We caught up with new band Loudermilk, stars of our September mod fashion story. Isaac, 22, Shane, 24, Marc, 24, and Davey, 25, were only too happy to tell us how they got together and to share their style secrets.
How did you guys become a band? Shane: Isaac and I were in a cover band called 22s and Tulips. Isaac: My parents own a music store. Davey's parents played music with mine. My dad plays guitar so he taught me, then I moved to drums. Marc: The other guys got together and started playing music — I joined later. Isaac: Marc used to be a groupie for the band. His brother was the original bassist. Marc came to all the shows and knew all the guitar parts. Davey: Then when we were looking for a second guitarist, he was the natural pick. He already knew the songs and everything. But more importantly, he fit the personality of the band. We've been together seven years [Marc's been in for six]. There has to be more to it than just music, or we wouldn't still be together.
How would you describe your sound? Shane: We get asked all the time are we rockers or mods. We're both — rock and experimental. We like the mod look. But we know we don't sound anything like the Beatles. We love them, though.
How did you get the name Loudermilk? Isaac: It has nothing to do with the jazz musician John D. Loudermilk. It was actually Davey who came up with it. Davey: I was obsessed with milk and thought that calcium built strong bones and basically you shrivel up without calcium. Then one day when I was working doing phone soliciting for the United Cerebral Palsy, I came across a guy's last name, Loudermilk [on the phone list], and I thought it was too cool. It just kind of became our name.
How can our readers get a mod look without spending a lot of money? Davey: Cut your own bangs, blunt cut. I cut my own all the time. It's easy, and then I don't have to pay anyone to do it. With this kind of look, you can't really screw up. People always compliment me on my hair! Isaac: My mom wants me to cut my hair. She told me when she found out we were doing this shoot, "If they want you to cut your hair, you should go with it. It might be time for a haircut." Marc: Get a skinny tie. Isaac: Go to thrift stores and then alter whatever you need to. Add buttons, cut collars off, make things tighter. I stole my girlfriend's sewing machine. Davey: White skinny belts are the best, and they instantly add a mod look. Shane: Freshly pressed suits are always good — for girls and guys. Davey: Pinstripes are good, and Wrangler work pants. Marc: Or Levi's 517 work pants. Davey: I have Wranglers in every color. Isaac: Girls in mini skirts and lots of mascara are cool. Davey: I wish our fans dressed like these models [in the September fashion shoot]. It would be cool to bring that look back. Isaac: We wear everything really tight. Davey: Shop in the boys' section for clothes and they'll be really tight — even on girls. Isaac: Don't tell them that, or I'll never be able to find anything again! I'm little, so I have to shop in the kids' section.
Whose closet would you like to raid? Marc: The Beatles. They dressed awesome. And who wouldn't want to say they rummaged through John Lennon's drawers?
Get Loudermilk's new album, Red Record, on October 8.
