All this month we are doing a special interview with bands to celebrate things they love. Today we are speaking to Joanie from the band American Ocelot about fantastic things.

What is an album that you love that you could listen to on repeat?

I’m an ‘80s-inspired club girl, so it is a toss up between New Order’s Power, Corruption and Lies and Madonna’s first self-titled album. My more modern obsession is Sugar’s Copper Blue which I still sometimes listen to all day-it always sounds fresh to me. The album that I love changes with my mood also.

Your favourite quote from a film?

I love science fiction movies so my favorite quote is “Do or do not, there is no try,” by Yoda in Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back. This particular quote makes me decide on the spot if I really want to do something because it’s not worth doing something halfway.

What instrument that you own is your favourite and why?

My favourite ‘new to me instrument’ is my Hello Kitty Squier Guitar. It is making me practice guitar more! Yeah, it’s helped me become more interested in guitar since I’m a piano player.

What is something you love about touring / playing shows?

I love playing for people whether there are two people or 200 people. Once I plug into the music and start sharing, I just want to keep going with it. Also, it is a great joy to play with the incredible musicians in my band-it’s really effortless and more about the energy we create together.Additionally

Additionally, I love playing out of town shows and meeting new people! There are some really interesting musicians in other bands – I often get tips about gear.

What food is your guilty pleasure?

I’m on a fairly limited diet when it comes to carbs and sugar so when I’m going to cheat a little I love a fresh pasta dish with homemade pasta, some fresh lemon, basil, cream and grated locatelli romano cheese (traditional alfredo); or some homemade bread-thick and crusty with French or Irish butter.My

My husband has a culinary degree and I started working with a chef when I was 16 so guilty pleasures change with the seasons and we are in winter right now.

Last season, I was spreading pistachio butter on fresh figs. With food, you never know what you are missing until you try the next flavor combination.

What is a television show that is your comfort blanket that you turn to on a rainy day?

I loved West Wing for a long time, but lately I’ve been watching Ted Lasso a lot and I can’t wait for the next incarnation! I played soccer all through college and my 20s and I really enjoy watching the premier league so Ted Lasso hits a lot of the right notes of nostalgia, fandom, great acting with some drama and comedy mixed in. My runner up was the series Black Mirror because I love sci-fi and I like the self contained episodes.

A superpower that you would love to have?

When I’m trying to open a jar, I wish I had super strength, when I’m running late for appointments or need more time for a deadline at work, I wish I was the Flash and when I’m birding, I wish I could see a little farther without the scope or binoculars.

I don’t really think about superpowers – I think about the future where people may become bionic cyborgs. We’re probably closer to getting some superpowers than we think.When

When I’m old and decrepit I would probably love to be able to walk around and have good mobility without all of the aches and pains-that would be SUPER.

Who is a band / artist that you love and feel is highly underrated?

I listen to a lot of alternative rock and pop music and my underrated artists change weekly. Right now, I feel like The Beths have not had a big breakthrough tour moment yet and I think The Marias are on the cusp of reaching a greater audience. This could change tomorrow. They are both fantastic bands who have reached some commercial success, but they are underrated.

Describe your perfect day?

A perfect day is a day that has an open schedule full of possibilities and no pressing commitments like work or deadlines. I would wake up without an alarm, enjoy a leisurely breakfast with coffee and then pick what museum or nature trail to visit for the day with my husband.After

After, stop off for a delicious bite at a place with a view or small plates and then go to Sunset Drive on Plum Island to watch the sun set weather permitting regardless of the season-it’s always stunning there. Drink it all in and go to bed early.

It could probably become an even better day if this happened on a tropical island during the winter here in Boston, but I’m not greedy.

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