The Teen Beat Interview with Molly Kummerle

The following questions were culled from vintage Teen Beat interviews, circa mid-1980s. Xpress poses them to local music stars.

Mountain Xpress: How did you get into music?
Molly Kummerle, lead singer of be-bop pop group Ruby Slippers: I grew up with a lot of singing. My Mom sang Sweet Adelines, [I was in] middle and high school band, badly played self taught guitar, took classes in guitar, piano and voice. I sang in an Indigo Girls-type band in college. Mike Alexander asked me to sing backup for a Mavis show in 2000. The rest, they say (I say?) is history.

Q: If you weren’t a musician, what would you want to be?
A: Well, I broke my tailbone once, so I can’t be an astronaut. I’m really into fashion and writing. Perhaps either one of those, or both.

Q: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
A: I would like the balance between motivation / productivity and fun / relaxation to be easier to find.

Q: Tell us about your car.
A: It’s a do-able mess right now, what else? It’s a Subaru: All-wheel drive, all the time.

Q: Are you going to play a show in Tulsa?
A: Maybe someday.

Q: Who do you consider to be very cool?
A: I know a lot of very cool people that I am lucky enough to get to work with and hang out with on a regular basis. I think Imogen Heap is exceptionally cool. My dog is rockin’ cool.

Q: Do you have a crush on anyone?
A: Not really. I should get a crush.

Q: What was the most perfect gift you ever received?
A: The opportunity to be a musician.

Q: What was the nicest thing you’ve ever done for your mom on Mother’s Day?
A: Took her to lunch and we took a really nice walk on a lovely day. We just spent some good time together.

Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: Sewing, knitting, writing, making pictures that no one else will ever see, walking, biking, yoga. That’s good, right?

Q: Describe your perfect day.
A: To get outside with my dog for a good long time, see friends, be creative and do things that I enjoy, make some music, learn something new.

Q: What’s something you refuse to eat?
A: Sugar. It’s really a gift that I give to the rest of the world — it makes me crazy.

Q: If you had to choose one word to describe your life, what would that word be?
A: Right now? Awakening.

Q: Do you have any messages for all your loyal fans?
A: Thank you!

—Alli Marshall, A&E reporter

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About Alli Marshall
Alli Marshall has lived in Asheville for more than 20 years and loves live music, visual art, fiction and friendly dogs. She is the winner of the 2016 Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize and the author of the novel "How to Talk to Rockstars," published by Logosophia Books. Follow me @alli_marshall

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