CMJ Artists Dish On Their Party Essentials And Where To Find Them When They Aren't On The Stage

Band: Born Ruffians Who: Singer Luke Lalonde CMJ Show: Oct. 19, 11 p.m. at Brooklyn Bowl Link: www.bornruffians.com 1) How would you describe your personal style? Has it changed since Born Ruffians began? I’ve never had to describe it before, but I’d say Dad jeans, plain colors and Earth tones. Sometimes my girlfriend tells me I have nice style, but aside from that I don't think about it very much. I know what I like and don't like and often see others I think are cool and think "damn, I'll never look that cool," which is the basis and motivator for fashion, in my mind. I think my style's changed since the band began. When we started playing together we were 16 and decided it'd be a good idea to wear suits. They weren't cool suits though. They were the bargain, polyester, mismatched, baggy suits pieced together from value village and our Dad's closets. I think I'm cooler now. I think. 2) What can you not perform or party without? I definitely prefer to have at least two beers before I hit the stage and like to bring one up there with me. It's like going on a date. 3) Do you have a favorite place to shop in NYC? There are definitely things in New York that are much harder to find in Toronto. Certain brands, like APC, I really like and you can't find as easily here. But mostly I like to go to places like Uniqlo and Muji. I love those stores. 4) Do you have any pre-show rituals? None that have survived. I have tried in the past and we stuck to some of them for a time. We used to sing "Seven Bridges Road" by the Eagles, poorly, backstage before going on. We also used to huddle around the microphone before starting the show and chant this little rhyme. Now we just try and relax as much as possible, hangout, and drink a couple of beers and shoot the shit etc. 5) Where are people most likely to find you when you aren't playing? In my apartment. I spend a lot of time writing and watching movies here. Up until recently I might be in the recording studio working on stuff. If I go out in Toronto I like to go to Get Well and play video games, or places in my neighborhood in Parkdale/Roncesvalles. [Photo via]