Atlantis Online will present a growing number of interviews with female artists in music, primarily from the rock and metal field. This is going to be an ongoing project and it starts right now (january 2007), meaning more regular updates than usual for this site. Enjoy.
Metallic Kitty
What is your full name and where do you currently reside?
- Hi, my full name is Kitty Saric (known as Metallic Kitty) and I live in Stockholm, Sweden.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you discovered music.
- I am 20 years old and I am the lead singer (growl/extreme screams) of the Melodic Thrash Metal band Decadence. Just before I started singing my main focus had always been on my guitar playing. I could have never imagined that I would become the lead singer of a band. I had attempted growling at home, starting at the age of 12, but I was never serious with it, it was only something I did for fun. I used to put on some Metallica, Children of Bodom and Death just growl along for fun’s sake. I joined what later became Decadence when I was 16 years old and it’s my first real band so I have grown up with Decadence. When I grabbed my first guitar at the early age of 12 I knew this music was the meaning of my life. Later on when Decadence entered my life, it has become just it. Everything evolves around it, even all everyday decisions I make outside of the band.
Can you mention a few people or artists that inspired you and what they meant to you?
- My biggest inspiration has always been James Hetfield of Metallica. I have always sought inspiration from him both as a guitarist, singer and song/lyrical writer. When it comes to harsher vocals along with the growls I began with Chuck Schuldiner (Death) and Alexi Laiho (Children of Bodom) which I find so many emotions in. When it comes to sharpness I have sought to mix Mille Petrozza (Kreator) kinds of vocals. The brutality credits are from Piotr Wiwczarek (Vader) and vocalists such as both Cannibal Corpse vocalists (Chris Barnes and George Fisher). Thrash Metal is, and always will be, my greatest inspiration in music, having Metallica on top of it. I find both vocal and instrumental inspiration in acts such as mentioned above which constantly makes me what to express myself in Decadence.
If you could pick three records to take with you to a desert island, which would they be?
- That question is always as hard but I’ll give it a shot: “…And Justice For All” (Metallica), “The Sound of Perseverance” (Death) and “Revelations” (Vader).
There has been a huge surge, almost a paradigm shift in rock and metal the last few years, in that women are now counted in the hundreds in a field that used to be very much male oriented. Would you like to comment on this?
- For me it seems like women are expressing themselves more in all kinds of fields nowadays, and I think this world of Metal is only a part of it. You even see more and more females in politics, business, CEO posts etc. so Metal seems to be one in the flow.
When did you record music for the first time?
- It was in 2004, Decadence first demo “Land of Despair”.
If you have to pick out a few favourite tunes from your catalogue, which would they be?
- Some of them would probably be (album order): “Wrathful and Sullen”, “Decadence”, “Red”, “Inside”, “Corrosion” and “Claustrophobia”.
Many seasoned artists still fear that moment right before showtime, how did you learn how to deal with that and how is it for you these days?
- I have never had that problem actually, at least not when it comes to performing this music which I love. Being on stage is the best thing in my life and I long for that moment all the time. So, the moment right before I get up on stage is like a huge adrenaline rush in a positive way and I love it!
What´s the best tour/s you´ve ever been involved in and why?
- The best one so far was Decadence minitour in Italy the summer of 2006. It was the first time we could really hang out as close friends and really get to know each other and it was really crazy in a good way! Memories from that tour will probably be with us forever!
What´s the situation for your type of music where you live right now?
- Here in Stockholm the scene is big in the sense of many fans and even more bands. However, there is a growing problem with venues and clubs. More and more of these places are closing down and it’s hard to keep the scene alive due to that.
What are you currently up to?
- We as a band are currently focusing on playing live and spreading our music. We have plenty of shows booked for this spring/summer of 2007 and we’re looking forwards to it a lot. Plans for the fall of 2007 are also in action…
What´s the best feedback you ever had from a listener?
- There have been so many good, positive feedbacks so it’s hard to pick only one. It warms my heart so much seeing fans emails to me where they tell me how much a particular song means to them and how they connected the lyrics to their own life etc. I remember one thing a fan said to me very well and if You read this I hope you won't get mad that I shared it! "Sometimes I think of fuckin just giving up on my dream of being a musician and I think Kitty didn't and wouldn't give up...and look where she's got."
Do you take a personal interest in your MySpace page and what do you think of this new invention?
- Indeed I do! I answer as many mails and comments as possible and try to keep contact with the fans, both at my own personal page and at Decadence page. MySpace has helped us a lot as a band and I think this invention was a huge step for the musical industry.
Do you think the recording industry is out of touch and what would you change if you could?
- When it comes to Sweden, I can’t really complain about studios and recordings. We have plenty of opportunities here to find a good studio but of course, it’s costly.
Do you surf the Internet and if so where do you usually go?
- I usually visit the same sites but when I do surf then it’s for musical purposes, such as exploring new bands or finding various inspirations for my own work etc.
Do you have other major interests outside music?
- No, I can’t really say I do. This music (Metal) means everything to me.
What authors do you like and have you read anything good lately?
- I don’t like books so I haven’t read anything good, lately anyway! When I have read various works it has mostly been existential and absurd such as Samuel Beckett.
What favourite actors in film and television do you have, and what do you enjoy to watch?
- I hardly ever watch TV, however strange that may sound! I guess I’m too busy with the band, work and university!
What favourite food do you have?
- Hah... this is turning silly, look at me man! Do I look like a person who has favourite food?! *laugh*
I´m sure you´ve heard many bad pickup lines, did you ever actually hear a good one that made you think that this person is perhaps interesting?
- Actually no! *laughs*
Do you have an interest in the paranormal, the unknown?
- Yes I could say I do, I find mysterious events quite intriguing.
Have you ever seen a UFO or do you know anybody that has had an experience that they´ve told you about?
- I have not seen a UFO and I don’t think I ever will, but I have however heard people tell me they have.
What´s your take on that?
- I believe that alien life forms exists, yes. I have never accepted the fact that we are alone in this universe because it’s too big and too undiscovered.
If you could give a piece of advice a younger sister that would like to follow in your footsteps, what would that be?
- If there is a will, there is a way.
Would you like to add something to this interview?
- I want to thank you and the readers for your shown interest in Decadence! Horns up high from Metallic Kitty!
At MySpace / Metallic Kitty - Decadence
Jane Evil
What is your full name and where do you currently reside?
- My name is...Jane Evil, and I live in Upstate NY USA. Or hell as I call it.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you discovered music.
- Well, to keep it simple and not sound like a bad singles ad. It´s obvious I´m a female metal singer...I have a great guy I´m seeing...I love dogs...Im a vegetarian....Hmm...gee, Im boring LOL! I have been into music and/or singing for as long as I can recall. I used to sing to Opera albums when I was 5, such as "Carmen" and "LaBohem". I grew up on 50's music and rock and Roll. I sang to anything and everything. I wanted to be onstage even then.
Can you mention a few people or artists that inspired you and what they meant to you?
- Well....you'd be surpised as to who my inspiration came from. You'd assume that it would be other female musicians. There are two that I greatly admire, Ann Wilson and Pat Benatar. They helped pioneeer the way for many women in this male dominated industry...but the artists that really gave me the greatest urge to be on stage were frontmen such as Geoff Tate, Bruce Dickinson, Rob Halford, and Freddy Mercury to name a few. They had the total package....Voice, immense presence, Immense energy on stage...that´s what I wanted to be like. There are many many amazing lead singers. But few take total command of the stage...and make it theirs. That´s what they meant to me...the best of the best...to strive to be a commanding presence on stage..that make people remember you forever!
If you could pick three records to take with you to a desert island, which would they be?
- Hmmmmm..damn hard question! I guess off the top of My head - 1. Queensryche's "Operation Mindcrime", 2. Dream Theater's "Scenes from a Memory", 3. The canadian cast version of "The Phantom of the Opera".
There has been a huge surge, almost a paradigm shift in rock and metal the last few years, in that women are now counted in the hundreds in a field that used to be very much male oriented. Would you like to comment on this?
- It´s about damn time! Most women in metal were never taken seriously for so long...a few got through the lines without having to use sex as a selling point, although many women did just that and gave us all a bad rep in some cases. There are women in metal who have been a force to reckon with even now. Doro Pesch for example. But now, there are many of us, showing we can hang with the big boys and do it just as well, if not better in some cases!
When did you record music for the first time?
- Back in the mid 90's I was asked to lend vocals to a friends band...my first real major recording of a cd was in 2004.
If you have to pick out a few favourite tunes from your catalogue, which would they be?
- Hmm..."Fallen Angel" would be my favorite. Next I guess would be "Hellbound". "Damnation" I did with the Indian Metal band Sledge.
Many seasoned artists still fear that moment right before showtime, how did you learn how to deal with that and how is it for you these days?
- I still get the "jitters" before I go onstage.....I think if you stop being nervous and excited theres a problem.....I like the feeling...makes me feel alive...like its the first time onstage...and I know that I havent lost the excitement and anticiaption for performing. To deal with it a have just ONE Smirnoff Ice...to take the edge off...but keep my mind focused.
What´s the situation for your type of music where you live right now?
- Where I live tends to be fickle....I live near many college towns...so Metal isnt usually the favorite genre.Many bands that I see who play locally have it rough at times...main stream cover bands seem to rule many bars...But there are places where metal is welcomed with open arms...and even though they may be few and far between..at least they are still supporting Original metal bands....
What are you currently up to?
- I have just joined forces with a band Called Zadoc and The Nightmare, which is an original Goth-Rock BAND. Right now I am familiarizing myself with all their material, and doing hometown shows till I get situated more into the fold. I also have projects in the works with other musicians on the homefront and overseas.
What´s the best feedback you ever had from a listener?
- Out of all I have ever heard and had said to me and about me...I had one teenage boy say that seeing me play gave him the inspiration to go out and join a band...to play out and be onstage. To hear that your someones inspiration to perform is an amazing thing.....makes all the work and B.S. worthwhile!!! It´s what we do this for!!!
Do you take a personal interest in your MySpace page and what do you think of this new invention?
- Yes, I run my MySpace page! Although it's quite an undertaking I rather do it myself, it's more personal and I enjoy commenting everyone back personally. MySpace is an amazing tool for ant type of performer or artist,band...you name it. We can be seen and heard by millions of people..and it doesnt matter whether your signed or not! It´s the best way for new original bands to get their name out there...for any musician or band to get their name known!! Even with the controversy MySpace has had.....it's the best internet tool any musician can use.
Do you think the recording industry is out of touch and what would you change if you could?
- Yes, I think they are out of touch..and have been for quite awhile!!!! They rather spew out 30 cookie cutter bands..then try and find a band thats original sounding from everyone else. That and it seems that they think that the only people who listen to music or buy cd's are 10 to 18 years old. I guess if your over the age of 25 you must listen to ...I have no idea what...but it's time that they start listening to the wants of listeners who are way out of puberty!
Do you surf the Internet and if so where do you usually go?
Well MySpace of course..lol...I go to band websites, A few palces I'd rather not say...hahaha...Im all over the place pretty much anywhere having to do with music!
Do you have other major interests outside music?
- I read quite a bit, I love to play pool, I draw a bit...
What authors do you like and have you read anything good lately?
- I like horror novels...Stephen King of course is my fav! I love historical novels...Vampire novels, and anything about King Arthur. I´ve read many many good books...Right now I´m reading "The Mists of Avalon".
What favourite actors in film and television do you have, and what do you enjoy to watch?
- Well..Im not one to watch alot of tv....Law And Order is about all I watch...lots of movies...I couldn´t name all the movies I love...
What favourite food do you have?
- I don´t eat meat.... love a good salad...my fav goody now and then is dark chocolate...I´m also addicted to french vanilla cappucino.
I´m sure you´ve heard many bad pickup lines, did you ever actually hear a good one that made you think that this person is perhaps interesting?
- I´ve heard them all believe me.....Unfortunatly never heard one that made me think.."Well he may be pretty cool".
Do you have an interest in the paranormal, the unknown?
- Yes, of course. I grew up in a haunted House....my parents house is haunted by a little girl's ghost.
Have you ever seen a UFO or do you know anybody that has had an experience that they´ve told you about?
- No, but I´d love to see one. Haven't met anyone who had either.
What´s your take on that?
- On what, UFO'S? I'd like to believe they exist.
If you could give a piece of advice a younger sister that would like to follow in your footsteps, what would that be?
- Go for it! Try for your dreams, if music is what you want to do...do it...life is too short not to reach for what you want.
Would you like to add something to this interview?
- I thank you for wanting to hear about my little corner of the world....and if anyone is interested...please visit my band and visit me on my profile and say hello! Bloody kisses to you all who love my music and helped me get this far!!!
At MySpace / Jane Evil - Zadoc and The Nightmare
Eilera
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you discovered music.
- I discovered music home, as a kid, and with my parents' vinyls...Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, the big themes in classical music, Eric Clapton, Dire Straits or old English folk music were being played a lot...I grew up keeping those somewhere in my mind and in myself...I actually still freak out today when I hear this helicopter sound in the "Dark Sife of the Moon" album! I started in classical guitar music school when I was twelve, moved to electric guitar and metal music when I was about 17, then to playing in my own bands...And then finally came my frustration with guitar playing. It was time for me to move to vocals... The Eilera project came to life in 2002. And here I am now.
Can you mention a few people or artists that inspired you and what they meant to you?
- Well, I certainly started to play guitar in the first place because I hoped to play "Money for Nothing" on a red Stratocaster as soon as possible! The other guitar player who meant a lot to me was Chuck Schuldiner. He was a genius for sure. The kind of man the too much narrow-minded death metal scene needed. Then I think the melodic metal players played a big role as well, like the Iron Maiden guys, or In Flames. But I would say in these last years my biggest influences have come from Irish folk music and any of the free artists I have been listening to. I suppose this is my one and main obsession in anything I do, with my vocals in first line: freedom.
If you could pick three records to take with you to a desert island, which would they be?
- Any Led Zeppelin, Björk's "Homogenic", and PJHarvey's "Stories from the City", "Stories from the Sea" maybe. Of course, those would not be enough!
There has been a huge surge, almost a paradigm shift in rock and metal the last few years, in that women are now counted in the hundreds in a field that used to be very much male oriented. Would you like to comment on this?
- Not really. It does not make any change to me.
When did you record music for the first time?
- It was with my metal band Chrysalis. Actually it was still called Suspiria by then, somewhere around 1998. Very underground! And very nervous! In all possible meanings of the term!
If you have to pick out a few favourite tunes from your catalogue, which would they be?
- Waow! I like all of them. They would never be recorded otherwise...
Many seasoned artists still fear that moment right before showtime, how did you learn how to deal with that and how is it for you these days?
- I have not been on stage in a long time. So, let's see how it will go on the coming shows... But I would say good mastering on my breathing, and...make love with my boyfriend right before I come to the venue!
What´s the situation for your type of music where you live right now?
- I think there is a good demand in France for melodic type of metal music. Unfortunately the French major record companies still pretend not to notice...I am convinced that the situation will evolve though. Such bands as Rammstein or Nightwish have proved here recently that there is indeed a big market in France.
What are you currently up to?
- The new album has just been mastered! It will be on the market around end of April. So promotion will soon start for us, including live...YES!
What´s the best feedback you ever had from a listener?
- It is hard to detach one of all the good reactions I have read or heard. All of them mean a lot to me. I know someone for example whose face brightens so much everytime he hears a song, and then he has to start dancing! Such reactions are a big reward to my work. One big part of the reward also comes when highly respected professionals such as Hiili Hiilesmaa tell you you have made one of the best albums he has heard It makes your heart beat quicker...
Do you take a personal interest in your MySpace page and what do you think of this new invention?
- Yes, I do. This is not only a very good promotion tool, but also the best way to get reactions on your work. So far, the only direct exchange you could have with your fans was on stage. Now you can also have it via internet.
Do you think the recording industry is out of touch and what would you change if you could?
- I would take the 'plastic' away! The recording industry seems to have forgotten what music and talent mean. It is time it makes more space for the talented ones who will sell more than one hit song and an empty album on which half of the vocals have been corrected with studio device!
Do you surf the Internet and if so where do you usually go?
- Not much.
Do you have other major interests outside music?
- Getting closer to Nature and further away from the fake.
What authors do you like and have you read anything good lately?
- The best author I read lately was Paul Auster and his "Oracle Night". I also enjoyed Mika Waltari's "Sinouhe the Egyptian".
What favourite actors in film and television do you have, and what do you enjoy to watch?
- I don't really have one favourite. Let's say it is hard for me to resist an Aragorn, or a good laugh on a Sex and the City episode!
What favourite food do you have?
- Love salmon...
I´m sure you´ve heard many bad pickup lines, did you ever actually hear a good one that made you think that this person is perhaps interesting?
- Yes, of course it happens... On your lucky days!
Do you have an interest in the paranormal, the unknown?
- I just know there are other living beings out there...
If you could give a piece of advice a younger sister that would like to follow in your footsteps, what would that be?
- Ask yourself if it really is running in your veins. If the answer is yes, just follow your instinct and keep faith.
Would you like to add something to this interview?
- Merci!
At MySpace / Eilera
Interviews made by Mike Eriksson (c). January 2007.
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