Patio

photos by Sam Keeler words by Claire Chaney

The trio behind Brooklyn-based lady band, Patio, aka Loren DiBlasi, Lindsey-Paige (LP) McCloy and Alice Suh, have full embraced post-punk. Their debut, Essentials, released earlier this year via Fire Talk, is filled with minimalist instrumentation, nearly-spoken-chants, and sharp melodies as the trio take an introspective look at themselves with a wink. Between work shifts and juggling their personal lives, they’re doing what it takes to bring Patio out into the sun to really shine. On a rainy New York afternoon, the three trickled into Sam’s apartment to divulge a little more about music.

Alice: We met separately; Loren and LP met at an Ovlov show at Death By Audio, and LP and Alice met years prior in college. Everyone came together when it was decided that a fake punk “vibes” project should become a real band.

Your music has an old-soul sound. Is this influenced by the music you grew up with / the music you listen to now?

Loren: My favorite music is from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. I have a lot of romantic feelings for the past, whether it be music or novels or films. My mom raised me on a lot of 60s pop, and I love that timeless, sentimental sound, even if the music I make doesn’t end up sounding exactly the same. A: I listen to lots of very minimal music, whether it’s Carter Family country or sparse post-punk. I like to go back to the source, so that “old soul” reference makes sense!

You have toured with a few different bands, do you find your music being influenced by being on tour?

A: We haven’t actually toured very much, but we’ve definitely been inspired by out-of-town bands we’ve played with; recent favorites include the Knees, Still Kicking, Puncti, Fran. Dehd and Deeper from Chicago are eternal homies. And we’re excited to play with BRNDA and Poppy Patica in D.C. next month.

You all have full time jobs outside of the band, how do you find time to balance the music? A: It’s not easy juggling work, the band, and our personal lives. But we’re very lucky to have both the means and flexible-ish schedules to make it possible.

Are you a part of any local music scene in NYC? If so, how would you describe it?

A: hen we were just getting started, we were very supported by friends in the Brooklyn DIY community, which has definitely evolved over time. Today we play a pretty diverse range of shows, and try not to stick to just one thing.

What are some of your favorite places to play in New York?

A: Alphaville is always fun. Union Pool has treated us very well (hi to our favorite sound guy, Doug).

What are some places in New York that have contributed to your music career?

A: All of the now-defunct Brooklyn DIY spots were very formative for us, both as fans and musicians. Palisades and Shea Stadium were some of the first places we played and felt whole-heartedly supported.

Who are some of your favorite New York based bands?

L: B Boys, Operator Music Band, Palberta A: Show Me The Body, Painted Zeros LP: Operator Music Band, Palberta + all of their individual projects, Gemma, Water from your Eyes What other non New Yorkbased bands have you been listening to?

L: The guys from Deeper recently recommended Crack Cloud, and I am now obsessed. I also love the new Deadbeat Beat, Greys, and Cate LeBon records from this year. A: Recently, the bands on our label (Deeper, Dehd, Monteagle), otherwise I’ve just been listening to house music (Project Pablo, Ross from Friends). LP: Can’t wait for the new Fran record to come out so I can add that to this list! Otherwise, I’ve been listening to the Mauno record from this year and the most recent Big Thief album non-stop.

Are you working on a new album? If so, how do you think your sound has progressed since the last album you released?

A: We are currently working on new material and figuring that out!

What’s some of your favorite gear to use?

L: I don’t really know about or use any gear other than my bass. I’m pretty much winging it up there. A: I don’t think any of my gear is the best but it all works for me. My favorite thing in my gear bag is a pair of pliers - so handy for rusty or overtightened hardware in all the shared setups I use. LP: I keep a relatively consistent guitar sound so I don’t use a ton of gear, but I’ve been spending a lot of time getting to know my MXR Carbon Copy and hope to be able to use that for some wilder stuff soon.