the album cover of Mallrat’s maybe someday we’ll live by a lake
Hi hi deviants,
Welcome to another episode of The Deviant Dispatch, your guide to the events and gossip of the Brooklyn queer underground. Thanks again to all my paying subscribers who keep me going! Join them via the button below to get in on the gossip session coming this Friday.
Today’s newsletter is devoted to the band Mallrat, who just released their sophomore album maybe someday we’ll live by a lake. A twinkly emo record with all of the genre’s sincerity and none of it’s cringey gloss, it’s worth a listen in these wearying times. Who hasn’t been dreaming of a waterside utopia with a loved one, or been ruminating on past hurts while spending the summer in solitude?
In a different time these songs would be posted wildly on Myspace profiles. Since that social network is dead and gone, I thought I would try to bring some of it’s former magic here to The Deviant Dispatch. So, I emailed one of Myspace’s annoyingly long bulletins for the band’s lead vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Melo to fill out. Listen to the album as you scroll through his answers, and don’t miss their release show this Saturday on Zoom! (details below along with other events this weekend)
What were you doing at 11 last night?
I think I was watching Buffy!
Do you think you and your best friend will be friends in 10 years?
Not to be wholesome but I hope that we will grow together.
What could you eat any day of the week and never get tired of?
Frozen waffles!
What's the craziest thing you've done?
Probably getting a tattoo with someone I was dating and barely knew! My current partner tattooed a protection spell around it so it doesn’t really feel intense anymore.
Someone knocks on your window at 5am, what do you say?
This is really horrible, goodbye! (I live on the 2nd floor of my building)
Funniest thing that happened in the last 24 hours?
Apparently the new Mulan movie is a huge mess and I think that’s really funny.
What’s your vice?
Do you have any plans for the weekend?
Our release show!
Would you change yourself for the person you love?
I would consider compromises :-)
Would you kiss anyone you have texts from in your phone?
Not necessarily during the pandemic, but I like sharing little kisses with friends to say hello.
When was the last time something bothered you?
The other day I found a huge centipede in my loofah.
Do you know how to work a computer well?
I’m a really fast typer!
To whom did you last give the finger to?
I think to my partner (jokingly and lovingly).
Is it more common for you to follow your heart or your mind?
My heart (emo)
Do you like to hold hands?
I like to hold pinkies ;-)
Would you ever go on a game show if you were offered?
I would consider being on Survivor or a dating show.
What does your phone do when it receives a new text?
Nothing because my phone is always on moon mode.
Would you rather be at the beach or lake?
I would love to be at Riis or at a secluded lake with friends.
Last thing you spent money on?
Cute hair clips!
Your song of the week?
Have you ever cried from being so mad?
Crying is usually my first reaction when I’m frustrated and it’s kind of annoying especially when I’m trying to navigate some kind of bureaucracy.
Are you happy with the choices you've made?
I’m in the lifelong process of learning to trust my judgment :-)
I bet you miss someone, huh?
I’m always yearning! (venus in pisces)
Would you rather be forced to eat 100 bananas or 100 apples?
Banana
Have you dated the person you texted last?
I was just texting Ana MeiLi and we have not dated.
Are you friends with the people you were friends with two years ago?
I am friends with some of them! I’ve had a lot of shifts in my relationships in the past year like ending friendships but also reconnecting with old friends.
Is there anyone you know with the name Mike?
I can think of 1 Mike that I met while working at the Silent Barn. Hi Mike!
Who was the last person to call you baby?
Literally cannot remember because everyone calls me baby.
Has anyone ever sang to you?
Yes at karaoke, which is very sexy and romantic.
What color are your eyes?
Beautiful brown!
How tall are you?
I am 5’4” and ¾ (short enough where you do the fraction thing)
What do you have planned for tonight?
I will probably listen to podcasts until I fall asleep :-)
If you could have one wish right now what would it be?
I would like to be in a cabin in the woods with my friends.
When is your birthday?
April 8th. I’m an Aries!
Do you want to get married and have children one day?
I would like to have kids but it makes me anxious to even think about it. When I used to do childcare I would have stress dreams all the time.
Who is the 9th contact in your phone?
My friend Alyssa Kai who is a very nice person and makes music I love.
Ever liked someone who treated you like crap?
Did your parents force you to go to church or let you make the decision?
I went to a church service for the very first time last year!
What are you excited for?
Excitement doesn’t play a huge role in my life right now, I think because the pandemic has made me feel like most of my goals are on hold. But I do feel content about where I’m at with my projects, like releasing this album and working on my textile art.
Did anyone see you kiss that last person you kissed?
No.
Do you still talk to the person you last kissed?
Yes.
Would you date an 18 year old at the age you are now?
No.
What are you listening to now?
Country music!
What woke you up today?
My partner called me because the key to our front door is confusing.
Would you take someone back if they cheated on you?
This is not a very exciting answer, but if someone I was dating crossed a boundary we had set I would probably talk to my therapist and friends and take it from there.
Have you ever dyed your hair?
I’ve been a blondie and also had blue hair during my blue boy period last year.
Who was the last person you have a missed call from?
Ok it’s kind of funny that so many of these questions are phone-based. Like there’s something here about phones being a space of intimacy and secrecy.
Where was your default picture taken?
I’m going to interpret “default picture” as my album cover, which was taken at Riis.
How many windows are open on your computer?
9. Wish I knew more about numerology so I could say something interesting about 9!
Anything you really want?
I want stability and ease and joy.
How many pillows do you sleep with?
2 pillows, 6 stuffies.
Can you have more than one best friend?
I can and I do!
What was the last thing you drank?
Here is my recipe for my most special mocktail: oat milk + cinnamon + maple syrup + ice.
How many pets do you have?
I dabble in puppy play :-)
What do you like better: hot chocolate or hot apple cider?
Cider.
Do you know anyone who’s pregnant?
No but my stuffies are my babies so I’m always pregnant with the possibility of more stuffed animals.
What do you want right now?
I want to let myself experience my feelings without judgment :-)
Mallrat Record Release Show
When: Saturday, 7:30 PM EST
Where: Zoom, hit up @mallratmusic on insta or email mallratmusic@gmail.com for the link
What: Mallrat’s record release show!!!! On the lineup is Lucky Cat, the other project of band’s second guitarist Ana, and Queens emo band Fear Not Ourselves Alone. We also have the mathy and intricate tunes of Detriot’s River Spirit. Expect lots of pure energy and technical issue-related banter.
How much: free but buy Mallrat’s amazing album Maybe Someday We’ll Live By a Lake
Art Show: Library Fantasy Vol 1
When: Saturday, Sunday, 2-7pm
Where: 127 Henry Street, NYC
What: Seth Bogart’s first solo art show. Only 3 people are allowed in the gallery at a time, and masks are required (duh). There probs wont be the free wine and cheese you normally snag at art openings, but there’s a lot of cruising potential at this one.
How much: free baby freeeeee
London Trans Pride Solidarity March
When: Saturday, 2pm EST til ????
Where: from Washington Park to Parliment Sqaure
What: On the heels of yet ANOTHER trans woman being murdered (#sayhername Elie Che) there’s a march for trans lives happening in solidarity with the first ever London Trans Pride. The NYC march is being led by @qween_jean, who just wrapped up leading a similar march in Washington D.C. Protesters are being asked to bring/wear flowers as well as wear masks and stay socially distant.
How much: free
Appleville
When: Saturday 5pm EST
Where: somewhere online, peep @agcook404 on instagram for more info or buy a Golden Ticket for emailed instructions
What: A epic concert in celebration of PC Music mastermind A.G. Cook releasing a new album. Noted pop figures include Charli XCX, Clario, 100 Gecs, and Kero Kero Bonito. The stans are also very excited for the appearance of Me & U2, which I believe is some kind of hyperpop supergroup. They have one song on the event’s Golden Ticket EP. You can pre-order this EP now for access to the virtual “mosh pit” at the show and to get recordings from the event.
How much: free, but a Golden Ticket is only $7
That’s it for this dispatch. If you liked it please consider forwarding this email to a pal! If you’re the pal please subscribe. I write twice a week: once about upcoming worthy events (for free subscribers) and once about underground news and gossip (for paying members). If you care about drag queens, illegal parties, independent music/art/film/fashion, experimental pop, and social revolution, you need to read The Deviant Dispatch.