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Greetings brothers and sisters,today on the Metal Pit I am truly honored to be
interviewing Julie Westlake vocalist extraordinaire for the Hard Rock / Metal
band Hydrogyn.
Metal Pit : Welcome to the Metal Pit Julie, it is
very cool to be able to chat with you once
again.
Julie Westlake: Thanks for having
me. Its always nice chatting with you.
Metal Pit : Well, let me start off by saying I think the band's new
cd "Judgement" is an excellent piece of work , you and the band in my opinion
have gone to a whole other level with the music and lyrics on this
disc.
Thanks. Im glad
you like it. It is a little different than our previous albums but we always try
and have a different flare to each album.
Metal Pit : Julie, you are an absolute Beast on the song "Lost
Reality" and you showed a deeper type of vocal range on that tune,almost "Linda
Blair " like.........how did that voice come out of your tiny little
body, lol?
Lol. Thats
funny. The first time people heard it, they thought it was some kind of affect
on the vocal, but its just me singing in a lower octave. I'm not sure how I get
down that low but I do....lol. I tell the guys I have balls......lol.
Metal Pit : Yes I agree...big giant brass balls. I mean your voice of
course, haha.
There is not a bad tune on this cd Julie, some of my
favorites are "Lost Reality ", "Self Destruct", "Medicate" and the instrumental
"King of Gunndore" and quite honestly all the rest of the tunes are very cool as
well, are there any personal favs of yours or ones that have a special meaning
for you?
Im a big fan of
Alone. I worked on that song with a fella from France so that was cool in
itself. One song that's very different from most of the album, but one of my
favorites is, Don't be my Judge. Its a very personal song for me, in many ways.
Metal Pit : Yes, I agree Julie, the lyrics of that song are very
personal and heartfelt.
Compared to your previous cd's,the cd artwork on the
cover is very different as well,I think it sort of shows your vulnerability a
little more,is that what you and the band were going
for?
Yeah. I think from
the beginning I have been judged more than the band or the music. Of course its
all been regarding my image. It all started with Bombshell and the album cover.
I'm not sure if many people have noticed but what I'm wearing on the cover of
the Judgment album is the same thing worn in the Bombshell cover. I wanted it to
show me in a different light. Not so much of the tough girl image, but more of
the broken down part of me that has been constantly judged continuously over the
last few years.
Metal Pit : Along with the obvious musical progression on this cd, I
think lyrically it is also one of your best to date....as the singer do you
write the majority of the lyrics for the band and where do you draw your
inspiration to write from?
Yeah normally I write all the lyrics. On this album we
worked with a lot of different artist and so some of the lyrics were mine, and
some of them were theirs. For me, writing is a form of therapy, and so I tend to
write about things that I have dealt with in the past. It helps I think in
letting go of sadness and anger and just stuff.
Metal Pit : Are you the kind of lyricist that can just jot down songs
anytime and anywhere or do you have to go to "That Place" in your mind and kinda
take some personal time to create your lyrics?
It sometimes takes forever!!! I know people who can write
a song about anything and it just flies out of them, but for me, its totally
different. I do have to go to "that place", and then it will come to me.It still
takes time though.
Metal Pit : "Judgement" is Hydrogyn's third cd following your debut
"Bombshell" and then the highly acclaimed "Deadly Passions",as much as I love
those two cd's,it is very obvious to me how much the band has grown on
"Judgement", in your opinion did that progression just come naturally or did the
band strive to do something a little different than the previous
cd's?
I think we really
wanted to take this album in a heavier direction this time around. For me, I
could have never done an album like this before now, because I wasn't there yet
vocally. Coming from a country background, its taken time for me to develop
vocally to do an album like this.
Metal Pit : One of the things I have always respected about you and
Hydrogyn is that you are not afraid to try different things and actually seem to
embrace that fact. So many bands in the Hard Rock / Metal genre are typecast and
really have their hand's tied when it comes to exploring new ways to make music
but this band seems to thrive on pushing the envelope a bit and never has been
held back by that way of thinking, how does that all play out in the writing and
recording process in the studio?
I just think we have an open mind when writing and
recording. We are willing to accept advice, and even write with people outside
of the band. That in itself will help each album be a little different. I take
pride in the fact that myself as well as the band can conform to different
genres of music, so why not pursue those capabilities with each album, making
each a little different.
Metal Pit : The band has gone through a few changes over the
years,outside of you and your husband Jeff do you think you have reached a
certain level of stability as far as a steady lineup as of
now?
I really think so.
Its hard in a band situation to always have people around you with the same
goals in mind. Our bass player, Chris Sammons has been with us for several years
now, and the newest addition is our drummer, Joe Migz. We are so pleased with
him as a drummer as well as a person. He is great!
Metal Pit : Speaking of the old hubby, I had the opportunity to chat
with Jeff a few weeks back and I am sure this is nothing you have not thought
about the guy yourself but what a very cool and actual "nice" guy he is. I
was very impressed with not only his music knowledge but also how much he
actually does for this band,I mean honesty Julie as the front person for the
band you are the main focal point and probably always will be but Jeff if you
will is the grease that keeps the Hydrogyn machine going as far as
marketing,musicianship and his incredible commitment to this band. Jeff has said
that "you are" Hydrogyn but quite honestly there would be no band if not for
Jeff, do you agree?
I
completely agree! I may be the voice and focal point of the band, but he is the
reason it exists. He formed the band originally and brought me in. He handles
the business end of things, the majority of the writing, producing, recording,
marketing. You name it. He does it.
Metal Pit : I think the two of you have a very unique
relationship both as husband and wife and as band mates too,is it sometimes
difficult to be in a band with your husband or does it kinda give you both an
extra edge creative wise?
Its not always been easy. We are both very strong minded
people and so we tend to butt heads at times regarding the band. One thing we
have been able to do though is separate the two. There is husband Jeff and band
member Jeff, and sometimes I wanna kill the band member Jeff as I'm sure he
would say the same about me....lol. But when band Jeff and band Julie go home,
then its husband Jeff and wife Julie. Its taken a while to develop this method,
but is working well for us. There are a lot of positives to it as well. It would
be hard to go on tour if he wasn't with me, so it works out well for us.
Metal Pit : How did you and Jeff meet and how did it come about
to form the band?
We met
in 2002. I was working at a little cafe next door to the studio where he was
working. I went in to talk about recording a demo, and that's where it all
started. I worked on some country stuff with him, and we actually did a few
country shows together before doing the hydrogyn thing. Of course, we started
out as a cover band and then decided in 2005 to take it to the next level.
Metal Pit : Hydrogyn is a band that has also never shied away from
re-making older tunes from other bands such as the incredible versions of
"Assault Attack" from Michael Schenker , "You Outta Know" from Alanis Morrisette
and "Gold Dust Woman" from Stevie Nicks,how do you determine what songs to do
and has there ever been any hesitation to re-make a particular
song?
Most of the songs
we have covered have been tunes that we normally do live and have had a great
response, and so we decide to record them. I think the only song I've not been
thrilled about recording was probably Gold Dust Woman. Not because I don't like
the song, because I do, but to me its not really challenging enough like the
other songs have been. Everyone has seemed to really like it though.
Metal Pit : Well just for the record Jules I love that song and have
been a huge Stevie Nicks fan for years and I am sure she will approve of your
version of that song.
So Julie,since your amazing voice has no boundaries might
we be expecting to hear Hydrogyn's version of "Raining Blood" from Slayer
someday, haha?
Hmmm.....not so sure about that one ...lol
Metal Pit : Just kidding, I would hate for you to damage those golden
pipes trying to do extreme vocals but is that something you have ever
experimented with?
No
and never will....lol. I don't mind doing heavier more aggressive vocals but
there has to still be some cool melody to it. I'm not into the cookie monster
vocals...lol.
Metal Pit : Your vocals are so very unique Julie,you have that
ability to go from the beautiful angelic tones of a song like "Shadow" that
brings tears to your eyes to the all out ballsy vocals of "Lost Reality" that
make you wanna bang your head into a wall (that was a compliment,haha), coming
from someone like myself who sounds like two cats having sex when singing (don't
ask) I guess this seems like a silly question but how do you do what you
do?
I don't know..lol.
Its a God given talent. I can't really explain how I do it. I don't have any
special tricks and haven't had any special training. Its just me.
Metal Pit : When did you start singing and at what age did you
realize that you really had a special talent?
I think I started singing before I could
really talk. I just remember always singing in the car with my mom and dad. They
both sing as well. I think I've known since I was a child that I had a talent
when it came to singing. It just took me a while to develop it to where it is
now.
Metal Pit : Do you take any precautions with your voice or do any kind of
warm-ups before a show?
I dont smoke and try to distance myself when I am around
people who do. That's a big thing because it really hurts my throat. Alot of
venues are smoke free now, so that's a good thing for me. I drink a special tea
that tastes like crap and do some vocal warm ups before every show.
Metal Pit : Yes, I have heard that "Crap Tea" is very good for one's
throat, haha.
Before Hydrogyn you were actually a country
singer,how in the Hell did you decide to make the transformation from country to
Hard Rock/Metal?
Jeff
asked me if I would be interested and I was up for the challenge and it just
worked. It took me a little while to be completely confident with it but I think
I'm there now.
Metal Pit : I was lucky enough to hear some of that earlier stuff and
even as a die hard Metal and Hard Rock fan I really loved your songs Julie, I
mean talent is talent and no matter what genre,you have to appreciate that you
and your voice are really something special. Also,I heard your version of
AC-DC'S Back in Black and I am sure if Brian Johnson heard it as well,he would
re-think what he does for a living and maybe retire because he is a great singer
in his own right but that song never sounded so
good, haha.
Thanks . I
really appreciate that.
Metal Pit : If you are ok with the subject matter,I would like to ask
you a few questions about the band's image, and how it pertains to marketing, the
actual music and also the negativity that is sometimes directed towards the band
and you inparticular, I think it is high time we cleared the air about some of
the negative things that have been
said.....agreed?
Sure.
Here is where I think a lot of the confusion comes from. When we did Bombshell,
we wanted an album cover that portrayed the title of the album, and so we came
up with that cover. It wasn't really suppose to be a portrait of Julie from
Hydrogyn, but was to portray the album. Same thing with Deadly Passions.
Therefore why I am coming out of a casket. It represented the title of the
album. That image is not me in every day life, but the character used to portray
that album. I think though regarding the marketing of the band and our albums,
its been good. Some people speak negatively about it, but it only gets people
cuirous and in most cases, they will go check it out. I think being in a band is
sometimes like being an actor or actress, and you have this character that you
play when onstage, but offstage appear much different. People see me as this
sexy tough girl on stage and maybe some what unapproachable, but that's not me
at all. That's probably the thing I hate most about it, is that people don't
find me approachable because of some idea they have about me based on my image.
In real life though I am so approachable and easy to talk to, and most people
see that when they come to our shows and have a chance to chat with me
afterward. Unfortunately, most people want to base their opinions on my image
and don't always give the music a chance. So I think the image of this band or
myself has been both positive and negative, but I wouldnt change anything. The
important things is to have people talking. When they stop talking, then we wont
be doing anything. People will always JUDGE us no matter what route we take
regarding image and marketing, but that's ok.
Metal Pit : There is no doubting that you are an extremely talented
woman and 100% committed to this band,that being said we must be honest in the
fact that you are also a very beautiful woman as well and at times you and the
band have been accused of taking advantage of that fact to help to promote the
band.The cd cover for "Bombshell" and the "Strip em live" tour I think you will
admit have helped to fuel the fire for the way some people think about this
band,what is your opinion Julie?
My opinion is.....It worked!!!. You can have great music,
but you also have to find a way to capture peoples attention and I think we got
it. Again, some people may think that's bad but we are ok with it. If you don't
know the band and you walk pass Bombshell on the shelf at a music store, our
hopes is that the cover would catch your attention. its always been my decision
on how to dress, and I am the one that always comes up with the concept of the
album covers, and so I'm cool with it. And my thoughts are....does it really
matter how we choose to market the band. It would be different if the music
sucked, but it doesnt.
Metal Pit : It has been said many times that there is no such thing
as bad publicity and pretty much whatever you have to do to draw attention to
and market your band is not a bad think,do you agree with that
statement?
Absolutely.
As long as its not illegal or causing harm I don't see a problem with it.
Metal Pit : Personally Julie,I and the rest of your fans know that
all of this is just marketing and window dressing more or less and if you take
the time to listen to Hydrogyn's music or go see a live show, no one will care
about what you wore on the cd cover,only about the actual music within the cd.Do
you take any comfort in the fact that the ones who love you and the band and buy
your cds and go to the concerts don't really care about all of this
bullshit?
I do
appreciate it when people take the time to be intelligent human beings, and
actually listen to the music before they judge it by an album cover or a photo.
If they don't bother to even listen to the music, then that's just stupidity.
Not everyone will like our music, but they should at least listen before
judging.
Metal Pit : Women in the scene have come so far in the last 5
years or so but it is unfortunate that some of that same old "Boys club"
mentality still does exist and if you see a pretty girl up on stage,obviously
that is all she is about and she cant possibly sing or play guitar, right? Does
this shit get old for you sometimes to the point of discouraging you or does it
piss you off and make you want to prove them all
wrong?
It doesnt
discourage me at all. It only encourages me to continue and to give support to
any other females out there in the biz.
Metal Pit : What is the answer though Julie,do you go up on stage
with your hair in curlers, wearing no makeup,dressed in a burlap sack or
something like that or do you continue to be yourself and just let the chips
fall where they may and let Hydrogyn's music speak for
itself?
Let the music
speak for itself and let me continue to cause people to talk. Alot of people
wouldnt know what to do with themselves if they couldnt build themselves up by
putting someone else down. Some people just SUCK! lol. But that's ok. I know who
I am, I know our music is worth listening to, and those people who think
negative about us because of something as ridiculous as an album cover, well
they can turn their heads, but you and I both know that wont
happen....lol.
Metal Pit : No Jules, unfortunatly the only thing we
never seem to run out of in this world is......."stupid".
I guess it is all about marketing and selling your
product to your fans, I mean with all of the competition out there today for the
consumers dollar,if there is something that makes you or your band stand out
from the masses and gets people to notice you,I am all for it as long as the
integrity of the music never suffers and the artists stay true to what they
believe in and no one who knows this band can ever say anything on the
contrary, correct?
I
agree and we really appreciate people like yourself who support what we do.
Metal Pit : As a strong woman in the scene today Julie, do you see
yourself as a role model or a mentor for young women who may want to follow in
your footsteps someday and if so, what advice would you give to them about the
music business and how to be successful?
I would hope to be a role model. I strive everyday to be
the best person I can be. I have never done the first drug or smoked the first
cigarette. I think many people in rock bands have this party image and people
just assume they must party and do drugs, but that's not me. I can have a good
time without it. I think that's important for young kids to know. As far as this
business, its hard. Jeff and I are working with a young group of girls right now
in the studio called Four Mile. They are 10, 14, ande 16years old, and I often
tell them how important it is to create a thick skin, because people can be so
cruel. I think that's an important piece of advice for anyone going into this
biz.
Metal Pit : I have only heard about the band's legendary live
shows and not had the chance to experience one for myself as of yet, tell us what
to expect from a Hydrogyn live show Julie?
Just be prepared for a night of high energy music, and we
expect you to sing along...lol. The shows consist of tunes from every album, as
well as a couple cover tunes here and there. We also always take time after
every show to spend time with our fans, so be sure and stick around.
Metal Pit : So, what are the plans for you and the band in the
immediate future and the rest of 2011?
Hopefully a lot of touring. We have a lot of things in
the works so I hope everything comes through. I'm also looking at doing another
solo album as well. So we will be keeping busy.
Metal Pit : Where can fans find out more about this very cool band
and hear your music?
The
best place would be our website at www.hydrogyn.com. We are also on myspace and facebook of course. You can
also find our music in FYE, Itunes, Amazon, Cd baby, Walmart, etc. Just about
every where.
Metal Pit : Well Miss Julie, I think I have bored you quite enough,is
there anything at all you would like to chat about or something you might want
to add to your interview?
Im not bored at all. You had great questions!! I think we
covered a lot. I just want to say thanks for taking the time to get to know me
and the band a little better. Its been a blast.
Metal Pit : On behalf of myself and the Metal Pit,we want to
thank you for being here with us today and taking time out of your busy schedule
to chat with us. Your talent speaks for itself my friend but along with that you
are a very kind,down to earth and special kind of person that sometimes is very
rare to come across in the music world. I really appreciate how cordial you have
been here today and also for being so patient with some of the very tough and
personal questions I asked you.We wish you,Jeff and the rest of the band the
best of luck in the new year and beyond and we hope to see you on the road
someday soon.
Thank you
so much. You and the The Metal Pit Rock! I look forward to meeting you soon, and
truly appreciate all your support. Take care.
Horns up brothers and sisters.............
Nick
Rohm.
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