Collective Scream presents: a conversation with Iridescent pools
Dean Fiorellini @darkroom.dean
Iridescent Pools is a Staten Island-based band with a sound that combines riot grrrl, post-punk, grunge and alternative. We chatted with Samantha Gogarty, bassist and vocalist in the band, who also organizes the super cool annual music and arts festival, She Shreds.
Iridescent Pools will be kicking off the Collective Scream Benefit Show on Saturday, November 22 at The Gutter in Brooklyn, with all ticket proceeds benefiting NYSYLC. This is the first undocumented youth-led organization in New York with a mission to empower immigrant youth.
Iridescent Pools released their self-titled debut EP in October of last year. We recommend checking out the killer song Chew You Up to familiarize yourself and get ready to rock out! Learn about their most memorable NYC shows, other musical projects, and why they think music can be powerful during these turbulent times.
Why is supporting this month’s organization, NYSYLC, important to you, or what made you want to get involved with Collective Scream?
We are so excited and grateful to be included in such a cool event. Mutual aid is so essential right now. As young artists living in NYC, we definitely have all experienced financial struggles, but because we have experienced it firsthand, we can recognize our own privilege and we want to give back in any way we can. We also love that this event is benefiting an organization that uplifts immigrant youth, who deserve to live happy and fulfilling lives like everyone else.
I love playing benefit shows. I never really expect payment, we do this for the love of music and the scene, so using the platform to organize a food drive and raise funds for grassroots organizations is amazing. Thank you Collective Scream, NYSYLC, and CHiPS for the work you’re doing!
How do you think music can be and is important during turbulent times?
I’ve realized recently that music has been the one consistent thing throughout my entire life, and it’s been present in many different forms. Music, especially picking up an instrument and playing surrounded by people you love, is incredibly healing and fulfilling. Music also unites us as listeners whether we resonate with lyrics or just the emotion conveyed through sound.
What is one unique thing about being an artist in the NYC scene right now?
We are so incredibly lucky to be a part of the current scene in NYC. I feel like the current climate is one where we can all recognize and appreciate each other's talent and work together. Nobody is competing, we’re all doing this as a team, learning from each other. Supporting other artists, showing up, sharing their music, buying merch, etc. is how we’ve gotten as far as we have. Making new connections is the best part of this. We’ve also been able to develop relationships with other scenes in Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, and beyond because of our location. We are sooo grateful lol.
What have been some memorable experiences playing local or DIY shows?
There are so many cool shows going on here every day. Some of our most memorable shows have been at Wonderville with our friends Indeyevid, organized by Navy East. Playing in an arcade moshing with our best friends was so fun and we can’t wait to play that spot again. Our local radio station in Staten Island, Maker Park Radio, also had us play at Punk Rock Mini-Golf this year.
They put on amazing shows the whole summer and we made so many incredible friends volunteering there. I also organize an annual music and arts festival, She Shreds, which highlights women and lgbtq+ skaters and creators. We brought together almost 20 acts over two days at our local skatepark with the help of our friends Grandma’s House Records.
What surprises or challenges can come with being a local musician in NYC?
Mostly transportation costs and getting a crowd on a weeknight! But we try to focus on the good haha
Any other local bands that you would love to share a bill with?
Ohhh it’s crazy because we’ve been fortunate enough to play with a lot of the bands I would have listed here already. Some that come to mind are Frida Kill, Darwin Deez, A Place to Bury Strangers, Shaggo, 95 Bulls .
If you had to get a nyc specific niche tattoo what would it be?
Crazy that all I can even conceive right now is pizza rat, so i guess that lol
Please let us know about any new or upcoming releases, tours, or other projects we should be on the lookout for:
We are going to be recording very soon!! We have a few shows planned in Pennsylvania and Connecticut so far for next year. Oh boy other projects, there’s too many to count. Sam (our vocalist and bassist) also plays in Shirthole, a NJ-based punk band. Joey Patches on drums also has a goth-pop project called REZT LES (seltzer backwards he’s crazy for that). Matt (curly hair guitarist lol) has a dope punk project calld Deadendz (Sam plays bass in this project as well :P). Gibe (legendary guitarist) is in a ton of projects right now. He’s got a kooky solo project going and plays in Our Own Yokos, Sibilancezz, Marblemouth, Dolly, many more, he really needs to stop doing that lol. We promo all of our projects through Pools so stay tuned.
