Photograph by Ellis Scott
You’d describe 26-year-old Dee Sekar’s creative approach as ‘scattergun’, were her hit rate not uncannily high. Showcasing everything from Japanese prog-rock to Jack the Ripper-inspired couture, her DIY nights Tesco Disco and Decasia typifed the multidisciplinary culture shuffle that thrilled boom-time clubbers in 06/07. The latter inadvertently launched Sekar’s own girl-goth trio, An Experiment On A Bird In The Airpump (she’s drum-thwacking ‘D-Bird’), when a ‘real’ band didn’t show: "Having quit my job as a corporate lawyer, I formed Experiment on a whim, as a dare." Months later, they were recording sessions with Charlatan-turned-producer Tim Burgess and gigging around the world. Her rock career hasn’t prevented Sekar from devising a new, Crunch-compliant ‘Sick Club’ at London’s Electricity Showrooms: "There’s no door charge, just pure music on a neon dance floor. The name’s a joke, ’cos I’m always ill," she laughs, exhaling Strepsil fumes in demonstration. "You can turn anything into a positive if you try hard enough."
Name a person or organisation that shares your DIY ethos, and explain why.
On a music level, I greatly admire the band Fugazi. They set up Dischord records and have a very strong ethos behind it - not ripping off fans, keeping their show prices affordable and sticking to true punk ethic. They are extremely inspiring and demonstrate how you can be honest with your music and fans and be a huge band without going down the corporate route.
On a more local level, I admire Pauline Forster who runs The George Tavern, a pub in east London. She is a very inspiring and supportive artist who has helped encourage many local artists and musicians such as myself and Selfish Cunt as well as helping the local elderly in the community. She is an amazing woman who I respect greatly.
Send us a picture/video that summarises your view of modern life, and explain why.
Kurt Cobain is a massive hero of mine. This photograph of one of the most influential musicians ever is just so beautiful and fragile. It shows how someone can be there creating wonderful things, sitting and enjoying the sunshine and playing with kittens and the next minute they are gone. Modern life is a vast minefield. Enjoy it and those around you while you can.
Do you think the recession has helped or hindered your creativity? Why?
The recession has helped my creativity immensely. I sacrificed a lot last year to chase my creative pursuits and now the recession has hit hard, it makes me feel even more like I did the right thing giving up my old job and career. Life is too short and money really isn't everything. Friends are losing their jobs left, right and centre. Now is the time to be bold and pursue the interests you thought twice about doing before. Pick up a guitar, pen or paintbrush. Why the hell not?
Music for a revolution - what song sums up your attitude?
Sonic Youth’s ‘Youth Against Fascism.’ It's straight-up commentary about racism and politics and everything that's wrong with it. Sometimes raw lyrics and disdain are the most simple and effective way to make your opinion heard. This song is legendary!
What other period inspires you the most, and why?
The American alternative music scene in the early 90s - particularly grunge and Seattle. I feel like it was a really similar time to today.... it was during the First Gulf War, there was economic as well as political turmoil, and the disgruntled youth of the day picked up their guitars and reflected their displaced feelings through their music. I feel a similar energy is being channeled by bands in London today.
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