Escort’s Adeline Michèle talks Plaza 33 concert, next album, New York City living

by | Sep 2, 2015 | Coming Up, Culture, Events, Music

escort

Brooklyn’s own Escort began in the early 2000s as the studio-based duo of Dan Balis and Eugene Cho. It wasn’t long before the duo expanded into a proper group with a reputable live show as Time Out New York called Escort one of the best live acts of 2007. A few years later, The Village Voice featured Escort on the cover, and Rolling Stone and SPIN both placed Escort on their “Best Album of 2012” lists.

Now often boasting a 17-piece lineup for performances, the self-proclaimed disco group plays a rare Midtown Manhattan gig on Friday, September 4. Playing at Plaza 33, Escort will take the stage at 8:00 p.m. More information on the temporary pedestrian plaza can be found at Plaza 33 NYC.

In support of this gig, I was able to speak with Escort frontwoman Adeline Michèle. Adeline is not only a renowned bass player outside of her work with Escort, but was also recently part of Madewell’s Every Day Madewell campaign. Adeline and the rest of Escort will soon be hitting the road extensively in support of Escort’s sophomore full-length album, Animal Nature, which will be released on October 30th.

How would you describe Escort to someone who hasn’t heard the group before?

Adeline Michèle: A 360 degree experience: fun at home, fun at the show.

How does Animal Nature compare to your first album?

A: It’s a bit more “modern” production-wise. We didn’t feel intimidated by using more electronic elements and flirting with the “dance music” sound a bit more. Seems like the perfect timing for that, and we had a lot of fun with it. Also we’ve come such a long way as a band since the release of our first album. Our sound has grown through every show we played — and we played a lot of them. We got to know each other more as band members and that somehow helped naturally shape our sound even more.

Any chance of another music video using Muppets?

A: Most likely not. Unless the request comes directly from the Muppets, we couldn’t refuse of course.

What’s to be expected from your Plaza 33 performance?

A: A few surprises, actually! We’re really excited about this show. We recently released two new songs “Animal Nature” and “Body Talk,” and maybe maybe maybe, we’ll play them at this show? It’s a rare opportunity to play outdoors in the middle of Manhattan and for FREE! Plus I’d like to believe that performing right in front of the Madison Square Garden is an omen.

Prior to hearing about this booking, had you been to the Plaza 33 area before?

A: Yes. I’ve actually gone to check out Silent Disco and it was super-fun, I recommend it. I’m also secretly a pretend salsa dancer and I’ve already been to Salsa Night twice!

When you’re not busy with Escort, what do you like to do with yourself? 

A: Actually have a semi daytime job as bass player on a NBC talk show, The Meredith Vieira Show. I’m also a fierce shop-a-holic, I work out a lot, I try to cook and I have friends and sometimes I hang out with them and do stuff.

What is your go-to spot for coffee within New York City?

A: Breukelen Coffee House in my hood, Crown Heights, Brooklyn

Finally, any last words for the kids?

A: Smile and dance, nobody’s judging you, they’re too busy smiling and dancing.

-by Darren Paltrowitz

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