Lovey at a Distance
Local band The Loveys have been rehearsing their newest and most ambitious show to date – Loveys Actually; Stories and Confessions. Taking a step from one-off gigs to a more theatrically styled show is something the band has been contemplating for a while, but have never really had time to develop. And then came the strange era of COVID-19. With all gigs cancelled, like every other performer, the band now had some time to work on new ideas, songs and stories. Jennifer Parenteau spoke with Seven…
What’s the best thing about being in a grown-up girl band?
The process of writing and working on the songs together. It’s often hilarious and always an interesting collaborative process, we all have so much to bring to each song. And of course, the outfits, we never have to ask ourselves ‘Wherever would I wear this fabulous, floor length, designer dress?’
Describe each of your Loveys singers as best you can… who are the style icons?
Well of course Jenny is the obvious style icon, she really can wear anything. Janet is always that little bit too much, and loves a big hair-do. Pamelah loves to sparkle, and Belinda keeps it classy with killer shoes and great hats.
Who are your favourite girl bands?
It’s surprising how few great girl bands there are – especially ones who are writing their own material or who get past 30!
All our Exes Live in Texas are great, such fantastic songwriters, and they make use of a similar vocal harmony magic that the Loveys conjure up.
What do you sing about?
We sing about love, loneliness, cross-dressing, dementia, sex, online dating, getting older, our bodies…
What experience do you want your audience to have?
To laugh, to cry, to be inspired, to sing, to dance, to be transported.
What was on the cards for you pre-COVID? How are you adapting to the new restricted performing environment?
We had just returned from a series of shows in WA when COVID arrived. Luckily for us we were ready for a shift. Festival gigs are great but don’t really give us a chance to deliver the full Loveys experience. We want to take the audience on a journey with us through stories and songs, so we have been working on this new show, Loveys Actually. Having no stages to grace meant that we rolled up our sleeves and got to work on perfecting it.
What do you have in store for the upcoming shows at the Picture House?
A lot of great new songs, which we are really excited to perform, bucket loads of harmonies, a ton of glamour, more sequins than a drag act, and an intimate show full of heart.
Three shows at the Brunswick Picture House: Friday at 7pm, and Saturday at 4pm and 7pm. Limited Capacity of 50 inside seats for $40, and garden seating at $20 where it is streamed to a big screen.
Tix on brunswickpicturehouse.com
