LOCAL PDX BAND: LOVERS

The first time you discover the musical talents of Portland-based Lovers, it’s hard to push the stop button. Carolyn Berk, Kerby Ferris and Emily Kingan make up the trio that brings the public beautiful melodies, electronic beats and lyrics with a unique intensity. We were lucky enough to catch them just as they got back from their European tour last week and lead singer Carolyn Berk, was kind enough to answer a couple brief questions we had. We're officially obsessed.E+E: Okay, you lucky ladies just got back from your European tour. Did you have a favorite city or venue?LOVERS: Playing in Paris at the Pompidou Museum was pretty great, venue-wise. The sound was awesome, and when the sound is awesome, performing is just a total pleasure. My favorite city is probably Barcelona. It's cool and light-hearted, people are friendly and fun.E+E: Are there any major differences playing for audiences in Europe, as opposed to in the states?L: Audiences in Europe are sometimes reserved while they're watching the show, but they clap longer, and are more likely to approach you for a real conversation afterwards.

E+E: Any hilarious, interesting, life-changing events happen during the tour?L: On this past tour everything was interesting and most things were hilarious. We had a night off in Amsterdam and we went to a festival to see Austra and Grimes play. That was totally inspiring. Game-changing is life-changing. So they were both.

E+E: Ah! We love them both! So Europe was great but do you have a favorite venue in Portland?L: I like Doug Fir a lot.E+E: Yeah, it’s hard not to like.

 E+E: What bands are you loving right now?L: I like this band called Other Lives. I like Glasser. I like Peaking Lights.E+E: Being a group of women, have you come across any obstacles in the music world?L: Kerby and Emily are really intuitive, smart, savvy, very honest and VERY no-bullshit. People have responded well to that. I'm lucky to learn from them all the time.

E+E: If only everyone could have the no-bullshit atitude. Okay, last question: favorite bar in Portland. Go.L: I've had a nice time at Rontoms. They have an outdoor venue in the back, we actually played there once. It's a cool space. If you haven't already been enlightened by Lovers, check out their albums, photos, and videos on their website.