Holychild Started A Revolution With Brat Pop
Holychild is bringing back glam with art that truly makes a statement. While it looks like a whole lot of glitter and fun, Liz Nistico and Louie Diller are no vapid indie-pop duo. Their upcoming debut record is a flashy assertion meant to challenge societal roles, hypocrisy and our culture’s values. One song at a time, Holychild is trying to change the world with what they call, “brat pop”.
Liz: Dress- Nasty Gal, Choker- Marina Fini
Louie: Jacket- Nasty Gal, Shirt- Insight, Pants- Citizens of Humanity, Necklace- Vant Jag
“It’s evocative and might make people uncomfortable, but I think that’s the role of art.”
“Essentially, it’s sarcastic pop,” Louie told me over a light lunch at LES staple, Cakeshop. Their self-created genre of “brat pop” aims to start a dialogue about gender roles, power and our culture’s obsession with fame and money. Liz said they often wonder about what is true in society, posing the question, “When I’m having a conversation with somebody, what part of it is honest and what part is influenced by our culture?”
Liz: Jumpsuit- Made for Pearl, Earrings- Melody Esahni
Louie: Shirt- Vintage, Choker- Vidakush
Liz is constantly reminded of these societal norms and gender roles as a woman. “I’m affected by it because I’m like, ‘f**k this I’m not wearing makeup’. Then I go out with nothing on and nobody hits on me, so I’m self conscious and I wear a ton of makeup the next day.” Liz is all about exposing this hypocrisy of what is expected from women and believes it’s more than okay to be a feminist who prescribes to things like a love for makeup and all things glam. And hey, if Louie wears a choker then that’s totally okay too.
Liz: Suit- Rio Warner, Earrings – Littered Nation, Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell, Ring – Vidakush
Louie: Shirt – Insight, Pants – Citizens of Hummanity, Coat – Boohoo
Liz: Shoes- Jeffrey Campbell
Louie: Shirt- Rio Warner, Jeans- Citizens of Humanity
“We’re trying to start a revolution.”
What it’s really about is pushing boundaries. Despite their name, they are anything but holy. “We’re definitely pretty raw, but very open with sexuality and what sexuality means to our culture,” Liz said. And if sex sells, then their first single “Money All Around” is selling like hotcakes.
Liz: Fringe Top- Cloudhunter, Pants- Brian Lichtenberg, Shoes-ASOS, Earrings- Marina Fini, Choker- Vant Jag, Ring- Vidakush
Louie: Coat- Second Glance Vintage, Pants- Insight, Shirt- American Apparel
The song and brand new video, directed by Liz herself, is the perfect summation of “brat pop”. Liz explained, “It’s evocative and might make people uncomfortable, but I think that’s the role of art.
Liz: Dress- Nasty Gal, Glasses- Wildfox, Choker- Marina Fini
Louie: Jacket- Nasty Gal, Glasses- Crap Eyewear
Liz: Suit – American Apparel, Earrings: Melody Esahri, Sunglasses: Crap Eyewear, Shoes: O-MIGHTY
Louie: Coat – Boohoo, Pants – Citezens of Humanity, Glasses – Crap Eyewear, Choker – Marina Fini
You can listen to Holychild’s voice of revolution on their debut record The Shape of Brat Pop to Come, out this June.
Interview by: Shannon Kurlander
Photos by: Angelo Kritikos
Styling and Creative Direction: Alexandra Mandelkorn
Hair: Elise Welch
Makeup: Brooke Hill
