The Blush Foundation sing about sex and vaginas. They spoke with Katrina Fox.

While the lovely Olivia Newton-John will no doubt be belting out some of her camp disco classics at this year’s Mardi Gras Party, The Blush Foundation will be serving up sounds that promise to be feminist, catchy and downright dirty.

The all-female three-piece electro live act comprises Billie Moore, Leia Sidery and Kirsten Riley. “Originally, The Blush Foundation was simply me and Leia huddled over a computer, united in our shared passion for early ’80s synth-pop and electro,” explains Moore. “Then we met Kirsten whosedrumming brought a new flavour to our live performances and fattened up our sound.”

Moore describes herself as a “born performer” and she also writes the lyrics and melodies. “In live shows I am electric and unpredictable – known to tumble arse over tit off the stage,” she laughs. “Leia’s electronic beats are riotous, infectious and unique – conjuring the legacy of Depeche Mode and Kraftwerk. She is a multi-talented artist and handles all the graphics and promos of the band. 

Kirsten, formerly of Pinky Tuscadero and moonlighting with The Blush Foundation as well as keeping time for Lions At Your Door, has an ear for rhythm and an eye for the ladies.”

As do all three – and they’re happy to shout (or sing) it from the rooftops. “There are not enough artists out there who are brave enough to be open about who they love and who they fuck!” says Moore. “We’re girls who fuck girls, we love it and we’ll sing about it.”

It’s perhaps no surprise to learn then that these feisty chicks write songs with titles such as ‘Designer Vagina’, which was produced by Paul Mac and is available on the Club Kooky 2007 compilation.

“‘Designer Vagina’ initially was intended to be in homage to our love for all different types of vaginas,” Moore says. “We never meant it to be associated with this newly coined idea of surgical modification in pursuit of some societal ideal of what a ‘perfect’ cunt looks like – because that just simply does not exist.

What we are celebrating is the complete opposite – women loving their bodies in whatever shape they take.”
In terms of sound, the group cites Kate Bush, Peaches, Kraftwerk and Annie Lennox as influences. “And on stage we are a riotous mélange of colour and energy utilising live synth, bass and drums,” they say.

So what sets them apart from other electro acts? “The Blush Foundation has always aspired to be an umbrella creation, encompassing many other art forms in addition to the music,” Moore says. “We’ve made film clips for other artists (Bracode, Jump to Lightspeed) and you can check out our short films on YouTube. Visual art and original design is paramount to the ethos and aesthetic of our band.”

With gigs last year at the Gaelic Club, Candy’s Apartment, Club 77, Hermann’s and Spectrum, as well as mentions in music mags The Brag and Drum Media, and now a spot at the Mardi Gras Party, The Blush Foundation are definitely girls to watch out for. “Stay tuned for an EP coming out this year,” Moore says.

The Blush Foundation plays at the Sandringham Hotel with Bracode, 387 King St, Newtown on February 23, and the Mardi Gras Party on March 1. Check out the group’s music at www.myspace.com/blushfoundation.

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