COWBOY SHIRTS AND LOOSE BOOTS

LOS ANGELES has deep roots in folk music -- from Joni Mitchell’s Laurel Canyon scene in the 1960s to the rise of intimate acoustic venues such as Largo and Hotel Cafe in the last decade. But with L.A.’s indie-rock bands commanding the spotlight, it’s been a while since this town turned out a fresh folk outfit. Enter HoneyHoney, a duo from Venice that infuses indie rock, country, jazz and the blues into its folk bedrock.

On the band’s debut album, “Loose Boots,” the unconventional mash-up works beautifully: There are sweet, homespun folk songs, rabble-rousing giddyups and even a profanity-laced ditty about a guy who’s not moving fast enough toward the boudoir for his lady friend.

Suzanne Santo and Ben Jaffe, who met through mutual friends, weren’t discovered at an L.A. club, but online by a French record executive via their humble MySpace page. That relationship eventually led them to Kiefer Sutherland, who signed them to Ironworks, the label the actor co-owns with singer-songwriter Jude Cole. Now Santo and Jaffe are in the midst of their first national tour. “One minute we’re in Venice Beach, and the next minute we’re drinking at a party with Kiefer Sutherland,” Santo says. “It was surreal.”

The duo’s style is as eclectic as their music. Scouring thrift and secondhand stores, they zero in on quirky but classic pieces -- simple button-front shirts for Jaffe and minidresses for Santo, who did time as an actress and a model for Macy’s and the like before finally “choosing the tunes.”

What do you like to wear onstage?

Ben: I’m a big fan of the snap-button shirt. It’s really a family tradition at this point --my dad always wears these blue Wrangler cowboy-type shirts, and I wear them too. It’s kind of a workman-looking thing. I’m trying to look rugged, I guess.

Suzanne: I used to stress out about having to make this huge statement. But after playing so many shows, I stopped worrying about it. I usually wear a baby-doll dress and some boots because I need to be able to move. But I’ve been trying to switch it up.

If your house were burning, and you could get out with only the outfit on your back, what would it be?

Suzanne: If I was naked, I would grab my instruments -- my violin, banjo and guitar -- and go.

Ben: It depends on who’s outside the burning building.

Where do you shop?

Suzanne: As a struggling artist, I’ve developed an affinity for Salvation Army. I’ve gotten some of my favorite little numbers there, like a plaid, cowboy button-down shirt and some great A-line ‘60s dresses with crazy little prints on them. For everyday, I’m an American Apparel T-shirt girl.

Ben: Shopping isn’t high on my list of priorities, but I like to look fly. When I shop, it’s at Salvation Army or Wasteland on Melrose [Avenue].

Who’s the best-dressed musician of all time?

Ben: Bob Dylan always looks cool, and Liberace is pretty intense.

Suzanne: David Bowie. He’s ballsy.

How do you feel about how tame the fashion has gotten in the music industry?

Suzanne: I think it’s great. It’s annoying when people dress for shock value. I think you should look nice, not like you haven’t showered for three days.

Ben, leather jacket or tuxedo jacket?

For what? Anything? I gotta go with a tuxedo. I like tuxedos.

Suzanne, leather or lace?

I’m gonna say lace, all the way.

Do you have any favorite fashion designers?

Suzanne: If I had it my way, I would have Marc Jacobs in my closet.

Ben: If I say anything, I will embarrass myself.

--

emili.vesilind@latimes.com