Hottest Chicks
When we interviewed Stitched Up Heart singer Mixi for our new Hottest Chicks in Hard Rock issue (See page 57), we discussed several topics, including the band's new single and video and her experiences as a high schooler.
Unfortunately, due to space constraints, we couldn't include most of the interview. But that's what the Internet is for! Read what she has to say below!
REVOLVER: First off, what's new in Stitched Up Heart land?
We are shooting a music video for our new single, "Grave," which will be out by the time the magazine is on the stands! I am gonna forward you the track so you can have a listen. We are touring around the US with our EP, Escape The Nightmare, which is sold only as hard copies at our shows. Slowly but surely, were putting together a full-length as we are still independent and self-funded. Gotta love the music industry!
Since this is also our "back to school" issue, some school-related questions: How would you describe your school experience?
In middle school I was a super-nerd! I even played the tuba for three years. I tried too hard to fit in back then, so everyone made fun of me. Once I got into high school, I decided to stop caring what people thought of me and just be ME. That's when everything changed. To this day, I live by the motto, "You were born an original, don't die a copy."
What kind of student were you? A nerd or a troublemaker or somewhere in between?
I was the artsy kid. Was in AP art classes and took every creative class I could. As long as it involved paint, clay or performing arts, I was in! I was typically in a relationship the majority of high school, thanks to the curse of being a hopeless romantic.
What's the worst trouble you got into while in school?
Me? In trouble? Never ...
Did you ever skip school due to hard rock or metal?
I actually had pretty decent attendance! I didn't have much of a choice when the softball coach was keeping track at all times! I probably only missed a few days out of the year. I know! Nerd alert!
Did you ever have any run-ins with bullies?
I've never been in a fight in my life. I kill them with kindness! All the kids that bullied me in middle school ended up being my friends in high school once I stopped giving a fuck about what people thought.
Did music help you get through school? If so, how?
Music helped me get through life. I've been through the ringer for this passion. It's a tough industry. I just realized how impossible it is for me to survive without it. When I grow up, I wanna be a little old lady In a rocking chair on her front porch with an acoustic guitar singing to the neighbor kids to "Get off my lawn!"
The Birthday Massacre will release their new album, Hide And Seek, on October 9. In anticipation, the band is streaming the record right here right now. Check it out below, download the song "Down" for free, and let us know what you think in the comments. For the latest news on the Birthday Massacre, follow them on Facebook.
In the two years since The Letter Black released their debut album, Hanging On by a Thread, they've toured almost nonstop and released two EPs, Hanging On by a Thread Sessions Vol. 1 and 2. But fans are eager for a proper new full-length. That wait will be over in early 2013, when the band drops its followup. In anticipation of that release, The Letter Black are premiering a new song, "Sick Charade," from the album right here right now. Check it out below, read what frontwoman Sarah Anthony has to say about the song, and let us know what you think in the comments. For the latest news on the band, follow them on Facebook.
REVOLVER What's "Sick Charade" about?
SARAH ANTHONY This song is about hypocritical people. It's about those who say one thing and do another. In this song, I talk about my decision to not follow those types of people anymore and hopefully challenge the listener to decide whether or not they will.
What was the inspiration?
Musically, Rage Against the Machine. Lyrically, life experiences. Too many to list.
What part of it did you guys come up with first?
Mark [Anthony, guitarist] came up with the guitar riff first. That's how most of our songs start. It sets the tone and mood for the lyrical content.
Was it easy or hard to write and record?
This song was surprisingly easy all around. We had a blast recording it.
How is the new album coming along?
We actually recorded earlier this summer and just received the mixes from David Bendeth. That guy is magic behind a mixing console! We are so stoked for it to get released.
How would you describe it compared to your previous music?
This release is way more mature and in your face than the last record. We also feel it's more aggressive. Also, the overall theme is more cohesive and less sporadic.
When we interviewed UnSaid Fate front woman Jackie Laponza for the new Hottest Chicks in Hard Rock issue, we discussed several topics, from the roots of Unsaid Fate to her experience as a high schooler.
Unfortunately, due to space constraints, we couldn't include most of the interview. But that's what the Internet is for! Read what she has to say below!
REVOLVER: How did UnSaid Fate form?
UnSaid Fate started to become a reality about a year ago. We were called Jackie for a few years, and we felt we had reached our limit musically with that name — and that we were naturally evolving into something new and fresh. By the way, it wasn't my idea to name us Jackie (LOL). The songs we were starting to create over the last year or so were bigger, heavier, more melodic and more exciting. We felt like we had a bit of an identity crisis with the old name.
It was weird because we would come out and open for bands like Saliva, Halestorm, Theory Of A Deadman, etc., and we didn't have a "rock band name," per se. People would feel a bit hesitant with us until they saw us throw down on stage and hold nothing back, performance-wise. So, UnSaid Fate was born out of the ashes of Jackie!
How would you describe the band's sound?
Active rock with heavy rock riffs, big melodic choruses with harmonies and a bottom-end backbone that doesnt quit!
Since this is also our "back to school" issue, some school-related questions: How would you describe your school experience?
Actually, it was very normal. I played different sports and had really good grades, even though music was my main focus and passion and it took up all my personal time. I did miss all the weekend parties and hanging with friends at the mall or wherever because I always had something music-related to do. If it was practice or weekend gigs, it was always first and foremost.
What kind of student were you? A nerd or a troublemaker or somewhere in between?
I would say somewhere in between the two. I always made sure I stayed true to myself, no matter what I was involved in. I didn't really get into the cliques or groups. I had different hair styles and custom clothes I would make, so my style was extremely eclectic. But as far as trouble, I didn't get in much. I have three older brothers and one younger, so I let them handle the "getting into trouble" thing. I usually just lived vicariously through thier foibles.
What's the worst trouble you got into while in school?
Well, I didn't get in much trouble. To be honest, I didn't have the time. I was going to school, playing basketball, working a job and doing the band thing all at same time. I just kinda skated my ass through under the radar the majority of the time. I did get suspended once. A teammate of mine brought a water bottle to a game filled with vodka and OJ, and a few of us took a sip in disbelief once we heard about it. Sure as shit, Monday morning I was called down to the office and suspended due to a kiss-ass teammate ratting us out (LOL). Other than that, and a few detentions for tardies and absences, I was all good.
Did you ever skip school due to hard rock or metal?
Well, I was in a band and playing at bars and concert venues by the time I was 12. My brothers and I would miss quite a bit of school for long weekend shows or local news stations' morning shows and any other interviews and craziness that came up for the band. All along, teachers would tell me to get a realistic goal to shoot for. I had straight A's, so they all said to go to college, that I'd probably get a scholarship to somewhere good. But it wasn't me. I had no urge to go that route. I knew college wasn't going anywhere. I could always go no, matter how much harder it would be. Sometimes I wonder if I should have listened (LOL). No way — I love what I get to do. I'm living my dream!
Did you ever have any run-ins with bullies?
Not so much bullies, but I was always more of a "hang with the boys" type of girl, a tomboy, if you will. Girls used to hate me, but I can't change how I was brought up. I remember being called a whore by, ironically enough, the pregnant chick at the school! Most girls never really took the chance to get to know me. They just had some sort of fear of me, I guess. I was popular, and an athlete, but I also grew up with my four brothers picking on me, riding dirt bikes, shooting guns, trudging through the mud, and seeing how dirty I could get.
So I never really fit in well with the other girls and all the drama that would follow a good majority of them. I did my own thing, and once I figured out who I was, I couldn't care less what terrible things they would say, even though most of them hadn't had so much as exchanged "hellos" with me. Their words did nothing, except pushed me harder to get them one day to eat their words! Plus the good thing with having brothers is NO guys every pushed too far with me because they knew there would be consequences! Also a bad thing for a girl growing up! (LOL) All the guys were scared to get to know me because my brothers would beat them up!
Did music help you get through school? If so, how?
Music helped me not only get through school but a lot in life. The main thing in my life is music and family, and they work hand and hand with me. Both pulled me through the times that were the hardest. I was an extremely shy girl growing up. I would hide behind my mom's leg up to the time i was 10 when anyone was being introduced to me. I still sit and wonder how my parents sat so proudly when I first started in the band thing getting up there barely looking up tapping away with my tamburine and just utterly destroying the covers I was singing.
But they loved it and encouraged me that I could do anything. They would be supportive and the proudest parents ever. It made me a strong person who has no fears of what's ahead. I have high hopes, big dreams and a fire under my ass to never give in and never give up. When I get on stage, I feel unstoppable, and there I will conquer the world!
I have a strong message to the women of the world and to anyone, for that matter: Stay strong, BE YOU, tall or short, skinny or big-boned. Whatever the color of your skin, hair and toenails, whether you're into men, women or both ... love and live who you are, no matter what anyone says. Be a leader and let others follow!
When we interviewed One-Eyed Doll front woman Kimberly Freeman for the new Hottest Chicks in Hard Rock issue, we talked about a host of topics, from her roots as a musician, the band's new album, her experience as a student and more.
Unfortunately, due to space constraints, we couldn't include most of the interview. But that's what the Internet is for! Read what she has to say below!
REVOLVER: When did you first start playing music? When did you start playing guitar, specially?
I used to be a rather shy closet poet and never imagined that someday I'd be on stage singing my darkest thoughts to people. It took a jolt to get me started. There was a time when I dedicated my life to volunteer work, which led me to take a short teaching gig in mainland China.
I inadvertently got into trouble with the law and some other rather influential people there and had to stay under the radar for over a year. I decided that if I ever made it back to the US, I'd try singing my songs for people.
Singing to myself became a form of meditation that brought me comfort and kept me from completely losing hope and sanity. Some experiences in China helped me to break out of my shell a bit, and I felt that nothing would be scary anymore if I could only get home. I finally made it back to the US in 2003 or 2004 and paid a visit to my adopted grandpa on my mom's side: the lifelong musician, actor and comedian Bernie Jones.
He was an old man by this time with one eye who was also the first performer I'd ever witnessed as a child. Bernie advised me to pick up the guitar and gave me his old dusty Gibson archtop. I fixed it up and learned to play it, thinking I'd be a folk singer.
In 2005 I got my first $70 electric guitar from a pawn shop, moved into my van, formed a rock band and hit the road. I never looked back. No one ever told me I was supposed to actually be good before I hit the stage. We recorded our first album live in a garage within a couple months of forming the band and just never stopped moving. We busked on the streets, made merch out of trash to sell for gas money and scavenged food all across the country.
Several band members came and left, and I was the only remaining member at times. I continued on for years and things slowly grew and morphed into what we have now. I eventually met Junior, my drummer, and he's stuck it out with me longer than anyone. He pulls his own weight and more, which has helped us to grow a lot over the past three years.
What bands got you into hard rock and metal? How did you discover them?
I only had access to FM radio in a small town growing up. Oldies and gospel were really about all that was available for me to listen to in my pre-teens. Then out of nowhere one day, "Spinning Wheel" by Blood, Sweat & Tears came on the oldies station and blew my mind. I remember the very moment, in a car. It wasn't hard rock or metal, but it was the song that made me seek out dissonance in music and led me to rock and metal. It was my first experience with that shockingly bizarre evil circus sound, and I needed more!
I needed music to be more dissonant and scary and weird because that's what was inside of me that was dying to be expressed! I guess you could say it was my gateway song. I got really into classic rock. Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, White Zombie, then metal like Slayer, Ministry, Sepultura, Megadeath. Later I got into the Vandals, Jack Off Jill, The Lunachicks, Butthole Surfers. Though I don't consider Pink Floyd hard rock or metal, they are who spoke to me the clearest and most steadily through the years. I felt that they were the ones who truly had the power to voice the angst and confusion I felt in my narcissistic teenagedom.
How would you describe One-Eyed Doll's new album compared to your previous albums?
Dirty is what you might call a, "blue period" piece from One-Eyed Doll. It's a special one, for sure. Our albums are classically manic depressive — way up and way down — emotionally super-charged, brightly colored metaphors speckled with a few serious ballads. Dirty is all dark. It's introverted and real-life. It's less playfulness and more straight-up intense (sometimes blues) rock about the struggles of being a human being. It gets pretty heavy, both sonically and emotionally.
The production is different, since we planned on releasing it on vinyl from the beginning. We took the opportunity to record the guitar and drums together in the same room to capture the way we groove and change naturally. I think you can hear a lot of a Pink Floyd influence in it. It's just ear candy to me, so textured and beautiful. We recorded it at Sylvia Massy's place in Weed, California — in the mountains, in an old church with some amazing classic analog equipment. You can hear it all in the album. It's alive with dark spirits.
Since this is also our "back to school" issue, some school-related questions: How would you describe your school experience?
I went to a religious school, which was kind of tough for me. I was a straight-A student most of the time and didn't try to make trouble. I often did manage to get myself in trouble, however, for wearing the wrong things and writing about subjects in my papers that went against the religious ideals of the school. I never fit in with the other girls and was kind of a bookworm, though I was pretty good at sports, too. I made friends with the dropouts and kids from other schools mostly, and didn't have many friends in my own class. I skipped the eighth grade and graduated high school at 16. I was pretty much invisible to boys, and I didn't date until I graduated. Probably a good thing, because in my small town many of the girls my age were getting knocked up. I feel like I kind of dodged a bullet by being unpopular.
What kind of student were you? A nerd or a troublemaker or somewhere in between?
I guess somewhere in between. I was very studious and never tried to cause trouble but I guess it managed to find me.
What's the worst trouble you got into while in school?
I was the good girl in my group of friends. I never even did drugs or smoked. For me, the real trouble started after I graduated, when I was 17 and 18. I had ... I guess you could say a breakdown after the death of a close friend and some personal problems I couldn't talk to anyone about. I completely alienated and isolated myself from my friends and family when I attempted suicide and was committed into the local psych hospital. I was eventually released against doctor's orders and left town as soon as I could. No one trusted me after that, and no one could look me in the eye. It seemed like they all thought I was crazy. I still feel really self-conscious when I go back there. I destroyed a lot of the relationships that meant so much to me, and I live with the scars inside and out. It probably influenced me to become a musician, though. Gotta have the blues to play the blues, they say.
Did you ever skip school due to hard rock or metal?
If there had been a rock venue in my town, I probably would have — but no. I did ditch for bluegrass festivals though, believe it or not.
Did you ever have any run-ins with bullies?
Yes, several. I was kind of small and dorky and was picked on a lot. I ended up having to take matters into my own hands several times, because no one ever seemed to believe me or care. There was one boy who used to physically hurt me all the time to the point of bruising and drawing blood and taunt me incessantly. He played weird psychological torture games and just almost drove me insane. I finally punched him out one day in the hallway between classes and instructed him to never look at, touch or even think about me again. I was concerned that he'd retaliate, but he left me alone from that day forward. In fact, he never made eye contact with me again and avoided me like the plague.
Another instance that sticks out to me is these kids at another school who used to push me up against a tree and call me "skinny bones." I didn't know why they hated me so much, but they were always focused on me, every day at recess. I never fought them back, because there were so many, and I honestly hoped that they might just come around and see how cruel they were being. I kind of wish I had just gone ballistic on them. It would have been worth it. There was this other boy who was a family friend — super-cruel to me, a classic bully. He used to just torment me as a kid and always managed to get away with it. I tried standing up to him many times, but he was so much bigger and stronger and just laughed at me.
Well, thankfully our families parted ways and I didn't see him for many years — until one day when I was 16 or so. A car pulled up to me outside of a movie theater. It was full of boys, a little older than me. A pretty good-looking rocker dude in the driver's seat said, "Little Kimmy? Is that YOU!?" I looked over, and it was him. He was obviously smitten, blushing and nervously saying things like, "Wow ... you're all grown up!" and finally asked me out. I smiled, leaned into the car and calmly explained to his friends that I would never lower myself to be associated with the likes of him and that he'd bullied me as a kid. He turned bright red, and his friends all laughed at him. He sped off, and I never saw him again.
Did music help you get through school? If so, how?
At times I felt so alone, and music was my only friend. The music I listened to said things that I couldn't say without getting in trouble, hurting people's feelings or being thrown into the psych ward. I don't think that many people could survive their teens without music. I certainly couldn't have. I wrote very dark, sad and twisted poetry, but I kept it secret. I didn't think anyone could have possibly understood how I felt. Music was my voice.
Funny how full-circle that's come. I'm grateful to the artists out there who really write from the soul, no matter how vulnerable it makes them. They don't even know what they've done for people like me.
When we interviewed Picture Me Broken frontwoman Brooklyn for the new Hottest Chicks in Hard Rock issue (Brooklyn's also featured in the forthcoming 2013 Hottest Chicks in Hard Rock calendar, by the way), we talked about a host of topics, from the band's upcoming album, her life as a high school student and more.
Unfortunately, due to space constraints, we couldn't include most of the interview. But that's what the Internet is for! Read what she has to say below!
REVOLVER: How's the new album coming along?
The new album, Corrupt Me, has been complete for several months. I listen to it at the gym constantly and become more proud and eager to release it each time. Rock and roll needs this album right now.
How do you feel it's different than your past music?
This album is not at all gimmicky or trendy; in fact, it's risky how far we've deviated from our "scene." I wanted to graduate from "the band with the chick screamer" compartmentalization and grow as an artist (That's not to say you won't catch me screaming here and there). I focused heavily on creating a diverse spectrum of songs, honing into every sonic crevice that turns me on artistically. In most cases, if one were to select two arbitrary songs and play them back to back, they may sound like two completely different bands and genres. Critics will probably eat us alive for that, but I think a band needs to step up and have the audacity to create a blatantly divergent album rather than another release that sounds like one 45-minute-long song. I'm not afraid to be that band.
What's your favorite song so far?
It depends on my current mood. My general cynical, nihilistic self is always keen to indulge in the piano ballads of the record, namely "Moment of Weakness."
Since this is also our "back to school" issue, some school-related questions: How would you describe your school experience?
I suppose this is the part where the rock musician whines about their traumatic school experience. I hate to say it, but my academic career consisted of student body presidency, a 4.3 GPA in predominantly AP classes, varsity athletics in swimming and water polo from the day I stepped onto campus, and an abundance of empty lunch tables. I had a few weak moments where my rejection of the institution stifled me from being as on-point as I could have been, but for the most part I wanted to succeed.
I think people who consistently succeed do so in everything they do. I don't agree with musicians who glamorize academic mediocrity. If you are rejected by your peers, you sure as hell had better score higher than them, beat them at sports, beat them in school elections, beat them out of theatrical roles, etc. And leave with your middle finger in the air; that is far more rock and roll than flunking out.
What kind of student were you? A nerd or a troublemaker or somewhere in between?
I wasn't so easily pigeonholed. I did everything from nerding out and winning aquatic races to shit-disturbing and brooding by myself on the quad.
What's the worst trouble you got into while in school?
I never really got caught. In fact, I came up with a system enabling me to skip class at my whim, completely under the radar. It gave me extra time to study and break into the room with the piano.
Did you ever skip school due to hard rock or metal?
I opted to do my entire senior year online in order to focus on my true passion, rock.
Did you ever have any run-ins with bullies?
Certainly. But I must say, I had it coming.
Did music help you get through school? If so, how?
Definitely not, I'd likely be readying to commence freshman year at an Ivy League right now if not for my fervent affinity for music. That was always going to be the alternative route, but thankfully I don't do Plan B.
When we interviewed New Years Day frontwoman Ash Costello for the new Hottest Chicks in Hard Rock issue (She's also featured in the forthcoming 2013 Hottest Chicks in Hard Rock calendar, by the way), we talked about a host of topics, from the band's upcoming release, her life as a high schooler and her recent vocal cameos with Otherwise and Craig Mabbitt's project, the Dead Rabbits.
Unfortunately, due to space constraints, we couldn't include most of the interview. But that's what the Internet is for! Read what she has to say below!
REVOLVER: Tell us about the new album you guys are working on. What does it sound like? What sort of the lyrical themes are you hitting this time?
ASH COSTELLO: We are recording it with the incredible Erik Ron, who is responsible for the music of a lot of my favorite bands. It's starting to sound a lot more grownup. It's matured but hasn't lost all the dark and fun devil's carnival elements that make us who we are. Its a lot heavier than anything we have ever done.
Lately I'm feeling more vengeful and aggressive than I have in my entire life, and the lyrics are reflecting that. I've been through a lot the past two years, and songwriting is my therapy for it, songwriting is my revenge. It's the most honest — lyrically — that I've ever been. Listeners are truly going to see my vulnerable side and hear all of my secrets.
When do you hope to have it out?
We expect it out late this year or early next year.
Since last year, you've sung on songs by Otherwise and Craig Mabbitt's project, the Dead Rabbits. How did those cameos come about, and what can you tell us about how they turned out?
Otherwise are our label-mates, and we heard they needed girl vocals for their track "Heaven." It was my chance to show a prettier, softer side to my voice. I jumped at the chance, and we recorded at NRG studios, which was a rad experience for me. I was in the vocal room where Gavin Rossdale was earlier in the day. His handwriting was still on the monitor buttons. I'm such a studio geek, I love being around it.
I met Craig Mabbit back when we were touring with Warped Tour. He was always such a cool guy, always seemed very supportive and encouraging to me. Turns out, his project Dead Rabbitts was recording a few doors down from where we are recording our record. The track I sang on isn't named yet. Seriously, I am so stoked for his new project. I don't really like a lot of new bands very often, but I fell in love with Dead Rabbitts as soon as I heard it. The track I sang on is incredibly sexy, so I had to have him leave the room!
Since this is also our "back to school" issue, some school-related questions: How would you describe your school experience?
I hated school. I was not what you would have considered "cool" or "sexy." I was a total dork. I was an Orange County ska kid. Guys did not want to date me. Guys wanted to be in bands with me, NOT kiss me. I barely even had my first kiss by the time I graduated. I stood out from everyone else at my school. I always had to stand out. I wore creepers, ripped tights, bondage pants and lots of spikes. I had Betty Page bangs. I mean, when I was in high school, this was NOT normal. Although, I was voted most creative and most likely to be a rock star.
What kind of student were you? A nerd, a troublemaker or somewhere in between?
I was such a trouble maker! I was always skipping school, but I had straight A's. I had a problem with authority, so I was always mouthing off. But all my teachers still loved me. They would say, "Aw, Ashley, you're so creative, but here's your detention slip."
What's the worst trouble you got into while in school?
Well, actually, I used to draw comics of me killing the girls I didn't like or who were mean to me in school. One of the girls featured in the comic stole my sketchbook and turned it into the principal, who the told my parents that I need counseling. I guess not much has changed.
Did you ever skip school due to hard rock or metal?
All the time! School was always second to music for me. I never spent time doing homework. I'd be printing and handing out fliers for my band at clubs when I should have been studying.
Did you ever have any run-ins with bullies?
I never got into any serious trouble. I was teased, but I handled it well. I was called a "witch" pretty often. I wore all black and usually had some sort of witchcraft book on me I always stood up for people being picked on, though.
Did music help you get through school? If so, how?
Music saved my life and is the only reason I survived being so different in school. I always knew I was different than everyone else, and music helped me identify with something. It made me feel like I belonged to something. That's all I want to do now with my band's music — help make people who are like me feel like they belong.
Currently in the midst of his "No Hostages" tour, Phoenix-based artist, producer, and Ultragore Recordings CEO Sluggo stands at the forefront of the fast-rising EDM genre with his uniquely heavy metal-influenced dubstep sound. No wonder then that Korn frontman Jonathan Davis, aka JDevil, handpicked him as an opener on two legs of his band's North American tour. Furthermore, Davis is collaborating with Sluggo, as well as Tyler Blue, in the EDM supergroup KILLBOT, who will release their debut EP in October. Sluggo will also have his own new EP, Engineered to Destroy, out this fall. Here, he selects the Hottest Chicks in Dubstep.
Check out DJ HeavyGrinder's remix of Pantera's "Walk":
In this new video interview conducted by JVC Mobile, Halestorm frontwoman Lzzy Hale takes a barrage of questions that cover everything from the highlights of the band's current tour to being voted the Hottest Chick in Hard Rock. Check it out below!
Lzzy is of course currently featured on the cover of our annual Hottest Chicks in Hard Rock issue, which also features Maria Brink, Kimberly Freeman, Nita Straus and more. The issue is available on newsstands now, as well as right here in our online store.
