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The couple are writing and recording their second Io Echo album, due in 2015. In addition, Ross is composing two films with brother Atticus, who scored The Social Network with Trent Reznor; one—Love and Mercy—is a biopic about Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, and the other is for director Michael Mann. (Leo is fellow portfolio subject Liberty's Ross's brother.)
HOW DOES L.A. INSPIRE YOU? Gika: "It has the most collaborative spirit of any place I've lived. There is a willingness to listen as much as to be heard."
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE LOCAL MUSIC SCENE? Ross: "It's a bit like Darwin's warm little pond, with lots of splinter scenes. In denser cities only one thing can flourish, but here the geography—the sprawl—allows things to breathe and develop naturally. The size of the city can be intimidating at first. It was a bit of a culture shock coming from London. I felt lost. But persevere; it's worth it."
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MUSIC VENUE? Ross: "The Church on York, for the vibe and energy."
WHAT ABOUT A FAVORITE LOCAL BAND OF SINGER-SONGWRITER? Ioanna: "My friend Natasha who goes under the name NAR. Also my friend Jen who has a project called TOKiMONSTA."
WHO ARE YOUR LOCAL HEROES? Ross: "It's a tie between Charles Bukowski and Dr. Dre. I discovered them both when I was in my early teens and I devoured as much of their work as I possible could. They opened my mind and helped shape my curiosity about Los Angeles. Bukowski's book Post Office really captures the underbelly of the place, which is far more interesting than Hollywood champagne and cocaine side of things."
WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT L.A.? Ioanna: "The palm trees are definitely a highlight. They are not indigenous to the area, and yet there they are, standing skinny and slightly italicized during every season. In the summer they sway vibrantly. In the winter they kind of look like beer bottles strewn over a living room after a party."
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE IF YOU COULD? Ioanna: "Downtown L.A. is continuing to be developed, which in some ways is good and some ways not. I lived in the Skit Row district several years ago, and the area needs more assistance, not just overpriced cafes and unaffordable lofts. Do you think the bathrooms in those poncy cafes built in the pass two years are available to all? No, but they should. All people have a right to a bathroom and a cup of water."
WHERE SHOULD EVERY VISITOR GO? Gika: "I love the bat caves in Bronson Canyon, which are haunting and beautiful. It's where the original Batman TV show was shot." Ross: "The United Artists Theatre, which just reopened next to the Ace Hotel. It's a gorgeous work of architecture and a great insight into some genuine L.A. history."
DO YOU THINK L.A. GETS A BAD RAP CULTURALLY? Ioanna: "Hating L.A. is so dated. I feel embarrassed for people who do it."
On Ross, Theory jacket ($425); Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane sweatshirt ($675); Dolce & Gabbana pants ($455); Saint Laurent shoes ($995). On Gika, Saint Laurent blouse ($890), shorts ($2,390), and bow tie ($595); vintage kimono from The Way We Wore ($650); Diesel Black Gold shoes ($555).
Read more of our L.A. portfolio here.
