Queen of Jeans caught my eye (ear?) within the first ten seconds of the opening track on their debut album, Dig Yourself. We did a premiere here on Uproxx for their song “More To Love,” which I called at the time “a modern take on the doo-wop sounds of the mid-twentieth century… Although clearly taking inspiration from the rock and roll sounds of yesteryear, Queen Of Jeans have made the style completely their own, crafting a sound that is both welcoming and challenging.”
Now, the Philadelphia trio is getting to release If You’re Not Afraid, I’m Not Afraid, which fine-tunes the sounds present on their debut and filters them through the studio wizardry of Will Yip. The result is eleven empowering tracks that don’t stray away from vulnerability, putting vocalist Miriam Devora’s story on full display.
To celebrate the upcoming release, Devora sat down to talk favorite hotels, Ariana Grande, and the My Favorite Murder podcast in the latest Indie Mixtape 20 Q&A.
What are four words you would use to describe your music?
30, flirty, and, thriving.
Years from now, how do you hope people will remember your work?
If they are remembering it years from now and fondly that’s honestly good enough for me!
What’s your favorite city in the world to perform?
We all kinda love different ones – I really like Chicago, [guitarist] Mattie [Glass] tends to like outliers like small cities in Florida or Albuquerque lol – [drummer] Patrick [Wall] just likes any venue that has a fog machine.
Who’s the person who has most inspired your work, and why?
Most recently I would have to say my mom, and this new album is dedicated to her and she’s the cutie on the cover.
Where did you eat the best meal of your life?
Miss Rachel’s Pantry in South Philly!! She does these insanely delicious vegan 5 course meals that I dream about daily.
What album do you know every word to?
My Maudlin Career by Camera Obscura.
What was the best concert you’ve ever attended?
This is too hard to narrow down but recent ones that come to mind are Lucius/Pure Bathing Culture and Lorde/Mitski.
What is the best outfit for performing and why?
One of these days I will try to pull off the On Stage Sweat Pant.
Who’s your favorite person to follow on Twitter and/or Instagram?
Field Mouse on Twitter and Captain Sandy from Below Deck Med on Instagram.
What’s your most frequently played song in the van on tour?
It’s probably “Meet Virginia” by Train but only because we’ve had an ongoing feud with each other about that song for years.
What’s the last thing you Googled?
“Netflix good lesbian movie nobody dies.”
What album makes for the perfect gift?
I don’t think I’ve ever met someone that doesn’t love Lizzo and if they exist I probably don’t want to give them a gift.
Do you have a favorite hotel you enjoy staying at when you tour?
I don’t really, but Patrick loves Doubletree because they give you a cookie and Mattie loves the Holiday Inn because she has sweet childhood memories of family vacations staying there.
What’s the story behind your first or favorite tattoo?
I have a tattoo of a piece by the artist Laura Berger called “Shelter” that I love, it’s one of the only “for me” tattoos I have because most of my other tattoos are for my loved ones.
What artists keep you from flipping the channel on the radio?
Ariana Grande mostly so I can diva out in the car.
What’s the nicest thing anyone has ever done for you?
Mattie once surprised me with a trip to North Carolina for my birthday to see a live showing of the My Favorite Murder podcast and I cried, drank so much wine, and purchased one of my favorite t-shirt’s ever from their merch table.
What’s one piece of advice you’d go back in time to give to your 18-year-old self?
You don’t have to date men.
What’s the last show you went to?
Jenny Lewis and Death Cab For Cutie.
What movie can you not resist watching when it’s on TV?
A League Of Their Own.
What would you cook if Kanye were coming to your house for dinner?
A slice of humble pie.
If You’re Not Afraid, I’m Not Afraid is out 8/23 on Topshelf Records. Pre-order here and check out the band’s upcoming tour dates here.
