PORT ANGELES, Wash. — Ever since playing their first show in Port Angeles in 2004, The Nasty Habits have rocked audiences in their own unique way.
"I would say we're just an energetic, hard rockin’, mixed, trans, inclusive band that is driven to give a great time,” said lead vocalist Sophie Ellektra. "We do the best we can to give our audiences a real party."
The Seattle-based band got its start in Port Angeles two decades ago.
"Esprit is a regional transgender conference that's been happening here in Port Angeles for several decades now,” said Ginger Li, backup vocalist who plays keyboard, percussion and a mean harmonica. Li is also an original band-member.
"We took part in the Esprit Conference that comes out to Port Angeles every May, as part of their talent show initially, that was how the band actually came to be,” added bass guitar player Veronica Steed, another original band member.
“And at that very first show, I remember these really shy and nervous guys would come up to us and compliment us, and then immediately say, ‘But I'm not interested in you,’ “ Li laughed.
This hard-working band plays '80s and '90s covers at clubs, casinos and Pride festivals all over the Puget Sound area, and no matter where they play, a diverse crowd of fans shows up and gets down.
Rachel Bee, The Nasty Habits’ guitar player, says this band inspired her long before she was asked to join it.
“Seven or eight years ago when I was first coming to terms with the fact that I'm transgender, I remember looking around the web, and I remember finding this band and seeing videos of the band and pictures and so forth, and I thought to myself, ‘that's amazing that they can be themselves and go out and still play and still do what they do,’” said Bee. “I've played in lot of bands over the years, in and around Seattle, I was worried that I wouldn't have much of a chance to play after coming out as trans. So seeing this band was really kind of an inspiration. So when I got the call, I was like, 'Really? The Nasty Habits? Really? That's great!'”
As The Nasty Habits expertly cover Devo, Joan Jett, David Bowie and The White Stripes on the waterfront in the small town where they got their start, kids, construction workers, elderly ladies and pink-haired middle schoolers all dance – together.
“This is eighties and nineties music, I don't care what Gen you are, everybody can rock to this music,” Ellektra said.
"They're amazing and fun and full of energy, I book my New Years, my Halloweens, anywhere they're gonna be I'm there,” said a female fan dancing with two male friends who said they have been following the band for 16 years.
“One of the things that I've seen over the years is that when we're out there being ourselves, it makes space for other people to join us as whoever they are, and that's all we want, is for people to be happy, be themselves, be nice to each other,” said Ginger Li. “You know, that's all. That's the message, really."
The Nasty Habits play Friday, Oct. 4 at Jules Maes Saloon in Seattle.
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