Rock n’ Recipes: The Ladybug Transistor (Sasha Bell)
Okay, so we didn’t get the whole of the Ladybug Transistor, but we thought it was important to get a note from someone involved in the group now that their legendary LP, The Albemarle Sound is being reissued. We were fortunate to reach out to HHBTM, the label for the reissue, and they got us in touch with Sasha Bell. We talked about looking back on the record, plus the role of food in her life, as well as a recipe for Chocolate Chestnut Terrine. Thanks to Mike Turner for setting this up, and for Sasha for her time. If you’re fortunate, the band have a slate of dates across the US starting this Wednesday, so hope you’re lucky enough to catch their sets (dates posted below, and on their Bandcamp Page)!
ATH: Let’s get the softball question out of the way…what does it mean to you to have a reissue of The Albemarle Sound coming to light? Do you ever wonder why people would care 25 years on or have you always viewed it as a highlight of the band’s career?
SB: The reissue feels especially sweet as The Albemarle Sound has always felt like a magical time capsule. It captures the essence of what it was to experience the best aspects of being in a band before we knew any better. There was a naivete to the recording in that we weren’t trying to imitate anyone, or fit into the zeitgeist – we were just doing us. Our baroque pop style stood in stark contrast to most other NYC indie bands at the time. We were just doing what we loved, indulging flowery arrangements, unusual song structures, lots of instrument switching, and dressing colorfully. I’ve never questioned the idea that quality albums can stand the test of time. It feels like an important achievement to have made a record that people have a respectful soft spot for and that others are currently discovering.
ATH: Now that it’s been 25 years, and you’re able to listen back, what are the things you’re most proud of, in regards to the songs themselves? Is there anything that you’d go back and revisit, now that you’ve all had seasoned careers?
SB: I’m proud of it all. I wouldn’t change anything. I’d probably mess it up if I did.
ATH: Speaking of seasoned careers, can you recall the way the buzz built around TAS initially, considering the “blogopshere” was still in its infancy. Do you remember a certain point when you realized that it resonated with folks?
SB: One tip off that the album resonated with people was when we received a letter from Belle and Sebastian inviting us to the first Bowlie Weekender festival in 1999. I remember the letter had been misplaced, or we hadn’t responded in time, so Jeff ended up getting a call at work from their drummer, saying they were finalizing the line-up and needed a response asap. Additionally, other bands we loved were inviting us to go on tour or open for them, like Of Montreal, Luna, St. Etienne, Yo La Tengo. We also were getting invited to festivals in Spain, Norway and Sweden. One of our songs was featured in an Errol Morris commercial for Citibank and one of our show posters got featured in the film High Fidelity, etc. Suddenly it felt very ON! Plus the album got a great review in Pitchfork (although our hometown rag, Time Out NY trashed it, haha).
ATH: You had your own record, Love is Alright (2019), among other projects, but what remains the starkest contrast in where you are now as a musician as opposed to where you were in the late 90s?
SB: The biggest contrast between now and then is the strength of my self-belief. In the early aughts I started a band called Finishing School and released an album called Destination Girl. We did a brief Scandinavian tour and a few shows at home. I really liked being at the helm, but I also felt a lot of loyalty to the other groups I was playing with, and chose to prioritize that (excess Libra!). When I moved to the Bay Area in 2013 the stark reality of not having my beloved bandmates really sunk in. If I wanted to keep playing music I had to start all over with new people – and be in charge. That process really forced me to grow as a musician, and to feel confident in my voice and my musical choices. It took me many, many years to realize it was okay to shine the light on myself without feeling guilty! And that’s where I am now.
ATH: Are there elements of the tour you’re scared about? Or it is all “gravy” so to speak (sorry, Thanksgiving on the mind).
SB: I used to worry about being trapped on tour which is when you feel increasingly uncomfortable, restless, cold and stiff, but my self-care practices have improved greatly with age! Now I just worry about driving over mountain passes in the snow.
ATH: The line-up of Ladybug Transistor has had various changes throughout the years. Who is one person you’ve interacted with (in the group) that you’d exchange lives with…the one person that you think has it all figured out and did it right?
SB: That’s a really funny question! I don’t think any of us have it figured out. Although I do admire Julia’s skincare regimen, Jeffs guitar skills, Gary’s globetrotting, Derek’s discipline and Jennies go-get-em attitude, Ill choose to stick with my own brand of wacky.
ATH: Are there any regrets you left on the table or things you would have changed about your tenure in the group? Now’s the time to clear the air!
SB: Oh goodness you’re going deep here! I do regret the way I left the band the second time. If I remember correctly I did it over email because I was too nervous to have a face to face conversation. I was an extremely conflict avoidant person then, more so than now (I’ve been doing the work!), and opted out of trying to talk through the issues I was having. I left suddenly and ungracefully and I have a lot of regret about that – Sorry Gary!
ATH: Now, we’re here to snag a recipe from you…how has food played a part in your life, be that on tour or at home?
SB: Food has played an enormous role in my life, hence this interview! Ive always been obsessed with cooking, eating, food shopping and collecting cookbooks. I get really excited about exploring grocery stores when were touring abroad, and love making dinner for the group when we have that opportunity. I went to pastry school about 15 years ago and worked as a professional pastry chef for a time. Now I just bake on special occasions but really love that I possess these special skills. After I burned out on flour, the only sweets I could fathom eating were custards and otherwise gooey confections. I don’t recall exactly where I discovered this chestnut chocolate terrine recipe, but I remember that it blew my mind with its simplicity and richness. You can literally make it and wash the dishes in under 15 minutes. It’s gluten free, and with the minerals in the chestnuts, the antioxidants in the chocolate and the omegas in the butter, it’s almost good for you! I usually just make in a big bowl, then scoop portions like ice cream and top with whipped cream.
Chocolate Chestnut Terrine
INGREDIENTS
375 g Sweetened Chestnut Puree (usually found in a can)
200 g Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa solids)
85 g Unsalted butter
Zest of one orange
2 tbls Grand Marnier or Cointreau (optional)
METHOD
Melt chocolate in a double boiler. Once melted add the butter and mix until the butter has blended. Add chestnut puree, zest and liqueur. Pour into a loaf tin lined with plastic wrap and put into the fridge to set. Alternatively leave the mix in the bowl to refrigerate, then scoop like ice cream to serve.
ATH: What’s next on the agenda for Sasha Bell…musically or just life in general?
SB: There’s a lot going on musically and otherwise! I’m in the middle of mixing a new record that I hope to release this Spring. I recorded the songs with my Missoula bandmates and am super excited about it. I think its my best work yet! I’m also playing with noise rock outfit, Ex-cocaine, and dipping my toe into live EDM. This Summer I’m curating year two of the Woodtick Festival at a ranch property south of Missoula. Last year was a huge success with Big Sis and Reggie Watts headlining. Everyone should come out to Montana July 18 and 19 this Summer! I’m also hoping to make an audio documentary about the upcoming Ladybug tour and turn it into a 6-part podcast series. In recent years I’ve also become a professional astrologer so I’m hoping to keep building that practice. I love a good musician client!
Tour Dates:
12/4 – Medford, MA @ Deep Cuts
12/5 – Keene, NH @ Nova Arts
12/6 – Kingston, NY @ Tubbys
12/7 – Brooklyn, NY @ Public Records
12/9 – Seattle, WA @ Madame Lous
12/10 – Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
12/12 – San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop
12/13 – Los Angeles, CA @ Lodge Room