Republica

Just ask Saffron, the lead singer of the hot new techno-rock band Republica, how to have it all and still remain level-headed. With a broken phone in her London apartment, she headed down to a phone booth on first street to make good on her interview commitments with journalists in the States. Londoners got an unexpected photo-op of the talented and stunningly beautiful vocalist, who didn’t miss a beat when an old lady questioned, “Love, how long do you plan on being on the phone?”

Of course, Saffron attracts stares and whispers everywhere she goes, dating back to her days in N Joi. “I sang in that band when the rave scene was really big here,” she commented. She is also noted for her involvement with The Shamen. “They’ve always been really supportive of me,” she said. During a U.S tour a few years back, members of The Shamen petitioned Saffron to open up for them on a week’s worth of dates, to which she accepted. “It was just me on my own. The songs were basically just heavy techno tracks,” she commented. The next time she would perform in America was with Republica at an industry show for RCA Records, who eventually released the band’s self-titled album in the states.

Prior to RCA’s involvement, the U.K.’s famous indie/dance label DeConstruction was first to realize Republica’s potential, and offered the group a deal after only hearing a one-song demo tape. “They just let us get on with it,” Saffron explained, which meant going back to the studio, recording more tracks.

“We’ve got our own studio,” she excitedly commented, where she and her cohorts tend to spend an obscene amount of time. “Oh, we’re ridiculous. We’re very finicky,” she explained, when it comes time to record new songs.

Although not in the spotlight, the other members of Republica have interesting backgrounds as well. Keyboardist Andy Todd is a well known producer, with Bjork in his list of credits. Dave Barborossa (drums) used to play with Bow Wow Wow and Adam Ant. Keyboardist Tim Dorney was formerly of Flowered Up, and guitarist Johnny Male brought a history of varied guitar work to the mix.

“Because everyone’s done different things, we’ve all got different experiences to draw upon,” Saffron noted. She explains her penchant towards being the spotlighted member of the band, saying, “I just happen to be standing in front.”

Emphatically stating that Republica “is definitely a band,” Saffron admitted to seeking press coverage that leans toward “as much of the band as a whole as can be projected. We’re a republic.”

As for the attention she receives based on her looks, she cooly assessed, “If it’s going to help the band along, then great!” Republica kicks off their first major tour of the States at the CMJ convention in New York City the first week of September. From there, they pick up a tour with Gravity Kills, which takes them all over the East Coast and into Texas. West Coast dates are planned for November. “I love to tour,” Saffron gushed. She explained that the band has been preparing for the upcoming tour for months. “We like to have things perfect because our live set is so complicated. We have so many techno beats. It’s quite hard getting it together.”

Saffron says she expects “a few hiccups” during the tour, but is overall thrilled about the opportunity to perform for so many new fans. With Republica’s radio smash “Ready To Go,” it won’t be long until Saffron’s likeness is adorning the walls of teenage Americans, in the same way she had Siouxsie and Debbie Harry on hers. —Ami Kay Spishock 

Read more from the SLUG Archives:
Syd Straw
Drill

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