Makode Linde and Zhala Want You to Undress at their 'Release Body'

This Friday, Makode Linde and Zhala Rifat will open the doors at Stockholm's Slakthuset and their Release Body; a party slash interactive show, curated by Makode in Grolsch Studios, to celebrate the much sought-after release of Zhala's self-titled debut album (released on Robyn's Konichiwa Records on May 25). With Makode's background of extravagant party-making in Stockholm, plus his sometimes controversial art, added on top of Zhala's cosmic and glamorous style, it barely comes as a shock that the show will be filled with surprises. I called up the two on Skype in an attempt to get hold of some exclusive gossip ahead of this spring's most fabulous party.

VICE: Hey guys! Do you feel ready for the party?
Zhala Rifat: Yeah, it feels good. I think we pretty much have everything under control now. It's quite a lot that needs to be produced. But it's getting closer so it's starting to turn into something substantial. But there are loads of us who are being part of this so that makes it a bit difficult to get everything together. Do you feel limited in some way?
Zhala: There's always something. I don't feel like I've had to limit myself very much, but you can always have more money. Always [laughs] – I don't have any limits! But I'm very content. I think we've managed to include everything important and that's like "the dream" when it comes to my release party. What did you know about this project when Makode asked you to join?
Zhala: Makode said to me, "OK, I've been given loads of money so we have this huge budget we can make a party happening with!" [Laughs] So I was like, "sweet, that's my release party!" That's exactly how it was! I was like, "let's go!" And it turns out that everybody were excited to be a part of it so it's been very smooth!

Makode, why did you choose to host this party together with Zhala?
Makode Linde: Zhala and I have been working together before. We have this kind of never ending romance. And it's been a while, although we usually end up doing something every year.
Zhala: Yeah, we do actually!
Makode: It just feels natural! I only like to work with people who are my friends and people who are very talented. And my friends are very talented! Also, I don't have that many friends… [laughs]
Zhala: But you have the best! That's how I see things; I have the best friends anyone could possibly have!
Makode: Oh yeah, of course!

What are you most excited about on the day?
Makode: I'm super excited about the Zhala lookalikes! It's easier to get in for everyone who tries to look like Zhala. They will be able to skip the queue and things like that. They will be treated like VIPs. And for all of those who don't have the time or money – 'cause it can obviously be very expensive to look like Zhala – they can get a makeover from us at the party.
Zhala: There will be stuff that we'll giveaway!

What do you need to look like Zhala?
Makode: First, a nylon stocking over your head. Underneath you need to have a false nose and then you just paint a uni-brown, maybe a ponytail.
Zhala: The uni-brown has to be painted with glitter!
Makode: Then go ahead and go bananas with tattoos and stuff like that. Just pimp it! Anyone can look like Zhala!

Will you dress like Zhala?
Makode: Yeah, yeah! Of course! It's all going to be like, in the head of Zhala Rifat!
Zhala: This is such a luxury! And a bit scary. But mostly a luxury!
Makode: I'm also very excited about the nude room. Yeah, tell us about that.
Zhala: Well, the thing is that we can't tell you what's going to happen in there. The whole point is that those who dare to enter will be the only ones partaking in the things that will happen in there. Only those who dare to enter will know. We have a schedule for things that will go on in there.
Makode: The entire party will be filled with giveaways, but the nude room will be extra luxurious.
Zhala: Exactly!

And to enter the nude room you have to be nude.
Makode: Yes, it's very simple.
Zhala: Yes, you have to undress.

I have a pair of tights that will make me look nude even though I'm not.
Zhala: No, no…
Makode: We will have the nude police who will control everybody's nudity.

They will be nude too, right?
Makode: Yeah, I think one of them is the two-time Scandinavian master in pole dance.
Zhala: Yep! She'll be the host of the show in there. ------------------------------------------------------------
Interested in art? Then watch our meeting with artist Douglas Gordon beneath

Like that? Then watch Picture Perfect: Jack Latham

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Are you excited about someone in particular that you're collaborating with?
Zhala: The line-up is fucking awesome! The line-up is so nice, so I'm excited about all of them. It's difficult for me to grasp that I've been allowed to book my favourite DJs. All of my favourite people will be there! That feels so damn great!

Zhala, have you worked in similar projects together with Makode before?
Zhala: Not exactly like this, but we've been working together in different ways. Except for that he did my video, we used to be in the same band before. Or, we're still in that band but it's more that it pops up sometimes. We play at clubs and stuff. We've been doing different projects together…

It feels like you've already released your album considering that it's been so much about you in the media for the past year or so.
Zhala: I know! It's so weird! It's like, finally!

Was it a coincidence that the album will be released at the same time as you were going to host a show, Makode?
Makode: I don't really believe in coincidences, it was more that it just happened to take place at the same time. And it all synched really well. I wanted to work with someone that, well, I like to work with and whose ideas I like that I don't always understand. Like, I don't really understand from where Zhala gets her ideas! But I like it! [laughs]
Zhala: What's fun here is that you say that! Oh my God! [laughs] This is so good!

Your relationship is pretty mutual, huh.
Zhala: [laughs] Yeah that's how I see things.

So tell me about what's going on now.
Makode: We'll be in Slakthuset all week.
Zhala: We'll be building stuff, rehearsing, and plan… put everything together. I think that this week will be the best. 'Cause that's when we actually get to hang out and work!
Makode: It's great now when we get to see the order of things and go through everything and when we finally get to see what holes need to be filled.

Has anything been a disaster so far?
Makode: No! I wouldn't say disastrous.
Zhala: Not really.
Makode: We're really nervous 'cause one of our secret acts hurt her genitals when rehearsing… So we're worried that she won't recover before the show.
Zhala: That's the worst thing that has happened. But we'll see.

How did that even happen?
Makode: I don't know if going in on too much detail about her genitals is a very good idea.
Zhala: I don't think she'd like that.
Makode: It's a pretty dangerous act… It's not without its risks to work in showbiz. With your genitals.

Agreed. Thanks, guys!

Makode and Zhala's party and release show, Release Body, will take place this Friday, May 22, at Slakthuset, Stockholm. Find out more at Grolschstudios.se.

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