2016‐01‐09 VeniceQueen.it interviews Kristen Vigard

VeniceQueen.it What are your memories of when you first met the band? How did you get to sing the background vocals for their album Mother’s Milk? Kristen Vigard «I first met Anthony through his girlfriend at the time Jennifer Bruce. I gave them a ride home from a nightclub called "Power Tools" in the 80s. I met through some of my music friends in when we all started to play together in a band called "Trulio Disgrascias".»

VQ.it Is there some anecdote you remember about that particular tour and about the tour for ? Professionally speaking, which was the most challenging? K.V. «One night I ran into Anthony, John and John’s roomate at the time Bill very late at night at a stoplight when I was headed for the freeway to move to New Orleans. They invited me to a party before I hit the road and we all ended up staying up very late talking. The next day I got a call from a friend hiring me to do my first sound track. A song for a film called “Cool Blue” starring Woody Harrellson. I ended up staying in LA and performing at the record release party for Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” with George Clinton fronting the band. Soon after we played at a party called "The Second Coming/Heal the Bay". That night I was invited to go on tour with the RHCP AND I got a record deal from Jamie Cohen with Private Music Peter Baumann from Tangerine Dream's boutique label. I had never seen the RHCP but was VERY excited to sing BG for them we rehearsed a few weeks and toured some dates in Canada USA and Mexico. The Mother’s Milk Tour was the most fun ever although I still wish I had more time with them before going off to do my record with Private. I was so green and nervous on stage but loved every minute. I was truly in love with all four members. It went by too fast. I was in the audience after that but still feel like a huge fan. I cannot WAIT to see another show someday soon. I sang on a few more recordings like “Guru Mook” and such but never went back on tour.»

VQ.it Talking about nowadays: what do you think about I’m With You? And generally speaking, what is your opinion about the evolution of their music style? K.V. «I love how the band has been influenced by time and travel I LOVE the CD I’m with You. Even though I hardly see them the music brings me close somehow when I get a chance to sit and listen.»

VQ.it If you had to describe each member of the band, including Dave Navarro, in one adjective what would that be? K.V. «One adjective? Hmmm that's really hard...I’ll have to get back to you on that one.»

VQ.it Some RHCP fans harshly criticize for his lack of singing technique and for forgetting the lyrics during the shows. As a backup singer, what can you tell us about that? And what are your thoughts about his singing style? K.V. «I love the way Anthony sings and he actually showed me a lot about staying bold throughout a performance no matter what happens. He always delivers 100% energy to the audience in my experience. Rocking that hard is harder than it looks and in my opinion he has grown hand over fist as a singer since I first met him from obvious hard work. I think his voice has an emotional effect on folks.»

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VQ.it During the concert tour in support of , Anthony Kiedis and used to get into heated arguments. Do you know the actual reason behind those fights? Or have you figured it out over the years? K.V. «I do not know what their disagreements were about. Still don't.»

VQ.it Did you get to listen to John Frusciante’s latest solo works (Letur‐Lefr EP, PBX Funicular Intaglio Zone, Outsides)? What is your opinion about them? J.S. «I try to stay caught up with Johns work but have not heard the ones you mention here I will now. I love John's work very much. All of it. He is perfect and always growing.»

VQ.it What can you tell us about the band’s way of working and recording songs both for Mother’s Milk and One Hot Minute? Did you spot any differences? K.V. «I am pretty sure they still work the same way with some variation song to song. They individually have song starters that they will gather over the down time THEN when it's time they bring them out to decide which to develop. Exchange the ‘starter’ then go off to create lyrics and such Anthony does much of the lyrics but that’s not the rule. In the end all members contribute to each song in someway through their performance choices. During Mother’s Milk the band was very close and coming together with new members after the tragic loss of their friend/band mate Hillel. We would do soul circles before each show to put us in sync. I heard from them one or two tours later that they were not doing that bonding stuff anymore and didn't spend as much time together when they are not on tour. Things may have changed again! I know diet and meditation and the right people, were/are important part of great shows now.»

VQ.it When was the last time you met the band? K.V. «The last show I went to a few years back I had two tickets for me and my daughter Emily. We were so excited but at the last minute Emily could not come with me as she had school stuff the next day she couldn't miss/be tired for...so... I met a superfan on the bus ride to the show. We happened to sit together. He was a Harvard Law student from The USSR, really nice young man so I blessed him with Emily's Tkt. It was fun. He was thrilled. It was a great show.»

VQ.it Have you ever thought about recording a new solo album? Musically, which path would you choose? K.V. «I have some new offerings (music) on Reverbnation.com and am currently working on some recordings with my friend Rick Boston also just sang background vocals for my friends great new piece Rainmaker Project also available now on Reverbnation.com. These songs are written and performed by Scott E. Miller with Guia Ananda and myself in the BG. We did this up in Leadville CO with the great Tim Stroh. Great fun. Have a listen.»

Interview by VeniceQueen.it Community

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