Lovewhip

To leave or not to leave NYC for the weekend?  That is the question. Every New Yorker faces it, particularly on the holiday weekends. After some bouts of indecision, I chose to visit a good friend and grab a little beach time in CT.  But I also wanted to hear some live music this weekend. There was plenty in NYC, but what would we find in New Haven?  We found Wild Women of Radio's 15th Anniversary Celebration at Cafe Nine featuring Lovewhip and their energetic and booty-shaking tunes.


"Pump Up The Jam" was not what I expected to hear when Lovewhip took the stage, but it was the perfect intro to this Boston-based trio's energetic and catchy tunes. Even more appealing were the strong vocals, the guitar, bass, and a real drum kit.  Not what one expects from a band known for their electro-pop dance music. (Normally electronic implies synthesizers and drum machines rather than live musicians with instruments.)  Lovewhip certainly incorporates their fair share of electronics, but it's balanced by these talented musicians who are the real deal.  They kept the small crowd dancing with their original songs full of Afro-pop, ska, and reggae influences.  

One of the best tunes of the night was their new song "Gimme That". Nothing special about the lyrics, but they're simple and catchy with a bit of tongue and cheek. Check out the retro style video for "Gimme That" where a bicycle thief ends up 'tortured' by hot dominatrixes. It could almost be a mash-up of Madonna videos (particularly Borderline and Human Nature), but maybe that's just the 80's fashion and the S&M?  

I picked up Virtual Booty Machine on Saturday and although it didn't quite capture the energy of their live show, it still made you want to groove. Today, I streamed Whip It Baby from their website and was impressed. It had more energy and funkiness. These tunes show their ska and reggae influences with a world pop sound that captures the spirit of 'Juicy Juju' (the name of their record label). Lovewhip's music is pure and simple fun and makes you want to get up and shake your boo-taay.

I struggle to find comparisons. As for the sound, maybe No Doubt remixed for a dance club? For vocals, possibly Kate Pierson of the B-52's but with a wider vocal range? Lead-singer and guitarist Erin Harpe (a.k.a. Empress Erin) has a great bluesy tone to her voice and she adds some edgy guitar riffs to the Lovewhip songs, both of which are unusual for dance music. It turns out that she is also a talented blues singer and guitarist, which explains the depth she brings to Lovewhip.

After the show I had a chance to talk with Empress Erin. Lovewhip is currently recording in my Brooklyn 'hood and they've performed in NYC with my friends in The Big Daddy Project. We're looking forward to getting Lovewhip back to NYC for the launch of their next album, Love Electric, in September.

Check out the Lovewhip website where you can listen to their albums and buy some FAB gear with the Lovewhip logo (also designed by Erin).  If you enjoy the blues be certain to visit Erin's solo site.

See and hear songs in this blog
Lovewhip Gimme That
Technotronic Pump Up the Jam
B-52's Channel Z
No Doubt Bathwater
Madonna Borderline and Human Nature

Related websites
Lovewhip
Erin Harpe Delta Blues
Wild Woman of Radio
Cafe Nine

Great but unrelated songs that have whip in the title
The Dazz Band Let It Whip
Devo Whip It