24 Hours
With Theo Kogan
Written by Kristina
Weise
Photographed by Krisztina Fazekas and Linus
Gelber
(Opposite and Cover
Photos
Linus Gelber)
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I begin my conversation with one of New York City’s
most recognizable female lead singers, Theo Kogan,
at The V-Spot, a quaint and quiet vegan café
in Park Slope, Brooklyn. I find Theo sitting at
a table alone, reading. I stand admiring her sleeves
- not to her dress - but her tattoos. Theo has just
returned from LA, just in time for a photo shoot
with Velvet, an Italian magazine that plans to feature
her band, “Theo & The Skyscrapers”
in an upcoming issue.
Photo - Krisztina Fazekas
It has been a busy and impressive month for Theo.
Artist Rob Roth’s "Screen Test"
just ended at PS122 in the East Village. It garnered
rave reviews and Theo stole the show. The music
played in the art and video installation was written
by Theo and her band mates and it played an intricate
role in Roth’s post-apocalyptic presentation.
Recently, Theo flew out to LA to work out the logistics
for her upcoming
makeup line, Armour, with her friend and partner,
Allison Burns. The dynamic duo will be launching
their first line of lip-glosses later this year.
When Theo is not jet setting to the left coast,
you can find her on Saturday nights at the party
she founded with Michael T. entitled, “Rated
X.” On weekdays, she spins at ‘Funny
Cry Happy’ at Beauty Bar on Tuesday nights
and ‘Tilt’ at Lit on the last Thursday
of every month. If you attend any of these soirées
you will find Theo holding court, whipping the dance
floor into a universal intoxication faster than
the cocktails served.
Photo - Krisztina Fazekas
“The best part about New York City nightlife
is some of the people I encounter. I love drag queens,
trannies and cross dressers and any kid who makes
an effort in their ‘look.’ I respect
those that take fashion risks and people with good
attitudes.” I quickly followed by asking her
about the worst aspects of New York City. “The
city is coming down too hard on nightlife. I couldn’t
believe it when CBGB closed. I hate getting IDs
scanned at clubs now or getting my bag searched.
Most of all, I am not a fan of people who feel they
are entitled to everything for nothing.”
When asked how she keeps this momentous speed,
Theo states proudly, “I am an original slice
of Brooklyn, born and raised.” So perhaps
that explains it. While the rest of us are moving
here and getting adjusted to the pace, Theo is setting
it.
Yet this dynamic femme fatale is remarkably grounded
and refreshingly passionate about women, gay, human
and animal rights. Although she thrives in the midnight
madness of Manhattan, Theo keeps her finger on the
pulse of the political front.
Photo - Linus Gelber
Photo - Krisztina Fazekas
Strolling through Brooklyn we stop by her favorite
hair salon ‘Medusa,’ but she attributes
her platinum blonde hair to specialist, Shannon
Forman, at Arrojo Studio in New York City. Further
down 5th Avenue we decide to indulge in one of the
best pedicures I have ever received at D’Mai
where she reveals that to unwind she enjoys acupuncture,
reading, massages, movies, listening to NIN remixes
and sleep (although she is constantly eluding it).
One of Theo’s favorite coffee and tea restaurants
is The Roebling Tea Room in Williamsburg, owned
by her former band-mate from her days with the Lunachicks,
Sydney Silver. Roebling is also right around the
corner from one of Theo's favorite tattoo parlors,
Saved Tattoo.
And speaking of her days as lead of
the Lunachicks, I wondered what record inspired
her to follow her dreams. “There wasn't one
record, there were many. The records I grew up with
shaped me into who I am and Frightwig was the first
all-female band that made me know I could and would
do it.”
Photo - Linus Gelber
I left the interview parting with Theo on the local
F line at 7th Avenue. She was off to New York Adorned,
her favorite tattoo shop located on 2nd Avenue in
Manhattan. Her future goals for 2007 consist of
touring with Theo & The Skyscrapers along with
more "Screen Test" and filming with Rob
Roth.
There have not been many females that impress me
enough to follow them for a day, but Theo Kogan
is certainly one who takes the world by storm. Her
confidence and creativity are a tangible force when
standing in her presence and if you go to toast
in her honor, just make sure it is Veuve Clicquot,
her “standard bubbly.”
Catch Theo on February 16th spinning at Trash!
at Rififi and stay updated on her band’s schedule
at: http://www.myspace.com/theo.
Notable favorites mentioned in the article:
http://www.myspace.com/ratedxthepantyparty
www.thevspotcafe.com
www.allisonburns.com
http://www.arrojostudio.com/
http://www.roeblingtearoom.com/
http://www.dmaiurbanspa.com/
http://www.nyadorned.com/shopinfo/index.htm
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