by Matt Kelchner
Photos by Michael James Murray
With summer officially started, we’ve got one thing on our minds – WXPN’s XPoNential Festival! The local non-commercial, member supported radio station is bringing their annual summertime celebration back to Wiggins Park this July with another amazing lineup. To help get you ready, we’re highlighting some of our favorites. And what better way to get things started then with one of the rising stars in our local scene, Queen of Jeans.
We caught up with lead singer Mimi Devora to pick her brain on all things past, present and future with her band, Queen of Jeans. This year started off with a bang for the South Philly group as they released their self-titled debut EP via Third Uncle Records. “We are constantly humbled and appreciative of the great response from Philly,” says Devora. Since then, they’ve planned a number of shows including the Beyond the Bars fundraiser with the Districts and more recently their own string of residency shows at Bourbon and Branch.
Growing up as a band in the hotbed of talent that is our local music community has only helped to add fuel to the fire. It’s a tight knit family where every few months another group is making waves nationally. “There’s a super strong sense of camaraderie among those involved in the Philly music scene. We’ve met and made a lot of amazing friends,” Devora comments, adding that there’s no lack of woman fronted acts either, “Not to mention that it’s really inspiring to be around so many female identifying artists! Who runs the world?”
The influences from bands and groups from the 1960s is clear throughout most songs from Queen of Jeans. The eras trademark “wall of sound” approach has always struck a chord with Devora. “I grew up listening to it so in a way it was my introduction into music and what made me fall in love with it.
“I’ve always appreciated how huge it sounded through my ears, the multiple layering of each instrument that made it feel like hundreds of people were involved.” Lyrically, many of these songs do not reach too deeply. Devora continues to find inspiration in it’s honesty. “The subject matter isn’t always that profound maybe, but I am inspired in my own writing by the vulnerability in their words and vocals stylings.”
More and more fans continue to get hooked on Queen of Jeans’ 1960s leaning sound. Festival hosts WXPN caught on early. It’s not uncommon to be driving around and hearing them over the airwaves or to see a new feature in their blog spotlighting the local scene, The Key. For program director Bruce Warren (who the band likes to call DJ Booty Rhymes), it came when the band first started releasing their songs online.
Devora recounts friends telling them how Warren had reached out to gather more background info on the young group and the thrill of having one of Philly’s top influencers interested in them. “We still do, any time they play us on the radio, and were especially flattered to be asked to play the festival!” The continued love and support from the station has made this feeling continue to grow bigger and bigger.
The members of Queen of Jeans are no strangers to WXPN’s yearly weekend long party, which makes for their upcoming performance that much sweeter. “It means a lot, we’re all really excited! Patrick actually used to volunteer for the festival and Mattie has gone many times.” (She also adds that the last member, Nina, was a bit too wrapped up in posting cat pictures to tumblr to respond; but to her defense that can get really addicting).
Out of all of the eclectic acts on the bill, a new “supergroup” making their debut in Philly during the festival is what Devora is most excited about. “case/lang/veirs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” she types in her email response back to me. The number of exclamation points don’t lie. And spoiler alert for Neko – Devora adds on, “I’m gonna flash Neko Case!”
Looking further into the horizon and past the XPoNential Festival, Queen of Jeans plan to work on their debut full length album this summer. On top of that, Devora says that the group is also planning a short tour in August as well. But for right now, all eyes are on July 22nd when they take the stage at Wiggins Park on Day 1 of the festival. Be sure to show up early to catch Queen of Jeans!
