The Infamous HER Talks “Be My Lover”

“Infamous” may be their chosen descriptor, but arguably, there are a few words that better capture the flourishing, infectious creative spirit of this sharp collective. Words like uninhibited or enthralling might be more fitting for the band in their current chapter, as The Infamous HER continues to weave unpredictability deep into their identity. Over the last fifteen years, they have only doubled down on their mission, inviting listeners to “expect the unexpected” (and genuinely mean it) all while pushing themselves to expand their sonic horizons and explore terrains only they could pull off. Coming up in the Lower East Side underground, spearheaded by the captivating Monique Staffile, the group has always taken pride in making bold moves and following its instincts wherever they lead, including planting its New York City roots firmly in Nashville. With imagination and passion as their guide, their sound knows no borders or boundaries, a rare slice of fresh expression pulsing with attitude and playfulness. Unapologetically, the band strives to raise its own bar, beckoning listeners to revel in the pure joy of making music alongside them.

Written in a rental house while on tour and revived nearly fifteen years later, “Be My Lover” takes off from a deep, fuzzy bassline that pulls listeners through the doors of one of those scrappy New York joints the band frequented in their early days, where a fiery frontwoman and her animated crew blow out the speakers and tear the house down in one fell swoop. Even a band defined by its unpredictability can knock it out of the park with a taste of classic, undistilled rock and roll. The story is cut and dry, easy to enjoy: this narrator has sniffed out the lies in her lover’s adoring sentiments, certain that his declarations of love “don′t mean a thing.” But she’s no lover scorned. With two hands on the mic and a fire in her eyes, she takes control, pointing to the dance floor and daring them to earn her back. Her commands ring out into the night, answered by choruses of electric guitars and the driving, relentless pulse keeping rock’s heartbeat very much alive.

Enthusiasts like The Infamous HER recognize rock’s intangible power to light up the heart and the soul. Those who chase the feeling of being swept away by a musical current crave the chance to stand at the epicenter of something ferocious, to feel the kick of the drum deep in their chest, and to leave their problems out of sight and out of mind. The “Be My Lover” music video puts viewers right in the eye of the storm, spinning them around their recording studio with a 360-degree camera as they rip into an electrifying performance. At first glance, it may seem like they’re sticking to the garage rock status quo, mirroring the “back to basics” appeal of the song, but not everything is as it seems. Adorning an impeccable mustache, with her male counterparts embellished with pigtails and flouncy attire, Staffile and her crew inject the scene with a sense of youthful invincibility, their hunger for a good time bound to rub off on anyone watching.

How has the band evolved since the last time we spoke?

We evolve every single day, new experiences feed new ideas and songs.

You’ve built your identity around unpredictability. How do you keep that alive in your process?

I always aim for “plan the unexpected”, I also live by and perform by the motto “don’t give them what they want, give them what they need”. So just when an audience thinks they have me and the band “pinned,” i like to switch it up. It keeps it fresh and interesting.

Moving from the Lower East Side to Nashville, what changed for you creatively, if anything?

Well, I talk to the birds more and listen to the skies. There is a calm and peaceful energy in Nashville compared to NYC. I’m not sure, I’d rather that..But it’s fun to switch up the environment. I don’t think “i” changed much. You are who you are, no matter where you’re standing. I guess I just bring my NYC vibe and energy to Nashville, instead of Nashville bringing anything to me.

“Be My Lover” was written years ago and revisited later. What made you return to it now?

We always loved the song, but being a songwriter, you’re constantly writing and coming up with new ideas, new lyrics, and new songs. Sometimes, the better ones are just right there all along. When we wrote the song, Myspace was “Social Media”. So, I felt it never got its day to shine. We wanted to re-record it and give it a second chance.

The track leans into a classic rock feel. What led you in that direction?

8 beers and a bottle of whiskey. Strumming guitars with the band and hanging out all together. It just came on like a hurricane.

The song deals with calling out dishonesty in a relationship. What inspired that story?

I’ve had, we have all felt or questioned honesty in a relationship, so lyrically the words are pretty simple and to the point. Am I singing it to an ex-partner, an ex-boss, and an ex-friend? YES!

Monique, how do you approach leading the energy of a track like this in the studio and live?

We record our albums in our house, which has a built-out studio. For this track and to really capture the energy, we all played LIVE together and recorded it. I record better with an audience, even if it’s just the band. Our energies together create magic, as opposed to being isolated and alone.

What was it like filming the 360-degree video in your studio?

It felt like home, cause it was. That same room is where we recorded the track, and then just blacked out the walls with curtains, and it felt comfortable. A 360 video is interesting because, technically, the camera is always on you. It’s up to the director and editor to find those moments to keep. Sean Coberley – Sorensen, who directed and edited the video, did an amazing job at finding each band member’s “special” moments.

The styling in the video is playful and unexpected. How did those ideas come together?

I pulled the idea from The New York Dolls, whom I have always admired for their style. But wanted to reverse it for myself. Since the song is right to the point, why not make a video that’s not so “straightforward”?

What do you want listeners to take away when they hear “Be My Lover” and get into your world?

My world is full of Fun, playfulness, and not taking anything too seriously. I hope the listener can relate and just live in the rock moment.

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