“Momo came to NYC after graduating in 2012 at Brown University. She always knew she wanted to work in the arts, but New York was only meant to be a stop over. By day she works at Printed Matter, Inc., the non-profit organization for artists’ books and related publications, where she is in charge of fundraising, by night she works on music. ”
Dress, Vintage; Shoes, Topshop; Top, Uniqlo.
ON HER MORNING ROUTINE
I wake up at 8:30, dress up, drink a smoothie or have some fruit for breakfast, try to make some time to write emails, check the news, do whatever personal or research reading I’m doing that week. I’ll pick up my coffee from either Swallow Cafe or Express Yourself.
on discovering her talent
I’ve been singing forever by singing to jazz standards on the home stereo and then choir and a jazz band in high school. I started writing songs on guitar at 15.
It feels much more fulfilling to think of songwriting as more than chords and melodies and lyrics, and think instead about how a particular sound sample or drum pattern strengthens, complements, informs the songwriting process.
“The pacing of moving from the ‘70s images to the ‘90s, the personal narration Araki provides about his experience dealing with his wife’s death, the rhythm of the images that sometimes grows quiet when his text stops and you just see streets, playgrounds, rooftops, vignettes from his daily walk to the hospital. That kind of thing kills me, and has a rhythm and intimacy that feels really unique.”
on her makeup routine
Make-up wise, I use MAC Mineral Powder, Maybelline Brown Eyeshadow to fill in my brows, Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, NARS lip color topped with Nivea lip balm, and gloss from Japan that’s so good. But they don't sell it in the States!
on her skincare routine
I wash, tone, and moisturize with Naive Peach Face Wash, Kiehl’s Ultra Oil-Free Toner, and Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer. I also recommend Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, Kiehl's Amino Acid Conditioner, Kiehl's Amino Acid Shampoo, L'Occitane Stick Deodorant, Trader Joe's Vitamin C Complex.
on one of her favorite books
I love what The Wire Primers stands for: being omnivorous in consuming music that ranges from the popular to the experimental, and having an almost pedagogical approach that encourages people to learn the backstory and think critically about the music and where it came from.
on her shopping habits
Zara is kind of my go-to to get my fix when I want something new. Their stuff fits me well. I also have a good hoard of vintage and thrift things from when I was more into fashion in high school in the bay area. My favorite thing right now is probably my Topshop choker that I’ve been wearing with everything.
Top, Uniqlo; Pants, H&M
Top, MM6; Pants, H&M.
momo's FAVORITE BOOKS
Diary Sentimental Journey by Nobuyoshi Araki, The Wire Primers by Rob Young, Agonistics: Thinking the World Politically by Chantal Mouffe
momo's favorite places IN NYC
Ootoya and Izakaya for Japanese Food
Five Leaves for a Weekday Dinner
Morgenstern's for Ice Cream after the New Museum
