While The Goodnight Darlings are a relatively-new band, the duo at its core – Kat Auster and Wilson Jaramillo – is not new to the New York City music scene. Kat, a graduate of Julliard, was the vocalist of Majorette. Wilson has played guitar with The Fugees, Mary J. Blige, Lordz Of Brooklyn and Patti LaBelle on various touring and studio projects. Their most recent EP, All I Ever Wanted, came out on Oct. 6, as recorded in Brooklyn’s Studio G and featuring production from former They Might Be Giants and Frank Black bassist Tony Maimome.
In support of the EP, The Goodnight Darlings will be playing a hometown show at Bowery Electric on Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. I caught up with both Kat and Wilson – a couple beyond the band – for some Q&A, and got a recommendation for a great coffee place within the process.
When people refer to The Goodnight Darlings as a modern version of Blondie, does that extend beyond being a female-fronted band with strong hooks?
Kat Auster: It’s such a huge honor for us to be compared to Blondie. Deborah Harry, along with Madonna, are my female superheroes. Well, I think like Blondie we have been transformed by our love affair with New York City.
Wilson Jaramillo: Also, we are not completely punk rock, not completely pop and not afraid to mix different styles of music.
How did you two meet and realize the need to form a band together?
K: We fell in love first. I actually saw him for the first time while he was playing guitar at a club. I remember thinking he was the most unique and skilled guitar player I’d ever seen. I made sure to talk to him and ask about his effect pedal layout. We both had other bands at the time. Then from there, it was a natural reveal. The first song we ever played was a jam of Nina Simone’s “I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl” and it felt like home.
Do you identify as a New York band?
W: Definitely! Aside from the ’80s smooth jazz sax sound, I always felt that punk rock and hip-hop represent New York City’s soundscape. Growing up directly across the Hudson River, it definitely runs in my blood and comes out in our music. It definitely sticks out when we travel — people always compliment us for bringing a New York City vibe.
K: New York means so much to me. I feel a huge ownership and intimacy having lived in so many nooks and crannies of this city. (laughs) When I graduated college here and felt my existential angst, like “Oh God, what now? Am I doomed to sign up at the factory of normalcy?” But then New York answered back, “No, your life will always be interesting if you focus on beauty and celebrate your wildness.” I’ve had rough times getting by, but with conviction and hard work, I have always made it to the next show. And now of course, our whole mission is getting our music out to the ends of the world!
Blondie comparisons aside, how would you describe your EP to someone who hasn’t heard it yet?
W: If dancing is your thing, this EP requires you to dance hard like you’re at the Violent Disco – an imaginary nightclub I just invented that plays hard music.
K: That’s awesome! (laughs) I do feel there’s a lot of vital energy. Written at a very emotionally-charged time for me. Each song has different edges of love and triumph, each song has a piece of the story…overwhelming joy, self-acceptance, a raw fight..but mostly, finding out what you’re made of – who you are when utterly pushed by life. Also the collaborations truly elevated the sound. Drums by dream man Joe Tomino from Dub Trio, producer Tony Maimone, and a rap performance by the elegant and soulful Jabee really make the EP simply candied by masters.
What made you choose Bowery Electric for your EP release party?
K: The East Village was my first stomping ground in the city. The EP is called All I Ever Wanted and reflects on my dreams when I first came to New York City and how those dreams appear now through the looking glass of time. And our dear friend and sometimes mentor Rick Goetz recommended it. It’ll be our first show there. I like the sound, and I want people to hear all the production layers Wilson builds.
W: And what better place to have our party than Joey Ramone Place? Just steps from the historical CBGB!
Who else will be playing with you live at Bowery Electric?
K: We are over-the-moon happy to announce that the one and only rapper Jabee will be in the house that night to perform on stage with us! I’m also looking forward to playing with Dead Heart Bloom and Pyschobaby!
Do either of you have any tours or recording projects coming up outside The Goodnight Darlings?
K: We are playing Boston on Nov. 8 and Philly on Nov. 13. We are filming our next music video, “Carousel,” in December! Stay tuned for details – there’s a dream team happening on that. We are following up our successful “Empire Vampire” music video. Everybody seemed to really enjoy that!
W: I have a library of my own music pieces that I need to tackle by categorizing them, hopefully to collaborate or get them placed on commercials, soundtracks and video games…
When you’re not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?
W: I would love to travel, eat, climb mountains, lay on beaches, drive fast through desert roads, visit friends all over the planet and work on music, but with the few hours I have between the day job and life, I like to play my guitar, work on music, work on imagery, listen to music and hang out with my lady.
K: The only free time I have right now is riding the Q train between appointments, so I fill it with listening to music and NPR’s Moth Story Hour.
Is there a bar in Manhattan where everyone knows your name when you walk in?
W: REX [a Hell’s Kitchen coffee bar located at 864 10th Ave.], for real! Peter, the owner, really put together an awesome staff that has become like family to me.
K: Seriously. It’s like the best episode of Cheers with Wilson in there.
Finally, any last words for the kids?
W: Be yourself, always! Someone somewhere, everywhere is always going to have something stupid to say, so don’t let their insecurities bring you down or change your ways. Unless it’s for your own good. Don’t do drugs!
K: I loved music so profoundly, listening in my room late at night as a teen. I hope we get the honor of being part of your soundtrack. Everything we do is for you – so we all hang tough another day, and get another chance to fall in love with our lives.
-by Darren Paltrowitz
