Artists in their own words: Molly Portier from Blonde Roses

Blonde Roses (Photo by: Andrew Hays Villarreal)

Who: Molly Portier

What: Musician in Blonde Roses

Where: Bucktown, by Lakeview

Q: What is a life routine you wish you could get rid of?

MP: Oh man, definitely laundry. I don’t know what it is about it, but it’s the worst. I have a mountain of clean clothes sitting in a bin just patiently waiting to get folded and put away.

Q: Who would you say always has your back?

MP: My parents. They are absolutely fantastic, and I am so lucky to have them. They are constantly inspiring me to follow my dreams, and at the end of the day, I can always count on them to be there for me.

I’ve always had a really strong relationship with them, but when I told them I wanted to go into the Music Industry Studies program at Loyola for college, it made me really aware of how much they truly support me. It’s a really risky career to pursue, but they were there for me, cheering me on every step of the way.

Currently, I am working as an independent contractor for music festivals and events around the city, and in that situation, you have to really work for your next gig. I kind of love that – the hustle. It keeps things interesting, and my office is in a new city and place every time I work. I don’t think I was really made for the 9 to 5 job, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Q: How do you adjust with the changing dynamics in a band or within the music world itself?

MP: The music world is constantly changing and this is something I knew I would have to adapt to. I’ve changed a lot in the past few years, and I think musicians and artists naturally go through that with their music as well. You get to constantly tap into new personal territory and really find yourself. It’s really amazing and I don’t think I’d be the person I am today if it weren’t for my music.

In a weird way, even though I like this changing environment, I am also one of those people that loves order and routine. Sometimes it can be really tough for me to push myself out of that comfort zone. Yet, when it comes to booking gigs and getting the band organized, you have to have those organization skills, so I am glad that this industry appeals to both sides of me.

Q: What is the best news you’ve had this month?

MP: I actually found out just earlier this month that I was working this music festival called BottleRock in California that I just got back home from. I had never been to the West coast, so it was incredibly exciting to head out that way. One of my good friends moved out to San Francisco a couple of years ago, and I have never been able to visit her. It was super rad that I was able to work and also make a mini vacation out of it to spend time with her.

Q: When do you find yourself wanting to take a photograph?

MP: When I’m in a new place. Whenever I am traveling or in a new location and I see something beautiful that I don’t get to see everyday, I feel the need to capture that moment.

I am one of those people that still prints out photos and frames them. Right now, I’m in the process of moving, and I definitely have tons of boxes of photographs, but there is nothing out or on the walls yet. I don’t have a hierarchy when it comes to hanging photos either. I simply go one box at a time, and whatever comes out goes up.

You can hear Molly Portier, along with the rest of the Blonde Roses band, at Gasa Gasa on June 7. You can also check out their music and learn more about the band on their website, Facebook, and Instagram.