Ames, IA · electro-pop · comedy

Leslie & The Ly's

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Iowa's gem-sweater laureate turning regional-craft-fair aesthetics into a genuinely committed electro-rap spectacle — bedazzled and completely straight-faced.

Leslie & The Ly's began as an open mike trio in Ames, Iowa, in 2004, formed by Leslie Hall, who performs under the alias Mother Gem. Hall first attracted attention online for her collection of decorated gem sweaters before turning that persona into a full band.

The music is synth-driven electro-pop and rap, composed largely by Hall herself on GarageBand, delivered deadpan with lyrics about Midwestern domestic life, craft culture and the sweaters themselves. Past and present members have performed under stage names such as DJ Dr. Laura, Klassy K and Sassy Cassie.

Live, the act leans on choreography, costume, gold spandex and bedazzled knitwear are fixtures, and a backing troupe of dancers. Hall also tours with the Mobile Museum of Gem Sweaters, a vehicle that doubles as gift shop and museum, sometimes wheeled out at shows for fans known as Junior Gems.

The band toured the US in 2010 behind Hall's album Back2Back Palz, opening in Chicago, and again in 2013 behind Songs in the Key of Gold. Along the way the act appeared on VH1 and G4, in Vice magazine, and had videos featured on AtomFilms and Yahoo's homepage.

Hall performs the songs straight rather than winking at the audience, so the comedy is real but the commitment is total. Leslie & The Ly's has been inactive since she turned her attention to a newer project, Neon & Nude.

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electro-popcomedy