With Dub Mandi of Music is a Weapon

© Jeffrey Delanoy

Dub Mandi is the only female member of Music is a Weapon, the five "man" punk outfit out of Miami. Mandi is known for her powerful stage presence, her rebellious style, and her positive demeanor. She is, in fact, the sunshine to her friends and any stranger lucky enough to meet her or catch her on the mic. There are no rainy days for Mandi, her perseverance and energy is unstoppable, and if a storm comes, she knows very well what follows after.

I caught up with Mandi recently to talk about the convergence of music and fashion.

You are recognized for your punk-meets-princess-warrior look. Where does this rebellious style come from and what does it mean to you?

I believe that each one of us are Soldiers and this world that we’re living in is our battle field. How we dress is an expression of mood, intention and personality. Right now, we are all on fire to save the world. It's important to present yourself in a powerful way.

In what ways do you see fashion and music connected?

Music and fashion are both incredible art forms. They are a platform for self-expression and offer others an external glimpse into the volcanic minds of those who are busting at the seams with creativity!

Who are your fashion/music muses?

There are two artists that I feel to currently be opening new doorways when it comes to style, 30 Seconds to Mars and Lady Gaga. These guys are taking themselves to the next level and are helping others and giving back in return.

How does your band incorporate fashion? Do you have a look or theme planned for each performance?

Sometimes we pick a color, sometimes a theme. It's fun to get everyone together before the show and see what each of us has thrown together! Though I do much prefer the mayhem of the five of us all getting ready together in a dressing room on tour...

Music is a Weapon travels to Amsterdam every summer, what fashion/cultural differences can you point out from this open-minded society compared to ours?

I think the fact that the European mindset, specifically that of the Dutch, is such an artistic and open-minded one, it tends to reflect in many different aspects of their everyday living. I mean, it really only makes sense, if you are surrounded by art then chances are your going to be living, breathing and wearing it too.

Where do you buy your avant-garde outfits, is there any place in Miami that suits your style?

I pretty much only second-hand shop. To me, the thrill of hunting down and mix-matching a vintage outfit is way more fun than losing an entire afternoon stuck at the mall purchasing overpriced items that 20 people you know already have. It's like a total treasure hunt to me!

What’s your favorite store?

Since thrifting does always tend to be a bit of a gamble there are definitely those times that I'll be looking for something specific. I really like to support Beatnix on South Beach. They have very cool, very unique and hard to find things. The owner is extremely nice and will go above and beyond to help you get stylin!

Whats your favorite thing about Miami’s Fashion?

Miami is an exaggeratedly-edgy town. It's over-the-top in a lot of ways and that’s actually been something I've learned to appreciate about it. There are a lot of up and coming creative minds at work like the local students and artists here who represent the new dawn of our culture.

What’s missing fashion-wise?

From being out and about on South Beach for some years now, I've noticed that there seems to be a pretty basic uniform that girls and boys tend to wear out clubbing. The standard button down with a  "popped collar" and that dangerously short strapless dress that seems to come in every color! I would just love to see more expression all around.

Miami can be an intimidating place! I think a lot of people, specifically younger guys and girls feel that they may need to look, dress and act a certain way in order to fit in with the intensity of the nightlife here. If you're comfortable with what you're wearing, more power to you! If not, it's time to break down those molds and dress how we feel, not spend our precious energies being concerned with the illusionary limitations that just might prevent us from passing through the velvet rope of that trendy new hot spot.

Don’t worry if people stop and stare! Chances are that you will be inspiring that group of partygoers to attempt something they never thought they would. And if nothing else, you can be remembered as that crazy cool person with a top hat and boa bouncing around the club making people crack a smile - which is always a beautiful and wonderful thing!