The Skinny On... Juanita Stein
Ahead of releasing their first record in over a decade, Howling Bells frontwoman Juanita Stein takes on this month's Q&A
What’s your favourite place to visit?
Byron Bay in Northern NSW, specifically Belongil Beach. It’s where my family and I spent our summer holidays growing up [...] whenever I go back, it feels as close to pure joy and warmth as I can get from any one place.
What's your favourite food?
Broadly speaking, Italian and Japanese cuisine, equally. More specifically, I’m sat in a small Tuscan village, in a courtyard surrounded by rustic walls and swaying trees, weathering the sweltering heat. I’m drinking a good bottle of red with my loved ones, there’s bruschetta on the table, along with green olives, I’ve just ordered tagliatelle with fresh truffle and olive oil, a side of white beans and rosemary. I’m happy!
What's your favourite colour?
Burgundy, it used to be purple, burgundy is like purple grown up. It’s rich and deep and sexy and mysterious.
Who was your hero growing up?
As a young girl, I was very taken with Amelia Earhart, I thought it was unbelievable that she consistently defied social norms... In high school I became taken with Germaine Greer and Gloria Steinem. They wrote about things I considered important and powerful, they changed my mindset and I felt quietly motivated by their wisdom.
Whose work inspires you now?
Musicians releasing music right now? I find Mitski, Radiohead, Rosalía, Solange, Angel Olsen, Tame Impala, Kali Uchis all incredibly inspiring. I think they’re bending genres and writing really beautiful music while doing so.
What three people would you invite to your dinner party?
I initially go for really depressing, introverted artists, but that’s no fun! I’d rather be in a room full of funny, warm, humans. So Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig. Yeah, that’s who I’m hanging with.
What’s your all time favourite album?
Abbey Road and Revolver. Impossible to choose. Something, I Want You, Because, Sun King, Here Comes the Sun… But also, Revolver has For No One and Tomorrow Never Knows.
What’s the worst film you’ve ever seen?
Most recently, I suffered through the whole of a Netflix film called Champagne Problems... I continued watching mostly out of sheer fascination that it was so bad. The characters were mind numbingly predictable and I really, actually think there was an AI bunny rabbit which appears towards the end, supposedly running through the snow. Also, it's set in Paris… bc of course it is and he introduces her to macarons... bc of course he does. There’s a German man who is cold and humourless and a gay man who is obsessed with champagne and parties bc of course he is. Know what I'm saying?
Image: David Titlow
What film gives you a modicum of hope for the future?
John Hughes films give me hope, he taps into the teenage psyche like no one ever has. Uncle Buck, The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, Ferris Bueller are magnificent portrayals of youthful spirit and all the anxieties that come with it. I mean, it was the 80s, so there are many things that would be different if filmed now, but, actually, the pre-tech era is what feels so optimistic when watching them now. Also, is there anything more uplifting than seeing John Candy bust through the doors of public school smoking a cigar while Tone Loc’s Wild Thing is playing?
What’s a song you love from an original film soundtrack?
The Midnight Cowboy theme composed by John Barry. Also, the original soundtrack for Betty Blue, composed by Gabriel Yared, the opening track Betty et Zorg was on repeat throughout my awkward, introverted teenage years.
What book would you take to a desert island?
I’ve started reading One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez. It’s hefty, so I imagine it would take me a while, also, it’s very on brand for this scenario. And maybe Just Kids by Patti Smith, a joy to read.
Who’s the worst?
HA. Unfortunately, there’s far too many. But at this very moment in time, I wanna say the leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei is the worst. What he is doing to his people is beyond comprehension. People are being assassinated on the streets of Iran for protesting their freedom. The lack of rights and free will for women and girls especially, in the last few decades, is a fate beyond cruelty. I really, really hope they find the light.
When did you last cry?
When looking at images of piles of bodies in the streets of Iran.
What are you most scared of?
Lack of freedom.
When did you last vomit?
I have a bizarre thing where I cannot vomit. It’s crazy, I can be drunk as a skunk or super nauseous and nothing will come out.
Tell us a secret?
I don’t like Geese.
If you could be reincarnated as an animal, which animal would it be?
Maybe some kind of bird, I wouldn’t wanna be trapped on the ground as an animal, merciless at the hands of humanity. Albatross are very cool, they soar through the skies beautifully and swim in the oceans and live for a long time!
Why should people check out this month’s new Howling Bells record?
Every great debut album is a collection of experiences up until that point, our fifth album, Strange Life, feels like a rebirth of sorts, having been over ten years since the last.
What are you most looking forward to about playing Glasgow in March?
The Glaswegian spirit – funny, tough and loyal! Also, returning to legendary King Tut's once again!
Howling Bells released Strange Life on 13 Feb via Nude Records; Howling Bells play King Tut's, Glasgow, 13 Mar