What do you think the main difference is
between bands that have female singers
versus a male singer are?
It changes the look of a band. It also
changes the sound of a song. The male
to female fronted rock band ratio is out
weighed by the males. So, for a female
to sing those songs really puts a
different edge and spin on the song
entirely. A female's voice can do things
that a male just can't do....and vice
versa, which makes for some interesting
music. Rock bands have an edge that
people assume of or automatically think
of. When they see a female is fronting
the band, the interest peaks and you
want to stay to hear, "how is this going
to sound?" The well known Richmond
rock bands are generally fronted by
men, so people in the area become quickly
familiar with the handful, in comparison,
of female fronted bands that regulary
play out.
What do you think the main difference would be if you were the lead
singer of an all female band? What would you miss, what would you
gain?
With a band that has a female as the lead singer, with no other
females in the band, that female becomes the focal point of the band.
Fortunately or unfortunately, the eye candy. She becomes what
people remember...who people rememeber. Imagine if there was an all
girl band with a male lead singer. Would you remember that? Would
that peak interest? I think this extends past the lead singer position.
If there was an all male band with a female on lead guitar, that would
show for the same dynamic. Focal point on the female. Why? Simply
put, she's a woman in rock, thought of as male dominated. If I was in an
all female band.......hmmmmm, I used to work at a nationally recognized
all female waitstaff family restaraunt *smile*. I remember the all
female dynamic....need I say more? If I was in an all female band, I
would miss singing the songs written by men. A woman singing music
written with testosterone make for some interesting music, an
interesting sound and puts a totally different spin on the meaning of
the song. I would also miss having brothers around. I didn't grow up
with brothers. They give me advise, they help me when I need them and
they write interesting music that I enjoy, with testosterone.
What challenges have
you faced being a female
singer?
Singing a song that is
meant for a man
whether its a cover or
an original. Most I do
great at, considering
most covers we do are
male recorded and most
characteristics, a man's thoughts and reasoning. But, a song that
just calls for the male voice or the male edge that I just cannot
duplicate or provide, can be a challenge. Years ago, I suffered
consistant laryngitis. My throat would hurt after one song and be
gone by the second or third. This, as you could imagine, really affects
the band as a whole when the one person who sings the bulk of the
songs from 9pm until 2 am, has laryngitis. I was singing incorrectly
trying to get that particular sound that is not my own but the essence
of a man's voice. I finally learned that I have my own personal
nuances that make our sound unique and people liked. Your fans and
bandmates of course have faith in you and think you sound wonderful,
but just not being able to convince yourself that it's the best song
for you can be a challenge. Or in the same tone, a song that you
really would just love to do, but you can't. We have dropped several
songs from our sets over the years for different reasons, mostly to
update the music. But there have been a few that are no longer in the
set that just sound better with a male's voice. Another challenge is
the thought that women rockers are easier to approach. I take my
music seriously, so when meeting people or speaking business on
behalf of the band, its a necessity to be professional and take on a
more dominate and serious domeanor. I need to be aware and know
when I am being taken advantage of. If someone pulls something over
on me they take advantage of the entire band, and I refuse to let that
happen.
What females have influenced your life and why?
#1 is mom. Without her, there would be no piano in the house for me
learn, no piano or voice lessons, no path to lead me to obtaining a
music scholarship, which in turn was my path to now. Janice Joplin
proves that a female can push her voice, tone and dynamics to a limit
that would suck if a man performed it. For that, I love her. Nikka
Costa proves that a female can have soul in her voice and sing rock
music just as fluently as the blues. For that, I love her. Melissa
Ethridge proves a bit of raspiness, guts and soul goes a long way with
rock for a female. For that, I love her. Patty LaBelle, Aretha
Franklin, Glady's Knight, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey give a
soulful sound to imitate parts and pieces of there vocal abilities. To
add those attributes to today's rock makes the sound so interesting
and unique. Amy Lee & Evanessence is an example of today's female
fronted rock bands where the female is a true singer backed by a
strong edge and intential attack of rock. Gwen Stephani shows rock
can be sexy, fun and again possess that rock edge. Even someone like
Kelly Clarkson, who I would catergorize as a pop radio style has a
couple of songs that really do have that completly rock band
supporting her voice. Female fronted bands throughout time have
shown that females can do it diry like the boys..raw rock but can also
be nicely scuffed with a diamond earing and pink bow.
What is it like to be recognized by
fans, how do you feel about being
in the eye of the public, what are
the ups and what are the downs?
It's always nice to be recognized
or a performance remembered.
Great morale for everyone in the
band. The up's - being the only
female, people recognize the
band because they recognize you.
What is the best advice someone has given you?
If anyone says at a gig that they are a photographer and you look like
a model and they want to take your picture....... they are not a
photographer and they dont want to take your picture. Jay
Dickinson, lead guitarist of Phatback.
What song speaks to your soul, and why?
"Only Happy When It Rains" By: Garbage
The world doesnt always see what's on
the inside.
What advice do you have for any young
female singer considering making music
an important part of her life as a career?
Don't act "cute" when transacting business. When they want to
screw you monetarily, contractually or with a booking, they will
remember just how cute you are and not that your a business woman.
It's okay to be cute as your stage persona, but your stage persona
must be different than your business persona. Also, your looks and
cuteness don't EVER over ride talent especially when your first
starting out. Remember, there is always someone more talented than
you. If you forget that, you will never try to improve. Being
classically trained doesnt necessarily mean you have what it takes.
Though that's a great background to have and should not be
discouraged ( I am classically trained in music - piano and voice).....you
have to pull from the soul as well, see other bands and/or artist. Go
out and visit local artists and talent. Watch there crowd. Don't be
afraid to team up with other talent. This helps hon your skills and
aids in getting your name out there. Do open mic nights. Be persistent.
Sometimes it is difficult to get into contact with the right person to
book a gig or get information. It can take 1 phone call or 100 phone
calls. It can take 1 week to 6 months to get a booking. so persistence
is the key. Advertise, advertise, adverise. Get involved with the local
music magazines, festivals, on-line groups etc. This will help you get
in the scene. Do free events such as festivals, banquets, fundraisers.
The free stuff is usually "the" events to be at because other known
artists are there and a great opportunity to hand out business cards,
flyers and get your name and face out there.
What is the best form of flattery a fan can say or do to a musician?
Sit and stay awhile. The people that sit, grab a few drinks and truly
listen to the music is such a compliment. We love the dancing fans
and we will keep the groove and jam just for them if they have the
dancin' bug. When someone tells you how much they enjoyed the
music or how good you were...and they expect nothing in return but
for you to tell them where they can see you next, that's always a
compliment. Fans wanting to be added to our mailing list means they
want to see you again and to stay in touch.
Describe what the life a lead singer is like, what are the highs and
lows.
The highs, you get a
beautiful chinese area
"diva" rug to stand on
while you sing at
practice....ya know, for my
ultimate comfort. The
lows, when the guys
forget to bring your "diva
rug" to the actual gig. So
uncomfortable for my
delicate feet. Haaahaaa,
just joking guys!!!!
How much personal experience do you draw from when writing
songs, do you generally write what you are currently going through
and put it to music?
All of my songs seem to be depressing, sad and of reflection. I don't
mean them to be. I wish I could write happy stuff or positive things.
But I have lead an emotionally exhausting life that only my husband,
children and family know of. Subconciously, I write of life
situations that are deep to me. Everything seems to be drawn from
some personal experience. I am unable to write on other emotions,
thought or feelings unless I have felt them on a deep level. My
lyrics are a description, a story and is a true way of sorting out
thoughts. They are very personal to me. I never write about what I
am currently going through. If I do, it's something that I have been
dealing with for years or suffering the repocutions of now. I don't
like to be predictable in writing. Since my lyrics are so private to me,
for me to write of an emotion that is current feels like I am
revealing too much and, stupid I know, one could easily figure out
what it is I am specifically talking about. I don't want people to
know the specifics, I want them to relate it to there own life and
story, and not be focused on mine and not my current emotional
world wind.
Who's CD's do you have in your collection? If you could meet any
female singer from any era, who would it be and why?
I don't keep a cd collection. Strange, I know. Etta James, Billie
Holliday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Mariah Carey,Patty
LaBelle, Nikka Costa, Stevie Nicks. I could go on. They all have
musical attributes that I admire.
go to
www.myspace.com/phatbackmusic
