Delta Rae x Steve Madden x Spin Magazine

July 18, 2012 Steve Madden Ludlow Street Truthfully, before hearing Delta Rae's music I thought they were going to be traditional, slow-paced, Americana folk. To my hopes they proved the opposite and delivered Americana with their own personal touch of attitude and hand clapping thump. The Durham, North Carolina 6 piece (3 of whom are siblings) took part in Steve Madden's Summer Concert Series here in New York City. In addition to performing new music from their debut album "Carry The Fire" and hopping off stage to get into the thick of the audience to do "Hey Hey Hey", Delta Rae did a rendition of Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain." Prior to the evening's show, the ladies of the ensemble, Brittany Holljes and Elizabeth Hopkins shared some words: How does it feel to be apart of Steve Madden's music series? Brittany: It's pretty thrilling cause we love the clothes and especially the shoes. They're a kick-ass, forward thinking company and integrating music into that is pretty cool cause to me style and music go hand in hand. What's your favorite style of shoe? Elizabeth: For versatility reasons, I love a nude pump. It accentuates the leg so much and goes with any color like a black dress or pair of denim. When you're on the road, what's your favorite to rock? Brittany: My favorite is a commanding black dominatrix shoe cause I like something that says, "You don't wanna mess with me" but simultaneously, "You wanna get with this!" We tend to express ourselves in our style, like in a way that's close to how we sing and how we are. Who are women that rock? Elizabeth: Ladies in music come to mind and off the top I think of Sheryl Crow cause I love her vocal range. She's very laid back in her musical delivery, but still tells the story in a real strong way. At the same time, she's kind of a tomboy, yet drop-dead gorgeous. Adele, I love for her simplicity, where she'll stand in front of the mic and sing her broken heart to millions of people, which I find quite moving. Another is Etta James, who is incredibly inspiring as far as her soul and melismas go. The emotion she rattles in me when she sings is beyond words. Brittany: The 1st woman that comes to mind is Beyonce. She's my absolute idol and I admire her performances, voice, tenacity, and message. She's flawless. Also, I respect Michelle Obama cause she's a very cool representation of a woman in politics, even though I'd like to see a female president who's active and tactful as she is. Then of course, Joni Mitchell is my go to woman, in terms of somebody who just seems so true to herself. ~ Mister Lee - http://www.deltarae.com/ http://www.stevemadden.com/ http://www.spin.com/

OWN magazine  8/2/2012 13:59 EDT