Native New Yorkers Heather Boo and Emma Rose grew up in a creative environment, so it makes sense that they started a band. Calling themselves Beaû, a masculine term for beautiful, which loosely translates to handsome in French, the name sums up their tomboyish Lower Manhattan spirit. This week saw the release of the band’s self-titled EP, which is distinctly pop inspired, but with an Americana tinge and lyrics that would surprise anyone that didn’t know Boo and Rose are both in their early twenties. Then there is their look, with their French New Wave style and urban, street smart savoir-faire, they have modeled for Opening Ceremony, run wild and nude for photographer Ryan McGinley, and caught the attention of the venerable French record label Kitsuné, who has released their music first on a compilation and now on an extended play album. Today marks the release of their music video for One Wing, a song about love, loss and friendship. Autre got a chance to ask Boo and Rose a few questions about their music, their new album and how they got their big break in Paris.
Autre: How did you two meet?
Beaû: We had known of each other’s existence since infant hood – passing each other in the same parks, neighborhoods and schools. Our mothers were best friends, and eventually we too followed in their footsteps.
Autre: A lot of people like to put labels on things, how would you describe your music?
Beaû: Music for the soul
Autre: What music most inspires you?
Beaû: Music that is honest and true, without being too perfect…Particularly blues and soul from the South, and popular bands from the 60's. Generally anything that we find riveting inspires us...From the way a stranger smiles at you, to the wallpaper in an old dusty bookstore. Everything that moves us is inspiring.
Autre: You once travelled with Ryan McGinley on one of his epic adventures, what was that like?
Beaû: It was like stripping yourself of anything fake or unnatural. I learned so much on that trip about how to be secure in the nude when you have a naked forest surrounding you. It was one of the most exciting adventures I had ever been on and who knew it was just an introduction to many more.
"...The strength of a good relationship can help you get through anything. We all make mistakes and it's important to forgive each other and it's even more important to stick together through thick and thin."
Autre: How did you team up with Kitsuné?
Beaû: It was all about being in the right place at the right time and knowing good people. We ventured to Paris on our own a few summers ago with little money and few places to stay. We ended up meeting great people there who hooked up a show for us at a club, where we were introduced to Kitsunè. Later that week Kitsunè invited us to record a demo track somewhere in Paris. They liked it so we hopped on board. It has been an incredible experience since! Kitsunè has been so supportive! We've really become a family.
Autre: What is your favorite thing about New York?
Beaû: The diversity of people, food, culture and the boundless opportunities are our favorite part of New York.
Autre: The song One Wing is really powerful…do those lyrics come from personal experiences or a specific experience?
Beaû: We wrote the song guided by a sentimental melody that touched us both. The lyrics represent friendship to us and how the strength of a good relationship can help you get through anything. We all make mistakes and it's important to forgive each other and it's even more important to stick together through thick and thin.
Autre: What is the ideal setting for song writing?
Beaû: Anywhere.
Autre: What is your background…I read somewhere that your parents are painters?
Beaû: Yes it is true our parents are painters. We grew up in a world full of color and creativity, along with an 'anything goes' kind of attitude from our ex-hippie parents.
Autre: What can we expect from your new album?
Beaû: Colors and dreams.
Autre: What’s next?
Beaû: How should we know?
You can order Beaû's self-titled EP here. Watch below video for the track One Wing directed by Nautico. text and interview by Oliver Maxwell Kupper. Be sure to follow Autre on Instagram: @AUTREMAGAZINE
