Razor Braids Makes Grand Rapids Debut
Article by Isabel Dowell
Photo by Isabel Dowell
Razor Braids, a queer, femme, non-binary rock band from Brooklyn, NY, opened for Worriers in Grand Rapids, Michigan on October 18, 2023. Known for their self-awareness, dynamic instrumentation, and soaring harmonies, all to the tune of a 90s alternative sound, Razor Braids is a four-piece band that is ready to take on anything that gets thrown their way. Hollye Bynum (Lead Vocals/Bass), Janie Peacock (Lead Guitar), Jillian Karande (Vocals/Rhythm Guitar), and Sidney Nichols (Drums) took the stage clothed in red - their signature color - and played an unforgettable show for their Grand Rapids debut.
Thirteen Magazine was able to interview Razor Braids before their set and learn more about who they are, what they stand for, and what’s to come!
Razor Braids is dedicated to creating an atmosphere that allows other queer, femme, and nonbinary individuals to have fun and feel accepted. Having these labels attached to their music not only describes who they are as a band, but emulates the way that they, and many others who identify similarly, move through and navigate the world around them. Their experiences, the way they write, and even the way they approach each and every show relates back to who they are all individually.
Even as individuals, this group dazzles audiences with bright red, matching outfits showing the power they produce as a unit. Prior to the pandemic, they each adopted a different pastel color and exclusively wore those on stage. They’ve always had some concept to relate back to, all pastels, all black, all white, etc. It wasn’t until one specific show they decided to try an all red color scheme and the feedback they received was incredible.
“We all genuinely love thrifting and vintage shopping. For our first tour, we went to tons of different thrift shops and had two gigantic garbage bags full of red clothes. That’s what we would do during our free time in each different city.” - Hollye Bynum
“I think it was also a really good way to see the cities we were in and explore.” - Jillian Karande
New York City allowed Razor Braids to find the community of music they fit into most. While some of their songs bend the rules of specific genres, they found themselves a prominent spot in the rock scene of Brooklyn. However, Bynum mentions that people often question where they belong. “We love finding bands we identify with and being able to play with them has been a journey. Even though we might not be seen as a punk band, we'll be playing alongside one and that’s cool for us! It really brings a different energy. New York is New York. It’s a hustling city and we are a hustling band,” Hollye went on to say.
While their stop in Grand Rapids was part of a smaller run of shows opening for Worriers, Razor Braids is about to embark on a headlining tour in November. This isn’t their first time, however. They’re no strangers to touring and have shared the stage with some iconic names in music. For what’s to come, they hope to share their music with brand new audiences and visit cities they’ve never been to before. Razor Braids truly value each opportunity they’ve been given and call every chance they get to share their music as something very special to them.
Keeping things in the Razor Braids crew, guitarist Janie Peacock is responsible for designing, sourcing, and printing all of their merch. From t-shirts and posters, to socks and underwear. Yes, underwear! It all came from the brain of the talented Peacock. At any Razor Braids show, Hollye will convince you that you need a pair of their underwear, because who doesn’t need a fresh pair? She’s right, you can totally pass on a t-shirt, but the underwear? Not a chance!
Looping back, Razor Braids released their debut album, I Could Cry Right Now If You Wanted Me To, in 2021. While they couldn’t disclose the projects they’ve been working on, but wanted to let fans know that “things are definitely brewing”. At the time of our interview, their cover of Weezer’s “Buddy Holly” was their top streamed song on Spotify. Thirteen Magazine can confirm that their cover has made it to Weezer. After a fourteen day streak of tweeting at Rivers Cuomo, he finally responded with: Yooooo. That's insane, 14 days.? I've actually heard. I'm diggin the tune, it's totally fire (fire emoji) Keep up the good work. Go in on it, y'know?? (rock n roll emoji) (thumbs up emoji)”
Outside of Weezer, Razor Braids named a slew of other musical inspirations that play a role in who they are as musicians, how they play, and what they want to sound like. From the punk side of The Cure and Blink-182, to female pop icons such as Lorde and Phoebe Bridgers, before wrapping it all together with the country likes of The Chicks, Razor Braids isn’t afraid to experiment with every aspect of the music world.
Going forward, they are excited for what the future holds. They are always looking for new challenges and new ways to share their music. Whether you’re coming to a Razor Braids show as a long-time fan, or you’re just hearing their music for the very first time, they hope you find a connection within their music.
