In the mid-80s, Maraschino might be the spunky Susan, desperately seeking love in a loveless town or the carefree Nikki Finn (from Who’s That Girl?), accused of murdering her boyfriend but somehow finding a rollicking adventure out of it. Actually, Madonna is a good place to start with Maraschino, the brainchild of Piper Durabo, the bloodied but unbowed LA cult figure—think Eve Babitz with a synthesizer—whose music weaves the strange tales of an unfiltered outsider popstar arch-hero in the midst of societal collapse.
How did this title come about? Any real life events or anecdotes behind this track?
The title “Hi Desire” is pretty straightforward- desire is off the charts around these parts. Without throwing myself under the bus, I will say contrast is a great definer of desires – that is to say the more you get what you don’t want, the greater your understanding of what you do want becomes. I’ve spent the vast majority of my life not getting what I want, so I’m pretty much an expert in the field!
How do you feel now that’s it out? Do you feel this is some of your best work?
I feel great. A lot of crazy things have happened personally and in the world since I started making this album, so it’s mostly just nice to be here, ya know?
How would you describe your style in a few words?
Sexy, synth-y, sublime..
What is the most fulfilling thing about what you do?
Probably the writing and production aspect. I love all of it, but this part usually allows me to eat a weed gummy and play synths all day in my apartment with my dog by my side.
Tell us what was your first exposure to music and how it changed your life
As a toddler in the late 80’s I used to pile on all of my mom’s costume jewelry and make up and twirl around our loft to her Madonna “Truth or Dare” VHS, so that probably set me on this trajectory a little bit
