‘I’m prepping for my tour early next year in Austra- lia / New Zealand, and I have some great tracks in the CatZ ‘n’ works that I’ll be unleashing in 2008. Look out world, Alexx Calise is taking over!’ She couldn’t have said it better. ClawZ Check Alexx out at www.alexxcalise.com by Nicky Baldrian TONI ROWLAND Welcome to CATZ ‘N’ CLAWZ. This column is Motley Crue. And of course the one and only Jimi Hen- aimed to bring attention to female artists who, by and drix!’ large, get ignored by the main press. There are many ‘Lifetraveller’ was recorded in Stockholm and she good bands and artists out there of which you can had a helping hand in the song writing from one Cliff listen to on our special CD with this issue. I hope to Magness. ‘I have never met Cliff,’ adds Sofia. ‘I got a deliver a new column to you every couple of issues song from him called ‘My Bad’ that also became the and hopefully continue to bring you a CD too. Our single. He’s a really good songwriter! I also got two thanks also to Dave Smith from Ravenheart music for songs from Butch Walker!’ the Xandria interview elsewhere in the issue. ‘Here in Sweden the radio stations here thought that my single was too much rock for them to play, but IMPERIA I was up on the selling charts anyway, and got very high as well! I’ve got more fans in the States and UK than I have in Sweden! I also got to sing with Sebas- South Africa’s TONI ROWLAND recently released tian Bach at the Sweden Rock Festival and that was her debut CD that also features the amazing KEN a once in a lifetime experience! He’s a true sweet- HENSLEY. heart!’ Toni grew up singing in the house, inspired by her Sofia is currently writing songs for a new album mother who was an opera singer. Her father was also and is trying to find a new producer and a label, and a songwriter, ‘... so music has pretty much always you should visit her myspace page to keep up to date. been a part of my life,’ Toni explains. ‘It was the death If you have not heard ‘Lifetraveller’ yet, then get it of my hero, blues-rock guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan bought - it rocks. that finally pushed me into the music scene, and I wrote my first song the day after he died.’ ALEXX CALISE Toni is a sensitive soul and spiritually aware of the If you enjoy bands like Nightwish and Xandria environment, which reflects on her song writing. ‘My then you will love this Dutch band IMPERIA. Helena songs reflect various timeframes in my life, moods Iren Michaelson got into music at an early age, tak- and aspects of others and myself around me. These ing private singing lessons, and at seventeen she experiences inspire me in my song writing. I feel that started a band called Trail of Tears. Helena is inspired people will be able to relate to the songs because the by her past and the people that surround her life. A music is about everyday issues.’ tragic event occurred when Helena’s mother was bru- Indeed, Toni’s music is damn fine, the songs are all tally killed by her boyfriend but Helena has kept head excellent and flow with passion – check out the track strong and now has a daughter Angel who is just over on the CD for clear evidence. Her inspirations also a year old and is Helena’s life and inspiration. show throughout her album ‘Unfolded’. Toni is into The new Imperia CD ‘Queen of Light’ was recorded Fleetwood Mac – perhaps one of the more obvious in- in Germany and the response from the press has been spirations of the record– as well as being inspired by ‘amazing’ says Helena. ‘I’m also proud that my CD has Kate Bush, Tori Amos, Sting and a South African artist been released in many countries’ Florida’s ALEXX CALISE is an excellent songwriter, called Johnny Clegg (Le Zulu Blanc). Music is not the only thing that motivates her, like and also a lady with a very powerful voice. Her songs ‘I also enjoy ‘Pink’, I think, she rocks!! And then myself Helena is a keen horse rider. We discussed our are in the pop/rock vein with a slightly alternative there are the masters of song writing like Ken Hensley passion for horses at length – she has two Shetland twist. Alexx has always written about poetry and as who has just been a constant inspiration and whose ponies ‘and some rabbits, it’s like a mini zoo at home’ a young kid sung in her local church choir. ‘This re- guidance has been invaluable to me. Once again, she laughs. ally helped me develop my pitch and harmonisation,’ great songs, great harmonies. Ken speaks though On the live front Imperia have already been out explains Alexx. both his lyrics and music. Artists inspire me like that. supporting Nightwish and plan to hit the UK sometime Most of her material is inspired by life, the environ- But it does not necessarily even have to be rock music during 2008. ment, her family and friends.‘I’m not entirely religious,’ or the same language for that matter that I find inspi- At the moment Helena is in Norway relaxing at her she adds, ‘I’m extremely spiritual, and I believe in the rational. Music is a universal language. If one cannot cabin in the forest with her children. ‘It’s very cold in forces of nature. Depending on which style of song reach the listener through the lyrics, the rhythm and Norway right now’ she says with a shiver. ‘So I guess I I want to write, I tap into a particular time in my life instrumentation must speak to the listener.’ will be walking around in a sleeping bag’ she laughs. when I was feeling a certain way and I emote and go She is happy with the reaction towards her music. Imperia are awesome, make sure you check them where the song takes me.’ ‘I am curious to see what the reaction will be once the out at www.myspace.com/imperiaband This year Alexx explains that she has gone through full CD is released because one or two of the tracks on a lot of dramatic changes in her life. Leaving her com- the CD are quite different and have a slightly more pop From Sweden comes SOFIA, whom some of you fort zone of Florida and now residing in L.A has made feel to them. I think there is something for everyone on may already be aware of as her album ‘Lifetraveller’ her self-reliant and independent ‘I’m very inspired at this CD because the music has many different aspects was released in 2005. The album is fantastic slab of this point in my life because I feel like I’m seeing the to it and is quite diverse.’ catchy hard rock songs and you can listen on our world through new eyes.’ About a year ago Tori hooked up with Ken Hensley. CD for yourselves or via Sofia’s myspace page at ‘Morning Pill’ is Alexx’s excellent new album. It As she explain, ‘Ken liked the songs and saw a lot of www.myspace.com/sofiamusic was recorded at Mercury Studios in Florida and also potential in them and me. He invited me to come and ‘I wanted to become a rockstar, that was my at Jim Henson’s studio in West Hollywood. Alexx is in- record my debut album with him in Spain. He assem- dream,’ she says. ‘I don’t really know what my par- spired by Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Stevie Ray Vaughn, bled a team of top musicians and engineers to assist ents thought about that, but they knew I had talent Heart, Buckcherry, through to Aerosmith and Sound- with the production of the album, so I was very fortu- so I ended up going to music school and when I was garden and also pop bands like Snoop Dogg and Jus- nate. My sister Bronwyn, who wrote two of the tracks sixteen I started to record songs that were written by tin Timberlake. on the album, also joined us to sing backing vocals. It others, even though I’ve always been writing songs by ‘I know the latter probably comes as a shock to was a huge privilege working with Ken and I received myself. some being that I’m a rocker,’ she laughs ‘but I find invaluable guidance from him regarding my singing ‘In those days it was more pop, and I didn’t really that there are certain lyrical and rhythmic elements and song writing.’ feel like that was my kind of music. So I started more characteristic of those genres that are extremely in- Right now Tori is involved with a huge campaign and more to write by myself and searching for produc- teresting and entirely applicable to any musical style.’ known as ‘The Sole Of Africa’ which is an initiative of ers that could give me the sound that I wanted, the Indeed, I have always said that music should not the Mineseeker Foundation for the detection, removal music that I loved and could stand up for. I want to do be based upon genres it should bases as music and of landmines and supporting the affected communi- my kind of music and my type of songs! I do it because the song, and if the song captivates you then does it ties. ‘I have just returned from Mozambique as a part it’s my dream and I really love to be on stage and meet really matter who has performed it? of the campaign’ she explains ‘and the experience re- the crowd!’ ‘Morning Pill’ has been gaining a good reaction ally touched me deeply. It has given me a lot of food for Sofia’s songs are based on real life occurrences. stateside. ‘It’s tremendous. I’m completely honest and thought and spiritual inspiration to write songs. I can- ‘It’s almost like therapy’ she says. ‘I want to write I think that people have been craving something real not wait to get back home to pick up my guitar. Also what I feel inside so that my fans can get touched and and tangible for some time now. I write, play and sing Ken has invited me to record my second album with moved by my lyrics and music and hopefully help them all of my own material which, I think, in this day and him in the near future so I need to be fully focused. to feel happy, sad, recognised etc.’ age of ghost-writers and ghost vocalists and smoke I am very thankful for everything that has been hap- Sofia is a huge fan of Butch Walker. ‘His lyrics and and mirrors, sets me apart.’ She beams with confi- pening to me and I am just trying my best everyday to music and personality are great. I also love Anouk, Bil- dence, and rightly so as when you listen to tracks like reach for the future in a positive frame of mind!’ lie Myers, Bon Jovi, Seether , Metallica, Iron Maiden, ‘Give It To Me’ and ‘Falling’ you can tell where Alexx is Check Tori Rowland out at www.tonirowland.com Skid Row, Pink, The Fray, Keith Urban, Lenny Kravitz, coming from right away.

80 MARCH-APRIL ISSUE 31 FIREWORKS SHAUNA YOUNG BLIND SHOT from Greece are led by singer Chri- anyone anymore. And it got me my signature deal with santhi and multi-instrumentalist Constantine. The Spinefarm Records after a friend of mine working with band are influenced by the likes of Europe, Journey, them gave them my ‘Facettes’ CD, and they contacted Robin Beck, Vixen and Dare as evident on the very me and a deal was struck.’ catchy keyboard soaked ‘Haunted Heart’, a song that As introduction to the new record an EP called fits the above criteria with ease, especially the high ‘Precious Moment’ was released ‘This when I started powered vocals. to combine heavy sounds with the knowledge I had ‘We had a lot of fun making this song,’ says Con- been acquiring since ‘Facettes’. It marked my recon- stantine. ‘I’m really proud of ‘Haunted Heart’ which I ciliation with heavy music. I was ready to start work- wrote on my own,’ continues Chrisanthi. ‘When I write ing with it again. ‘Precious Moment’ is an open love songs alone it doesn’t really come out as AOR/hard letter to Life with it’s exciting and beautiful moments rock but this one did’. And the result is wonderful – a as well as it’s sadder and more destructive ones.’ really fantastic catchy song. Check her out at www.eilera.com St. Louis’ SHAUNA YOUNG always loved singing It wasn’t until 2004 however that she discovered from a very young age. ‘It just came to me naturally,’ AOR and met Constantine. ‘I knew a few bands and KELLY PADRICK she says. ‘I would grab a microphone and perform for names growing up but I never really went deep with it! my parents in the living room. My mother would ask I knew Robin Beck, Europe, Survivor, Foreigner and all me what I wanted to be when I grew up, and with my the classics. In the past year I started taking vocal les- sunglasses on I responded, I want to be a star!’ sons. Singing rock music though really helps me ex- Shauna has the potential to be a star with excel- press my true emotions on certain things; I have ten- lent catchy songs like the powerhouse rocker ‘Given der moments and moments of rage. I LOVE IT! When Enough’ with its guitar cranking riffs and smooth high I met Constantine everything clicked and I was the powered vocals. singer of their band. We matched so much musically Shauna is inspired by Pat Benatar, Mariah Carey, that we decided to do our own thing. So that’s when and Journey. ‘So many singers don’t seem to exhume we started buying recording equipment and started the passion of these artists,’ she explains. ‘I think jotting down ideas.’ Benatar brought female fronted rock to new level. ‘Ever since I can remember I really liked instru- She was a rocker, but had a wonderful melodic voice. mental music like Tony MacAlpine,’ continues Con- I first wrote about New York’s KELLY PADRICK Carey has amazing vocal talent. My style and persona stantine. ‘Since I play both keyboards and guitar he around seven years ago and it has been interesting has definitely been crafted by their influence. Journey is most inspiring because his music is very lyrical. I’m watching how this fine genuine artist has musically is Journey, what can I say? I just love ‘Faithfully’, one inspired by artists ranging from Symphony X to FM, to grown. Kelly started singing at a young age. ‘I would of my all time favourites. I almost feel like I am floating whatever is melodic and keyboard or guitar oriented.’ just love to sing silly rhymes ... that’s what made me when I listen to it.’ The band is in the process of recording but it’s a happy. Dolly Parton and early country music inspired The reaction to Shauna’s music has taken her by slow process. ‘We have day jobs that require a lot of me, because that was what my dad raised me on.’ surprise, as she is yet to release her debut album ‘The time and energy. We are working very hard to make it Kelly’s media response stateside has been very labels so often control the destiny of any aspiring art- happen. Now we have enough material for an album positive. She is about to have her song ‘Pizza and Fai- ist. I have attempted to create melodic but edgy pop/ we just need finishing touches and to find a contract.’ rytales’ feature in the upcoming movie ‘Trust The Man’ rock songs. I think this style of music is missing in the So look out for Blind Shot during 2008 and check starring X Files star David Duchovny, Billy Crudup and ‘scene’ today. The generation before me grew up on them out at www.myspace.com/blindshotband Julianne Moore. rock. My generation has listened to everything from ‘Pizza And Fairytales’ is a sexy, sonic pop song Pop, Pop/Rock, Alternative to Urban. I am looking for EILERA that vocally reminds of Shirley Manson from Garbage that magical mix somewhere between it all.’ crossed with Stevie Nicks. It’s very cool with great ‘Like so many artists, I am looking for the finances towering vocals from Kelly, but it’s also very melodic to produce a truly professional album,’ she explains. ‘I in structure too. ‘It’s about the man who inspired the continue to hope my current demo will attract the right song,’ she explains.‘He is stil,l and will always be the people and things will take off from there’ love of my life, and he truly is a great friend. To this You can check Shauna Young out at www. day, he still inspires me to write about him.’ myspace.com/shaunayoung85 I ask Kelly how she got involved with the movie soundtrack and if the song was written especially for GLITZY GLOW the movie and if she had met any of the cast? ‘I knew the music supervisor from ‘Trust The Man’. I met him when he had seen me play a few years ago, and I col- laborated with him on some music. We’ve always kept French artist EILERA recently released her superb in touch so he called me one day and told me he would new album ‘Fusion’ through Spinefarm. Eilera is a very like to use my music for this movie he was working on. spirtiual lady, with a deep understanding of spirtual He had heard my CD ‘Haze’ and he felt that ‘Pizza and energy. Fairytales’ would be perfect for a background scene ‘Fusion’ was recorded at Eilera’s home studio and and turns out it was. I saw the movie with all of the also at Finnvox studios in Helsinki. ‘Lots of sweat and stars at the film premiere, and then went with them to energy in the air,’ explains Eilera. Joining the project the after-party. It was so crowded and crazy I unfor- is guitairst Loïc Tézénas, of whom Eilera revelas, ‘We tunately didn’t officially meet anyone, although David have this special chemical musical reaction between Duchovny and I locked eyes for a nanosecond.’ us and it’s always fun and exciting working with Loïc.’ Kelly is currently working on her next record. ‘It Sweden’s Johnny Roxxy has been playing guitar ‘Fusion’ is inspired by deep emotions and Celtic should be ready in for early 2008.The album will be since he was 15. ‘I started in front of the mirror,’ he themes mixed around rock. I asked Eilera where she distributed by iTunes and will be able to be bought laughs. Influenced by glam he played in bands like draws her inspiration from. ‘I just follow my instincts! I through Amazon and some other internet markets. Plastic Dolls. Unfortunately their frontman passed have these two obsessions in life and work which are Writing is my passion, it’s something that will keep me away but Johnny didn’t give up on music. He teamed freedom and beauty. Whichever song I work on, these motivated for a very long time,’ she smiles. up with vocalist Julia and drummer Daniel Jackzin, two have to intrude and say, ‘Hey! Don’t you forget us!’ As well the new CD entitled ‘Carmine Street’ Kelly guitarist Geoff Lawrence, bassist Carl Thunberg and Yet they were not the only ones to drive me. For one of is busy shooting a video that will be directed by Patri- formed GLITZY GLOW and he now feels he is mak- the central elements in this album is passion, followed cia Chica (of Roch Voisine, Mia, fame). I ask her how ing the music he always wanted to. Julia is inspired closely by my attraction to contrasts: warmth/cold, she hooked up with Patricia and what is involved in by the likes of Tori Amos and Kate Bush through to strength/frailty, girl/woman. So it just made sense setting up in the making of a music video ‘I hooked Paul Stanley and ‘the bone breaking aggressions of that the music would follow in this direction – modern up with Patricia Chica through Myspace, which has Entomed’ she enthuses. I ask Julia about the band’s metal-rock and electronic sounds with old, genuine turned out to be an amazing vehicle for meeting peo- songs. ‘‘Now is Never Later’ is my favourite song right Celtic folk music.’ ple. I saw her director’s reel and knew she would be now. I simply love it! It’s a heavy song. Musically it’s Prior to going solo Eilera was in a band called perfect for ‘Start Clean’. She had the vision, the artistic very dark but it’s also an almost psychotic touch of Chrysalis who released a CD that was in the melodic feel and openess to fully express what the song was happiness to it, which makes the whole thing very sur- metal vein mixed with jazz and electronics. ‘The CD about, she is an amazing director and very easy to realistic and very G.G.’ was very well received on the undergound scene,’ she work with.’ Indeed G.G’s music is catchy and fun yet melodic, says, ‘but when the time came to record the full length Check Kelly out at www.kellypadrick.com check out the brilliance of the hard hitting catchy album I was already in another place. I did not want ‘Black And Sunny Day’, a song that cranks along in the to work within the limits of the band anymore. And I VANITY INK are a superb band, with tons of at- vein of Phantom Blue and Hanoi Rocks. wanted to sing my songs. Actually I think I needed it.’ titude and wicked songs like ‘Any Day Now’ and the Julia explains that a full album is ready and will Her first album as solo artist was called ‘Facettes’ awesome guitar-crunching ‘Someone Else’. In fact, be out soon. ‘We’re tall and dark and we look like we and I asked Eilera if it was in the same style as ‘Fu- the whole debut album ‘On Your Skin’ just rocks. could eat you alive,’ she laughs. Watch out for the sion’? ‘It’s more pop,’ she explains. ‘It corresponds to a Annabella had previously jammed with band mem- band on the road and keep an eye on updates for the time when I was very excited about trying new direc- bers Juha Bandit and Sam Junni in a band called album at www.glitzyglow.com tions. It was very refreshing and exciting ... I had no Weirdoraa. When they met bassist Mike Peltola ev- more limitations and I did not have to justify myself to erything started working out for them and Vanity Ink

FIREWORKS ISSUE 31 MARCH-APRIL 81 VANITY INK the songs performed well. The band are testing the themselves or want the attention for wrong reasons. waters with this album and I think they will hit soon hit That’s not for us.’ their stride come the second album. Rott mean busi- By the time you read this B-Q-B’s will have lined up ness and you can check them out at www.myspace. some shows in London so keep checking them out via com/rottband www.myspace.com/barbeqbarbies for updates and also check out their songs, as they are fun, hooky and California’s CLANDESTINE are led by singer June in your face. Clark, who ‘... was a girl who listened to European Goth metal between every class break, while everyone else MYSTIC JAYYAD enjoyed the trends like Dance or Hip Hop’. In 2002 June moved to the United States to pur- sue heavy music, where she received various music lessons from great teachers in Los Angeles and then was born. ‘As soon as we all got together, we started formed Clandestine when she met bassist Chad Whit- rocking and we don’t wanna stop! Jussi was found taker. As Chad explains, ‘We were required to take a later on after one of our gigs at Tampere and he fits so music class in grade school. I had been interested in good! Oh, I love these guys!’ playing guitar so I attempted to join the ‘Strings’ or- ‘On Your Skin’ was recorded in eastern Finland at chestra class’. Chad soon learnt that they didn’t have a place called Joensuu with a qualified, professional guitars in that orchestra. ‘My buddy chose upright sound engineer Kimmo Perkkiö. ‘He is also our good bass so I went ahead and did the same.’ friend, and as nuts as we are too! The studio is at Greg Collister always loved music and wanted to countryside in a peaceful place with beautiful scenes. be a drummer. ‘I started playing drums when I was 10 Led by Sandra Naro comes MYSTIC JAYYD. San- You can run straight from the sauna to the flowing years old. I got my start with the 5th grade music pro- dra and her sister have done nothing but sing and river for a swim. gram in Galva, Illinois at Galva Elementary School.’ harmonise their whole lives. ‘It just comes naturally,’ ‘Many people love us and some people hate us. Making up Clandestine is guitarist Dan Durakovich. says Sandra ‘You feel, you react, you go wherever the When they watch us performing, they all enjoy our Dan picked up playing guitar after his friend bought an music takes you.’ show one way or another,’ explains Annabella. ‘And axe and introduced him to the likes of Metallica. ‘I then And it took her to Buffalo in New York where San- that’s because we’re having lot of fun on the stage, took things further and had lessons from an amazing dra met the rest of Mystic Jayyd. ‘We talked, sang, I mean anything can and does happen because we teacher in Indiana and eventually moved out to Los had a great time at Rock-n-Roll Heaven, and briefly really let ourselves go like it was the first time every Angeles to pursue a musical career and here I am.’ talked about us all getting together. They needed a time, or the last day of our lives!’ Musically, Dan tortures himself to get the music out lead singer and I didn’t know how serious they were Musically Annabella is inspired by Prince. ‘For me of his system. ‘It can be a brutal process! I think I get about putting a band together.’ he is a guy who makes whatever he wants without lim- more ‘writer’s block’ than most musicians,’ he adds. A year later, Sandra’s husband Phil Naro then got its, without caring about cultural or moral pressures – ‘There is so much more beyond our appearance, an email asking if he knew of a female singer willing to not only in his music but also in his performing as well. what we do, or how we act towards others, society sing original material in an all female rock band. ‘The There are also some Finnish bands that are really im- and the world,’ adds June. ‘Finding out what’s under Girls had thought that I was too busy and too profes- portant to me like Sielun Veljet, Pelle Miljoona, Smack, the veil fascinates and disturbs me at the same time, sional to be in their band,’ adds Sandra. ‘Let me tell Peer Günt, Hearthill and Melrose. I could fill this list and I almost have to let those feelings out. It is like my you that I have been in quite a few bands in the past, with Guns’n’ Roses, Stone Temple Pilots, Soundgar- personal mental therapy to write songs with hidden but I have never felt the emotion and feel of a song den etc, but it’s not just music that inspires me, I love ideas and feelings. coming from the heart as the songs that Ann and Col going out seeing friends and getting new friends. Or to I ask the band about their songs. Greg loves ‘Fear- had written.’ Which brings us to the next question, drink some red wine at home and relax and when I’ve less’ because ‘It’s complex, filled with a system of tight motivation. finished my red wine I go out seeing friends after all. grooves.’ Dan enjoys ‘Pretend’ because of the solid ‘Ann and Col believed and felt every word they put Or go to sauna and drink some sauna-beers as they bass force. ‘Hearing Chad vamp on the chorus really down on paper. Maryann and I had no problem what- are called in Finland and when I’ve finished, well ... makes the song groove. Also, all the song parts are soever in incorporating our harmonies and rhythm to you know’. intertwined very tastefully and June’s mesmerising make you feel the song along with Ann and Col.’ Right now Vanity Ink are mixing new songs, put- melodies make this song really fun to play,’ he adds. Mystic Jayyd was recorded at Select Sound in ting together riffs and hope to get their next album out For June, it’s new song ‘Lies’. ‘It will be featured in Buffalo, New York, then mixed at Wellsley Studios, soon. In the meantime they are out gigging and want our full-length album. The song feels great when per- Toronto, Ontario and will be release next year. In the to hit the UK for shows, so make sure that you check forming, and I like how the heaviness and softness in meantime check them out at www.mysticjayyd.piczo. out ‘On Your Skin’ at www.vanityink.net that song balance each other. The message is about com irresistibly drowning to someone or something while ROTT you know it is lethal, and it makes you fade away at VICE SQUAD the end.’ The band have been receiving quite a healthy re- sponse for the EP which they produced and recorded themselves. They plan on releasing a full new album in 2008. ‘We always agonise about our music and per- formance because it is the most serious issue in our lives. It’s a challenge for us to write music that even other musicians can appreciate.’ So watch out for action from Clandestine during 2008 and check them out at www.clandestineband. com

ROTT cast a charm of influences that focus on the Helsinki’s BARBE-Q-BARBIES band came together London’s VICE SQUAD have been out and about heavy end of the hard rock/metal spectrum. They have in 2002. ‘It’s been a rocky road so far, but everything is gigging and releasing records for a number of years. just released their debut album ‘Out Of Time’ and when going in the right direction,’ says drummer Nina. VS are led by one BEKI BONDAGE who was a Kerrang playing the record you hear influences from Lacuna The band have a bond, a group spirit that locks magazine Lady Killer back in the day with her band Coil, Lullacry, Tool and even Metallica. The band’s them together which generates inspiration for them THE BOMBSHELLS. music can be thrashy, gritty, experimental but always as well as their own individual life experiences that Beki is simply inspired by a love and desire to make rocking thanks to singer Molly Sirenne’s diverse vocal keep the band tight and motivated. They are writing music and make a lot of noise ‘It’s a way to express my range. hard for their debut album that they hope to release in anger at the iniquities of life. Music is proof that there The good old conflict of good vs. evil inspired 2008. ‘We’ve had a great crew on the producing side,’ is a God,and the music business is proof that there is Molly’s songwriting. ‘You’ll see that theme repeated says Nina. ‘Bazie (from 69 Eyes) and Hannu Leiden Satan.’ throughout a lot of our lyrics,’ she says. ‘The human (Major Leiden Productions), are with us and part of Musically Beki is inspired by great singers like pursuit of answers to the questions like why are we the bond, but for now we’re really looking a good label Little Richard and Aretha Franklin through to artists here and where do I fit in. I believe a lot of us feel lost for Barbies and the new songs have been recorded at who aren’t afraid to say what they want to say ‘like sometimes but every human soul is immortal and has Seawolf studios, Helsinki.’ Joe Strummer’ she says. ‘I would love to be a lead gui- a purpose. B-Q-B are inspired by bands like AC/DC, Motör- tarist as opposed to a lead vocalist. The response has been tremendous. We haven’t head, KISS, Girlschool. Nina goes on to explain how ‘I’m always excited by brilliant lead players, and had to sell ourselves much at all. The request for air- the bands fanbase is building up. ‘It’s been cool, I jealous too! Nothing beats cranking your amp up to play, interviews, promo packages, etc. seems to come guess people expect less from us because we’re girls eleven and making an unholy racket. Music is the daily. I’m very flattered and I may need to hire a sec- and then get highly surprised when we hit the stage sexiest thing on Earth.’ retary, haha.’ and kick their ass. We’ve always thought about our- We talk about music in general and Beki explains I love the texture in Molly’s vocals coupled with selves as a band, not as a girl band. And we concen- it’s impossible to choose a favourite song. ‘I like them Dan Profitt’s nasty guitar work, which combined make trate on music, that’s the most important thing of all. for different reasons. ‘Complete Control’ by the Clash ‘OFT’ a winner. It takes several spins to get into but We want people to take us seriously and work hard for is still a big favourite, particularly if I need to get in once it pulls you in there’s no escape. that. Unfortunately female bands/artists sometimes a fighting mood, which seems to be most of the time, As a debut album the production is petty good and have tendencies to give a wrong impression about haha. I love playing our own song ‘Spitfire’ live in the

82 MARCH-APRIL ISSUE 31 FIREWORKS live set because it gives me a stiffy and I love Kev’s fe- ROCK IGNTION is Jewish!!’ rocious drumming. If I was in a fruity mood it would be Prior to Indigo Dying, Gisa fronted a female rock a song with a lot of Les Paul action, preferably played opera called Bandage and did studio work for art- by men in catsuits and high heels,’ she giggles. ists including Perry Farrell, Pattie LaBelle and Dennis Vice Squad are a great hard hitting live band and DeYoung. On her inspirations ... ‘My life, the way it the fans are totally into it.‘We were floundering around turned out, is a constant teaching and inspiring les- a bit when we first started playing under the name son. Hopefully I will become a better artist and human again back in the late 90’s because we were trying to being every day. Honesty and integrity are a driving please too many people, but when we started making force in me and my choices are based on that, even if ‘Defiant’ I decided to please myself and be totally hon- it sounds crazy. Like John Lennon said: ‘You may say I est. There’s no point trying to cater to fakes and flakes am a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope one day anyway, they should stick to their day jobs and 2.1 kids you’ll join us ...and the world will be as one!’ He still etc and keep their noses out of Rock ‘n’ Roll. So I say inspires me, LOVE and Compassion are in the end my what I think on that album, and the audience appreci- together an EP called ‘I Can’t Resist’ which was pro- greatest inspiration!’ ate that. We’ve got a fantastic positive energy live and duced by Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69). ‘We put lots Check out Indigo Dying, it’s a fantastic album, very get everyone’s up and into it and then all get pissed of effort and enthusiasm into this EP,’ says Heather, melodic with huge vocal harmonies, have a listen at together after the show....brilliant!!’ ‘and we think it represents us fully and is a very good www.myspace.com/gisav As to why The Bombshells broke up ... ‘We broke debut.’ In the meantime the song writing doesn’t stop up because they couldn’t get enough gigs to keep the and the band hope to have a full length CD by the end Best Female Artist 2007 van and P.A on the road. The band members got fed up of next year, one for which I can’t wait for as the band 1) Nightwish with getting nowhere ... the usual story!!! The Bomb- rock and Heather is an excellent vocalist. 2) Xandria shells were a very hard working band which never got ‘The recordings took a bit longer than expected,’ 3) Dolores O’Riordan any recognition. But I’m proud of what we did as we explains Heather, ‘getting all the permissions to re- 4) Robin Beck managed to be self-contained and self-sufficient and lease it was also not so easy, but we believed so much 5) Within Temptation lasted about ten years, though of course the line-up in it and we put so much effort in ‘our baby’ that we changed quite a bit due to members leaving because definitely didn’t wanna give up! And we finally got it Best NEW Female Artist 2007 they didn’t become rock stars over night. Music is released and I’m very happy and surprised about the 1) Kelly Padrick hard, which is why so many give up and become ‘nor- great reaction from the press and the listeners! We 2) Laura Kaye mal’. It costs a fortune to keep a band functioning yet have reached lots of people with different musical 3) Kathrine McPhee you get paid peanuts, so only those who are very dedi- tastes, not only from the hard rock/metal scene but 4) Saskia cated and/or very stupid stick at it.’ also people with completely different backgrounds, 5) Indigo Dying Right now Vice Squad are completing their next this is definitely the most surprising thing for us. I have album ‘Fairground For The Demented’. ‘It sounding to say that the biggest satisfaction comes from read- awesome,’ exclaims Beki. ‘We’re recording this one ing their emails and getting to know how big their love at Granary studios in Kent, which is brilliant as we and support is for Rock Ignition – believe me, that has CATS N’ CLAWS can make a lot more noise than we can at home. The no price!’ Free CD with Fireworks 31 whole sound has gone up several notches since Kev Heather has always had hard rock in her blood. Taylor joined as he’s such an excellent drummer, he’s ‘Hard rock has always been a big part in my ‘grow- completely transformed our sound and our songs. ing up’ process. I find it to be so energetic and at the 1. Shauna Young - Given Enough Lumpy (lead guitar) and myself always knew we were same time a melodic and touching genre. Hard rock Promotional Track (www.myspace.com/shaunayoung85) good song writers but didn’t realise quite how good makes you want to take your motorcycle and cruise till we played them with Kev. We’re all really excited all over the world, get on stage and sing your heart 2. Tarja – Ciaran’s Well about this album and can’t wait to get it finished and out or maybe just get together with some friends and From The Album ‘My Winter Storm’ (www.spinefarm.fi) play it live.’ enjoy some beers by the beach listening to the sweet- 3. Jaime Kyle – World Of Crazy If you get the chance, go and see the band live, est ballad.’ Promotional Track (www.myspace.com/jaimekylemusic) they rock!! Check them out at www.myspace.com/ Heather was also involved with the Queen musi- 4. Imperia - Norway vicesquad cal ‘We Will Rock You’ and has also been out on the From The Album ‘Queen Of Light’ road as guest singer for power-metal merchants Ka- (www.massacre-records.com) SKYTAH melot and she is inspired by the bands she grew up on. ‘I grew up listening to bands like Bon Jovi, Europe, 5. Glitzy Glow - Black & Sunny Day Queen and later Little Angels, Aerosmith, Skid Row From upcoming album ‘Welcome To This Glow’ and Mr. Big. The most inspiring artist for me is Fred- (www.glitzyglow.com) die Mercury; I really admire his talent and his open 6. Sofia - Hangover and honest attitude towards life and the people that From The Album ‘Lifetraveller’ surrounded him.’ (www.myspace.com/sofiamusic) Rock Ignition are soon screaming out you’re way 7. Xandria - Save My Life live, in the flesh and will soon release a full length CD. From the album ‘The Seventh Veil’ (www.xandria.de) So check them out at www.rockigntion.com 8. Kelly Padrick - Sometimes INDIGO DYING From the album ‘Haze’ (www.kellypadrick.com) 9. Eilera - Fusion From Holland come SKYTAH whose debut album From the album ‘Fusion’ (www.eilera.com) ‘Gypsy Mentality’ is a fantastic slab of music. The band was born after guitairst Ben Humpig responded 10. Vanity Ink - Someone Else to an advertisement from singer Adriënn. In the first From the album ‘On Your Skin’ (www.vanityink.net) years of Skytah’s existence Ben and Adriënn wrote 11. Rott - Out Of Time the songs and managed to record a demo . From the album ‘Out Of Time’ ‘Gypsy Mentality’ was recorded at Wateringen in (www.myspace.com/rottband) the Netherlands with the band members being influ- 12. Toni Rowland - I’ll Be Waiting enced by the likes of Skunk Anansie, Alice in Chains, From the album ‘Unfolding’ (www.tonirowland.com) Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. 13. Clandestine - My Lord The reaction towards the album has been positive. From the EP ‘Clandestine’ (www.clandestineband.com) ‘Some fans have even stated that ‘Gypsy Mentality’ Gisa Vatcky was raised on a diet of classical music. 14. Skytah - Gypsy Mentality possesses a ‘lonely first class quality’. Most critical Her father was very artistic and played several instru- From the album ‘Gypsy Mentality’ (www.skytah.com) notes we have gotten so far concern the production; ments and in the house at a young age Gisa became more specifically, that Skytah’s sound is not raw or her fathers backup vocalist. ‘I grew up surrounded by 15. Barbe-q-barbies - Escort specific enough. However, during our shows the au- culture, I started playing guitar and took some piano Promo Cd Single (www.myspace.com/barbeqbarbies) dience is without exception immensely enthusiastic,’ lessons and discovered Italian and English pop and 16. Vice Squad - Voice Of The People says Adriënn. rock n’ roll, which changed my life,’ she explains. From The Album ‘Defiant’ (www.vicesquad.co.uk) The band hope to write and produce a break- Gisa now fronts a new band called INDIGO DYING, 17. Blind Shot - Haunted Heart through second album. ‘Our aim is to reach as many whose album was just released by Frontiers. An ex- Promo Track (www.myspace.com/blindshotband) people as possible with our music.’ Check them out at cellent band with fantastic songs like the ultra catchy www.myspace.com/skytah and melodic ‘Breathe In Water’. ID has been produced 18. Alexx Calise - Give It To Me by Fabrizio Grossi (Glenn Hughes) and features one From the album ‘Morning Pill’ (www.alexxcalise.com) In our last issue we featured on our cover CD a Michael Kiske, the former Helloween vocalist. 19. Mystic Jayyd - Girls Night Out track by Germany’s ROCK IGNITION. I caught up with ‘The songs are very introspective, spiritual and From The EP ‘Mystic Jayyd’ Heather Shockley to find out more about this excel- practical,’ explains Gisa. Even the ones that might (www.myspace.com/mysticjayyd) lent band. Formed in 2006 by singer Heather and Silent have a Christian address are very common and appli- Force bassist Jürgen Steinmetz the guys quickly put cable to everyone, not matter the credo...half the band 20. Jaded – Lies From The Ep ‘Jaded’ (www.jadedrockers.com)

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