David & Joanna
It was Valentine’s Day in the Sunset District, and Joanna Lioce was at a karaoke party. She sang “Forever in Blue Jeans,” and David Enos approached her to ask if she would sing for a song for soundtrack to his film. They recorded the song “Sand Dollar” for the film “Trails of Gravel.”
When the film screened, someone in the audience asked if they would play at her birthday party. They agreed — and since 2004, Enos and Lioce have performed around the Bay Area as David & Joanna.
They’re recording a full-length album, “Cool Parents,” which Lioce says has obviously been a long time in the making.
Lineup: David Enos, guitar, vocals; Joanna Lioce, vocals.
Was there a band you heard when you were young that inspired you to become a musician?
JL: My earliest memories of music were Throwing Muses, the Monkees, NRBQ and I remember listening to the “Hairspray” soundtrack with my mom a lot. I grew up in a very musical household. My dad was a rock critic in Rhode Island. I lucked out.
How does living in the Bay Area affect your music?
JL: I think the Bay Area is great because it invites talent and really nurtures it. It’s such a creative and strange place. I do a lot of writing in the Tenderloin because I like things that are honest and not dressed up. The community is so supportive and excited and wanting to collaborate and help one another out, which is ideal.
What’s the most important aspect to putting on a live show?
JL: Whiskey.
Which of your songs best describes your band and why?
DE: “Domestic Life.” It has two characters, from this abusive, Lee Hazlewood-esque husband to his cowering wife. It seems like we both enjoy writing that kind of thing, and it cracks me up. It’s pretty different from how we are in real life, in our own separate relationships. I’m probably more similar to my character than Joanna is to hers. Joanna isn’t the cowering type. She has to work with the public, and she knows how to stand her ground.
Check it out: www.myspace. com/davidandjoanna.
Next gig: 8 p.m. Thursday. With Advance Base, Nicholas Krgovich. $10-$12. Cafe Du Nord, 2170 Market St., S.F. (415) 861-5016. www.cafedu
nord.com.