your free time?
I don’t make much room for anything else. I pretty much clean my apartment and run errands. I also snack and watch stupid TV shows before bed. And I’m on eBay a lot.

What’s a motto you think everyone should live by?
“What stands in the way becomes the way” Marcus Aurelius

Explain a lyric of yours that people misunderstand.
I don’t know what people think honestly but I’m being sarcastic a lot of the time.

What’s a song you’d want to remix and why?
Probably a cover of “Puttin on the Ritz” by Taco or “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell.

What’s the best thing you’ve bought for $100 or less?
My eye mask. I don't know what I was doing sleeping without it all this time

What’s your favorite accessory?
My 70’s black and red striped, bakelite ring. It’s giant and protrudes off my hand in the most inconvenient way. A lot of people ask me what it’s used for and its used for absolutely nothing

Best advice you’ve gotten?
That being yourself doesn’t just attract, it repels… in a good way!! Basically, when you hide who you are, you’re not only hiding from the right people—you’re accidentally advertising yourself to the wrong ones.

Worst advice you’ve gotten.
To just make music as a hobby because it would be too unrealistic for me as a career

What’s the ideal level of fame?
Jesus Christ

Describe your perfect afternoon.
Dancing to sweat, new clothes from ebay get delivered, talk to a friend I’ve been procrastinating on calling, new gladiolas in their vases, make money somehow?!!, make music by myself just for fun

What’s something you’re looking forward to?
Trying lexapro

Describe the best concert you’ve attended.
I can’t name a favorite but Coldplay 2009 is up there. Went with my dad and my friend Alia. Perfect summer night. Peak curiosity and experimental phase for me that summer. I loved the paper butterflies flying through the air

What’s the last thing you wrote in your notes app?
Belly dancer with a hammer