Alexis Krauss of Sleigh Bells: The Complex Interview, Video & Gallery

Get to know the pretty lady behind the critically acclaimed noise-pop duo as we play "would you rather..."

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Photography by Glynis Selina Arban. Click Here To See An Extended Gallery From The Shoot.

You love Sleigh Bells, we love Sleigh Bells, everybody loves Sleigh Bells. The totally awesome noise-pop duo burst on the music scene this year with their excellent debut album, Treats (which we named the No. 3 best album of 2010 so far), and their name is still popping up everywhere, thanks to new videos and a tour with LCD Soundsystem (this Friday they're playing at the Hollywood Bowl in L.A.). But amidst all the accolades and hype surrounding their music, one important fact seems to have been overlooked: Alexis Krauss (the female half of the duo) is one purty lady. To get to know her better, we decided to spotlight Alexis in the "Women Are Complex, Too" feature in our October/November 2010 issue. Click here to see the full photoshoot, or keep reading below to see a behind-the-scenes video and her responses to our latest round of "Would You Rather..."

WATCH THE BEHIND-THE-SCENES VIDEO:

I'D RATHER HAVE SCREAMING FANS THAN SCREAMING CHILDREN.
Alexis Says: "But it depends on how the children are screaming. I did a program called Teach for America post-college. Although it was the hardest job ever, it was the most rewarding. I met [Sleigh Bells bandmate] Derek after my first year of teaching."
I'D RATHER BE AN OUTCAST THAN BE A CLONE.
Alexis Says: "Being a clone is boring. There's something to say for being an individual and being unique and having your own ideas. Why put out more of the same? There's no point."
I'D RATHER DO MY OWN THING THAN DO WHAT I'M TOLD.
Alexis Says: "I've dealt with music in everything from theater to a teen pop band, and it's left a bittersweet taste in my mouth. The music business can be pretty awful when you're not in control of what you should be in control of."
I'D RATHER FIGHT TO GET NOTICED THAN HAVE A CELEBRITY CO-SIGN.
Alexis Says: But it's more about making music that's worth noticing. M.I.A. contacted us solely based on our demos on MySpace. She didn't have much to go on. It says a lot about her ability to hear something and not need the approval of other people. We don't know what the fuck she heard that she liked, but we're not complaining.
I'D RATHER DIE IN OBSCURITY THAN BE AN OVERNIGHT SENSATION.
Alexis Says: "I would rather make good music that no one gives a shit about than make mediocre music and have people care a lot about it and then forget it. My father is an incredible musician—has been his entire life—and he'll probably die with no one knowing his name. But he's a hell of a lot more talented than most people out there."

RELATED: Alexis Krauss's Full Complex Photo Gallery!

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