The Deadfly Ensemble Interviewed: The Part Band, Part Dada Theatrical Troupe Play Chinatown

Matt Pee

The Deadfly Ensemble is unlike anything you have seen before, possibly anything you will see again. Part band, part theatrical troupe, part Dada-inspired art collective, they like a fantasy of Berlin between world wars imagined by a team reared in the depths of the LA club scene.

Founded by Klaus Nomi-esque vocalist Lucas Lanthier, a performance artist/comedian well known for his work with post-punk-before-it-was-cool group Cinema Strange, and James Powell of Asyntax?, The Deadfly Ensemble also features former Scarlet's Remains members Marzia Rangel and Steven James (both currently playing Faith and the Muse) and hip-hop artist Dizhan Blu. Their shows have become a rare treat in town, as Lanthier is currently living in New York City.

The Deadfly Ensemble plays Eterno~Eternal at Roberto's in Chinatown Saturday night. We had the chance to interview the band by phone earlier this week.