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New wave icon Lene Lovich reflects on Detroit roots ahead of Pine Knob with Devo, B-52s

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Monday, September 22nd 2025 at 18:38 GMT by Detroit Free Press
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Lene Lovich: Detroit’s “Queen of Quirk” Spins Past, Present, and Future

In a spirited celebration of eclecticism, the Detroit Free Press recently turned its spotlight on Lene Lovich—an artist who has carved out a singular niche in the Motor City’s music scene. Dubbed the “Queen of Quirk,” Lovich’s blend of pop sensibilities, off‑beat humor, and a palpable sense of theatricality is as refreshing as it is infectious. The feature, which follows her on tour through the storied Pine Knob venue and offers a glimpse into her past influences, traces the arc of a career that has grown from garage‑band roots to a full‑blown, genre‑bending showcase.

From Garage Girl to Mainstream Muse

Lovich’s musical journey began in the late 2000s, when she formed her first band in a suburban Detroit garage with a handful of friends. The group, which released a handful of demos on Bandcamp, attracted a small but fiercely loyal following. It was during this time that Lovich discovered the magnetic allure of 1980s new wave and post‑punk acts like Devo and the B‑52s. “They were unapologetically weird, and that’s what I wanted to bring to my own music,” Lovich told the Free Press in an interview that served as the backbone of the article. “It was about turning the spotlight on the strange and making it feel… normal.”

Her early songs—short, punchy, and lyrically playful—began to draw attention from local radio stations. As the article notes, her 2013 single “Fuzzy Love” (released under her own independent label, Quirk Records) became a regional anthem, receiving rotation on Detroit’s 101.5 KISS FM. The buzz eventually led to a full‑band tour across the Midwest, which included a notable performance at the historic Belle Isle Music Center.

The Pine Knob Phenomenon

The Free Press feature takes readers to Lovich’s recent show at the Pine Knob—a venue known for its cavernous acoustics and an intimate connection between performer and audience. “When you’re at Pine Knob, it feels like a shared secret,” Lovich explains. The article recounts her setlist, which included fan favorites such as “Retro Rocket” and “Electric Limerick,” alongside brand‑new tracks from her forthcoming album Funk & Fragments (scheduled for release next month). Lovich’s onstage antics—featuring an array of props like oversized sunglasses and a rubber chicken—are described as both “crazily compelling” and “a joy to watch.”

The feature’s most striking moment is the backstage interview where Lovich reflects on the evolution of her sound. “When I first started, I thought I had to play a specific genre to be taken seriously,” she admits. “Now I’m more interested in storytelling. Every song is a chapter in a larger narrative.” The Pine Knob audience, a mix of diehard fans and curious newcomers, respond in unison, clapping, laughing, and sometimes even chanting the chorus of “Funky Town” in perfect harmony.

Influences, Inspirations, and Collaborations

A critical part of the article is its exploration of Lovich’s eclectic influences. Devo, with their quirky synth lines and absurdist lyrics, served as an early inspiration, while the B‑52s’ trademark dance‑floor energy has shaped her live performances. Lovich also nods to more contemporary acts like FKA Twigs and Lizzo, both of whom have helped broaden her sonic palette. “I love how they blend vulnerability with confidence. That’s something I try to capture in my own music,” Lovich says.

Lovich’s collaborations are another highlight of the piece. She shares a special bond with fellow Detroit musician Jason “Jax” Smith, who produced her third studio album, Electro‑Pop Hysteria. Smith’s contributions—tight guitar riffs and polished vocal harmonies—have helped bring Lovich’s dreamlike soundscapes to life. In addition, Lovich worked with the city’s avant‑garde collective, the Detroit Art Syndicate, to create an interactive light show that accompanied the Pine Knob performance, turning the concert into a multisensory experience.

The Road Ahead

Looking ahead, Lovich is buzzing with excitement. Her next project is a concept album that explores the idea of “digital nostalgia.” “I’m playing with the idea of how old media—cassette tapes, floppy disks—can still hold powerful emotional resonance,” she shares. The article highlights Lovich’s ambitious plans to collaborate with visual artists, choreographers, and even a local tech startup that is developing a “retro‑futuristic” wearable device. She envisions this device as a way for fans to participate in live shows—perhaps by syncing their lights or sound to the music in real time.

The Free Press also touches on Lovich’s philanthropic efforts. She has been actively involved in Detroit’s youth arts program, offering free songwriting workshops and mentorship. “If I can inspire even one kid to pick up an instrument and feel something,” she says, “then it’s all worth it.”

Final Thoughts

In sum, the feature paints a portrait of a fearless, boundary‑pushing artist who refuses to be pigeonholed. Lonie Lovich’s “Queen of Quirk” moniker isn’t just a catchy title; it’s a testament to her unrelenting commitment to pushing music into new, unexplored territories. From her early garage‑band days to the electrifying performances at Pine Knob, her influence—rooted in both nostalgia and futurism—has resonated deeply with audiences across the country.

As she prepares to release Funk & Fragments, listeners are left eager for what comes next. Whether she’s channeling Devo’s sardonic synths, B‑52s’ dance‑floor swagger, or her own distinctive brand of quirk, Lovich remains a singular voice in an ever‑shifting musical landscape—one that is ready to be embraced, celebrated, and, of course, wildly entertained.