Style Rider: Cold Specks' Look Is Dark, Just Like Her Music and Sense of Humor

Photo by Steve Gullick

"Don't expect me to socialize. Just, don't. It's not going to happen. The world sucks and I hate you."

The soul singer who performs under the name Cold Specks is explaining why, above everything else, she needs a laptop loaded up with lots of movies when she heads out on tour. She is joking, kind of. But you also get the sense that touring, while gratifying, is not something she wholeheartedly enjoys. You'd never guess as much when you see her come to life on stage.

Known for making moody, haunting hymn-like music, it comes as no surprise to learn that 26-year-old Al Spx is something of an introvert. Her moniker, after all, comes from a line in James Joyce's Ulysses ("Born all in the dark wormy earth, cold specks of fire, evil, lights shining in the darkness.").

Her personal style is dark, just like her music and her sense of humor. Spx appreciates fancy lipstick and a killer pair of sunglasses ("for hiding my cold dead eyes," she says, again only half-joking) just as much as she appreciates alone time and classic literature. On the bright side—hypothetically speaking, because Spx doesn't wear bright colors—at least her penchant for all-black and low-key beauty routine make packing for tour easy. Here's what makes the cut when she hits the road, along with her beloved laptop:

"All black everything. Black cards. Black cars. All black everything. Get y'all black tees on! Three black dresses on tour and a few necklaces are always the way to go for me. I tend to swap the accessories around."

"My cape is my best friend. It can be awesome when there's a throw and go type show, or if I'm feeling sick or lazy. Stick on over my pjs and all is alright. My cape also functions as a blankey in the van. I have, however, learned it is not a practical item to wear on the Irish sea."

"Sunglasses are great for hiding my cold dead eyes. Although, someone stole them from me at a show in Toronto. WORST FEELING."

"You know when they said black don't crack? Well, they lied. Moisturize and drink an endless amount of water. I also ensure to have 8 hours of sleep every night. Fuck 'em. I'm doing it. Try and wake me up assholes."

"Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet #38 lipstick—slap that shit on and all will be okay."

"My sanity must be fully intact prior to setting out. Slowly but surely, it will shatter over the course of a tour. It is best to start off with some stability."