Rocked and Loaded

Mish Barber-Way might be best known as the ferocious lead singer and lyricist of White Lung—one of the best punk rock bands of this millennium, and a regularly reviewed favourite of Rolling Stone and Pitchfork magazines—but the Vancouver-born, LA-based musician doesn’t mince words off stage, either.

From her tough-talking feminist advice on sex and relationships in the local alt-weekly, Westender, to her raw and honest articles for VICE, The Guardian, Rookie, and i-D, the 31-year-old powerhouse (and Vogue September issue alum) is a modern day rock icon with life experience to spare.

We caught up with Way fresh off her performance of White Lung’s acclaimed 2016 release, Paradise, at the Polaris Prize gala in TO to talk fashion, vices, and keeping things sane on the road. —Kelsey Klassen

The biggest names in music are almost always fashion icons, whether they mean to be or not. Why does fashion have such a powerful influence in music?

Costume is essential in performance. That’s why fashion is important to music. Being on stage, you’re exposing one very specific extension of yourself. Style and fashion is a great way to embody that and amp that up and really give yourself that extra boost to feel good. People are staring at you on stage, so you want to look and feel the best you can so you put on a better performance. I used to have a really big issue with fashion, because I never had any money and I had to be creative with it. I would just feel so frustrated with it. I wanted what I couldn’t have. When you follow the rules you feel frustrated but then you realize no one who’s got great style follows every single rule. I’ve got a few rules, and they are pretty basic and conservative.

Your look is an integral part of your persona on stage. What is your fashion philosophy? 

The outfit has to feel like you. If you are uncomfortable, it will show. You’ll squirm like a six-year-old in a party dress she hates.

You write often in your advice column about some hard-partying days and bad decisions past. Do you live a healthier life now, and have things changed at all in the music industry? Is it hard to balance? 

Being a drug-addled sprite who lives free with a bottle of whiskey in her bag and a cigarette hanging out her mouth is cute until you are about 27 years old. I’m not in my early 20s anymore. Acting out my arrested development into my 30s would be….pathetic. I recently quit smoking, too. I’m three weeks and two days. Look, I want to live as long as I can. I want a family, one day. The last and only vice that will always be hard for me to give up is alcohol, especially on tour. I have given up a lot of things, but they were all bad for me.

How do you maintain a healthy lifestyle on the road. Any tips?

Drink lots of water and sleep. Get off your phone and read. Bring four books on every tour and enjoy them.

Do you follow fashion trends? If so, what do you have your eye on for fall?

I’m not big on following trends. I like what I like. Also, I live in Southern California, so “fall” isn’t a thing. I gave up my seasons.

What’s your favourite Vancouver shop?

I don’t know if I have a favorite Vancouver shop, but Anita Sikma jewelry is the most original and beautiful Vancouver-made line.

Favourite designer right now?

I am really into Noe Garments. Their designer gifted me an amazing package of pieces from their line. The fabrics are gorgeous and the shapes really feminine and sexy. Lingerie wear that you can bring into day wear, too. I also love my glasses and sunglasses from Jacques Marie Mage.

Dream splurge item? 

I have so many. Leopard platforms by Maison Margiela. Anything by Ann Demeulemeester. I’m a big fan of Roberto Cavalli, too. My designer friend let me borrow her leopard cape by Cavalli for my (horrible) performance at the Polaris. I had lost my voice the day before, so it was a nightmare, but at least my outfit looked great. 

What’s your most sentimental wardrobe item?

My vintage sheepskin coat. It belonged to my mother and was a graduation present from her grandfather, or dzadzi (in Polish.) I’ve been wearing it since high school. It’s in perfect condition and very unique. All my furs are really special, as is most of the vintage my grandmother and mother have passed down to me. Also, my pony hair ankle boots by Ann Demeulemeester and my YSL motorcycle boots.

For the rest of the interview, pick up a copy of VITA along Alberni street in Vancouver or view the digital edition online.

Images: Mandy-Lyn