Music Style: on set with Accost
October 13th, 2009 | Published in Music Style
Words by Maria. Photos by Lumondo.
The stylish also roam in musical places, and this time, String Magazine found four such individuals who happen to hang out making music together. Each stylish in their own way, Chantelle, Blair, Uway, and Vik make up the band Accost. Their sound is very much electro-rock, with the melancholy of Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark and Durutti Column, and the power of Crystal Castles and Chromatics. They played at String’s anniversary event and continue to play many shows around town, creating and growing in their musical talents right here in Vancouver.
We asked all four members, in whose stars we fittingly see stardom, a few questions about their personal style and what it’s like to be who they are. Here’s what they had to say.
What is your favourite part about being in a band?
Chantelle- Hands down, writing music. I love the writing process.
Blair- Writing. It’s very exciting when you’re working on a new song and all the pieces begin to fall together into something that sounds great. Also, playing live and LOUD is very energizing.
Vik- Performing songs live and hearing the reaction of a crowd get louder and louder as the set goes on. That definitely gives you the feeling you’re doing something right.
Uway- Being able to perform in front of people.
When on stage, what are some tactics you use to not get nervous?
Chantelle- I try to remind myself that performing isn’t personal. It’s not about me when I’m on stage, it’s about connecting people with our music.
Blair- Before heading on stage, taking 5 minutes to relax and have a beer seems to calm the nerves.
If I’m nervous while on stage, I try to focus on just the music and try my best to forget that so many people are watching.
Vik- I honestly don’t really get nervous anymore.
Uway- Taking off my glasses so I don’t see anyone.
How do you choose what to wear for a show?
Blair- My style doesn’t differ too much from what I wear on a normal day… I’ll try to not wear the same thing as a previous show, though. I like to switch it up if I can.
Chantelle- I usually choose things that I would wear in my everyday life. I’m most comfortable that way. 
Vik- I simply ask the band what they’re going to wear and then i try to put something together that can fit with the “theme”.
Uway- I don’t really choose something just for the show, I usually wear whatever style I’m into at the time. (For now I’m into Ultraman Hello Kitty).
Is there an item of clothing or accessory you never go on stage without?
Chantelle- I have a couple of rings that I rarely leave the house without. They definitely follow me onto the stage.
Vik- Headphones (in-ear monitors)… With out them I feel naked when I perform.
Uway- My keys… Lots of them.
What are some of your favourite clothing stores to shop in?
Vik- I would say Levis store. Other than that most of my shirts are from concerts I’ve been to.
Uway- Old Navy, Army and Navy and Value Village.
How about local boutiques or brands?
Chantelle- I like to stop by Dream every now and then, I’m always excited about their accessories. I am in love with my resin necklace by Bianca Barr and I’ve seen her bow tie necklaces catching on around town. I also have a couple Gentle Fawn tops that are past favourites. I have to give kudos to Marcy Ross of Morena Clothing as well. She made me a piece for the String Magazine Spotlight, a Kimono top, and it has some great detailing. It has the coolest tail! I don’t know if I’m supposed to call it a tail.
How would you describe your personal style?
Chantelle- Lazy… erm, I mean, laid back. I think I tow the line in terms of current trends–I’m always keeping an eye out for new ‘must have’ pieces. I’ve noticed that a lot of my outfits are pretty androgynous. Every now and then I’ll throw on a great dress to redeem myself.
Blair- Very casual… skinny jeans, t-shirts, and 80’s sneakers… I love 80’s sneakers.
Vik- Casual. Skater/rock style, I guess?
Uway- Nerdy-hardcore!
Which member of the band is the most stylish?
Uway- Chantelle. She also has more clothes than the three of us combined.
Blair- Chantelle!
Vik- Hmm… I would say Chantelle or Uway.
Chantelle- Blair wore a sweet pair of denim boots while we were practicing once. Just for that, I’ll give him the honour of most stylish.
Who do you think would be the first to agree to play a show in sweat pants? (Or in other words, which member is the least stylish?)
Blair- Everyone has their own style… I don’t think anyone would agree to do a show in sweat pants!
Chantelle- (Laughs). That’s an evil question.
Vik- Myself or Blair I would say.
Uway- Blair and Vik. But personally I think sweat pants are very stylish!
How about the one who would agree to play naked? (Or in other words, which member has the most care-free style?)
Blair- I have a feeling the rest of the band is going to choose me… (laughs).
Chantelle- Blair has been known to show a midriff during practice–I’m not sure we could convince him to play naked though. Might take a couple of Manhattans.
Uway- I don’t think any of us would…but if I had to choose, probably Blair…
Vik- (Laughs). Probably me because I can hide behind my drums. Maybe Blair (he does have a habit of exposing his stomach at practice).
In your experience, what piece of clothing or accessory makes the “finishing touch” on an outfit?
Uway- A jacket, definitely.
Chantelle- I’m always noticing necklaces and belts on people, they can really make an outfit.
Vik- For me… Probably a toque (laughs).
Blair- Shoes!
What would you wear if you were playing your first big show at, say, the Commodore Ballroom?
Chantelle- Egad, I have no idea. Ask me the day of the show, right after I’ve bought something at the last minute.
Blair- Not really sure, I’d probably keep my same style, but maybe add something to it.
Vik- I’d have to do some shopping for that one.
Uway- The same thing I’d wear to any other shows, really.
