Nothing shakes up Duluth’s undergarments like a bunch of raucous boozers marauding the streets and establishments during our much cherished week of Homegrown. It’s a blessing as much as a privilege. Speaking of privileges, today I sit here with Duluth’s very own Sullie J. Fields-- musician, provocateur, and general maniac--to discuss his new visual media/ sound collage solo-side-project, Bad Miranda, whose sultry drag/ musical performance will be at RT Quinlans Friday May 3rd for Homegrown.
 Mr. Fields’ presence in the Northland’s music scene has been continuous, joining a new group or starting one of his many side projects over the years. Aside from Bad Miranda, you can also catch Sullie playing keyboard in his other band The Horror at The Red Star Lounge Saturday May 5th. He may or may not be in drag at that show.

Reader: Mr. Fields, Bad Miranda is both a visual and audio titillation. Explain.
SJF: I have to say that I have received a lot of inspiration from bands like Bratwurst, on a very local level. And when I do what I do I always feel like I have to pay homage to Tyler and the gang. Tyler is famously quoted as saying, “More bands need to play shows.” And play shows Bratwurst does. I would rather have a mediocre band entertain me through all the five senses than see a master guitarist stand there and shred.

Reader: Let’s go with this visual aspect. What exactly do you do?
SJF: To understand the method to the madness you have to understand the audio aspect too. A lot of the sounds you hear in Bad Miranda are samples and bits of pieces from a myriad of different things and it all comes together to make what some people call music. But then again it’s not necessarily music. When you listen to it rather than asking yourself “Do I like this song?” You have to ask yourself, “When have I felt this way before?” I’m not saying it’s good, i’m just saying it’s raw. And some people like that. So visually I try to illicit the same emotions that my music brings out. For example I use a lot of archived educational films as samples in my music. And while they help capture a generic feeling, they don’t force you to feel a certain way, which leaves room for interpretation.

Reader: So the visual choices, are they random or is there a point you’re trying to convey?
SJF: Frankly, I leave my interpretation up to the audience. That being said, I do feel that art and the old saying “don’t kill the messenger” go hand in hand. Sometimes art has the responsibility of being shocking. Or being offensive, But you can’t get hung up on that. In the end art’s greatest purpose, in my opinion, is to make us remember who we are. And if we’re offended, we have to ask ourselves why. And when we examine our conscience, for better or worse, we do become better people.

Reader: Profound. What’s your favorite thing about Homegrown?
SJF: Being a part of it! It’s a Twin Ports musicians much needed moment of self-recognition and self-worth. It’s that time when all the hard work pays off. And you get to enjoy everyone else’s hard work paying off. How could it get better?

Reader: In a few words, describe the difference between playing with The Horror versus doing a live show by yourself as Bad Miranda?
SJF: The Horror is a lot less egocentric of an experience. I have the privilege of playing with two if the finest musicians the Northland has produced and their input is really the fuel to that band’s fire. With Bad Miranda I have no room for anyone but my swollen diva ego.

Reader: Who are you most looking forward to seeing this Homegrown?
SJF: Total Freedom Rock was phenomenal at the Red Star. And I always look forward to them. That style has been a huge influence. Bratwurst of course. Whom I have the privilege of opening for. But enough of making me pick my favorite children.

Catch Bad Miranda and Bratwurst Friday May 3rd at RT Quinlans.