ARLEIGH KINCHELOE

“MOXXI = BADASS!!!” By: Krysta Kearney Moxxi had the opportunity to chat with Brooklyn, NY based singer/songwriter Arleigh Kincheloe,...

“MOXXI = BADASS!!!”

By:  Krysta Kearney 
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Moxxi had the opportunity to chat with Brooklyn, NY based singer/songwriter Arleigh Kincheloe, the front woman of the critically acclaimed band, Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds.  Their fusion of soul, rock and funk has gained a well respected reputation across the country.  Having formed the band with her brother at the age of 18, she learned from a young age what it takes to be a fearless female.  For well over a decade now, Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds have played 1000’s of shows including widely knows festivals such as Bonnaroo and  Austin City Limits.  Their most recent Album, Gold (released in 2018) features a different style music then past albums.  The pop and soul vibe amplifies Kincheloe’s vocals with a new and energizing approach.  Between building a successful band, being a leading lady and having recently become a mother to two, Kincheloe has a whole lot of Moxxi.  Her bold ambitions and courageous attitude is truly an inspiration.  Kincheloe shared with us a bit of where her drive comes from.  So, lets learn from her, maybe we can bring some of that Moxxi into our own lives!  So what does Sister Sparrow have to say?!  

MOXXI COFFEE TALK WITH ARLEIGH KINCHELOE

You have an awesome energy about you and we love how you are able to connect with people on all platforms.  Any advice for people trying to do the same?
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​My favorite thing about performing is to be able to be my real and weird self. I think to connect to people you have to be authentic to yourself... cut the crap. The moment you try to fake something, people can tell. 

What keeps you motivated, how do you keep going when it’s hard?
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Usually it's the feeling I get from being on stage and the energy that radiates between the audience and those of us on stage. But in these "quiet" times of covid, I honestly have struggled with motivation.  With two young kids at home, as the primary caregiver, I have no time to work on music in the usual way. So my way of "keeping on" has been to sing really loudly along with The Lion King soundtrack with my kids. (Us here at Moxxi love this!)

What have been some of your obstacles or hardships, especially in terms or our male dominated society?
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​I've had some unacceptable things happen at shows.  Some people think they have some sort of "right" to access me because I've just been very vulnerable on stage for everyone.  It doesn't really make sense to me, but I've had more hands on me than I'd like to remember.  That's the tricky thing about being a woman who puts herself out there creatively. Some men read that as an invitation. It's messed up.  I'm really lucky that I always had a lot of "family" around me to keep me safe.  And those men are lucky that I didn't use my right hook to show them what's what!

What women inspire you?
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My mom has been my biggest inspiration overall.  She was a singer throughout my childhood and the main reason I started singing in the first place.  But now, in motherhood, I am truly inspired by how gracefully she did the hardest job in the world, raising (4) kids. 

Who are your biggest supporters?
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My brother has always been my main source of "fuel" and support in keeping things going.  But now my husband is also an immense source of support and spirit.  And of course, the people out there who love to listen to our music...the fans are surely the biggest supporters. 

What does the word Moxxi mean to you?
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Moxxi = badass.  It's such a strong word. It's also the name of our beloved agent's youngest child, Moxie Rose.  So when I think of that word, I think of love and strength. 

Any favorite quotes?
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"The Dude abides."  Because... yes.

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW TO HEAR THEIR HIT SINGLE, "GOLD."

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SET BREAK

How do you take your coffee?
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I used to drink my coffee black!  But when I was pregnant with my first son, suddenly I craved milk in my coffee.  That evolved into almond milk and these days I add some honey in there as well. I LOVE COFFEE.  Can't live without it. 

Do you and the band drink coffee on the road and do you have any typical coffee trends?
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Coffee is a huge thing for us on the road. We all need it.  Desperately.  It's on the rider.  My trumpet player, Phil, worked in a really lovely coffee shop in Brooklyn for many years and he's our "coffee connoisseur."  He travels with his own stash of whole beans, a hand grinder, a water boiler and pour-over system so that he always has good coffee. It's "Phil coffee" and it's the BEST COFFEE. I miss it! 

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CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO BELOW!  TINY DESK CONCERT

RECORD OF SOME OF KINCELOE'S MILESTONES, KILLIN' IT!

1987 - Born and raised int the Catskill Mountains in Upstate New York: began singing at the age of 9 with the influence of her parents being musicians

2008 - Formed Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds:  Her and her brother moved to NYC and began the band alongside their cousin and other members

2010 - First Album Released: Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds - almost a completely live recording from just one night at Avatar Studios in NYC

2011 - First nation wide tour

2012 - Second album: Pound of Dirt 

2013 - Fight EP - recorded with grammy award winner, Randy Jackson

2015 - The Weather Below - Every single song on this album was written by our Fearless Female, Arleigh Kincheloe!

2016 - Fowl Play - The band’s first totally live album, recorded at The Warehouse in Fairfield, Connecticut

2017 - Became a mother!

2018 - Gold - Most recently released and critically acclaimed album.  A soulful pop album, most recent album

2019 - Toured and performed live during pregnancy with her second child.  (Totally badass)

Looking forward to flying with these dirty birds and seeing where their journey takes them next!  
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​If You would like to help the Moxxi Women's Foundation Celebrate Ambitious Women who are the champions of their own story please Donate Today!!  Click below.