ALYSON AVENUE (Eng.)
– Hi Arabella, thanks for answering to our interview. You have just released “Changes”, how’s its feedback going so far?
the feedback is great! I get message from all over the world.
– This is your first album with ALYSON AVENUE, how are you feeling about it?
The guys are great and we have a lot of fun doing the album. Niclas is a fantastic songwriter and its easy to give the songs the right feeling..
– Your name was, until now, unknown (at least in Spain). Could you please tell a bit about your background and how and when did you start singing?
I have been singing my whole life. My father is also a musician so I started as a little girl. I was 18 when I started to sing in a bluesband and after that I have been singing i several bands both bakground and lead.
– Changing the vocalist of a band tends to be a risky change, and considering ALYSON AVENUE has always been a female-fronted band comparisons can last forever. Do you mind about people comparing you to Anette? In fact Anette did some background vocals for the album. What could you say has she provided?
People allways comparing… I dont mind at all..Anette is a sweet person and a wonderfull singer and its a honor to have her on the album..
– You have also done a duet on “Changes” with Michael Bormann; how was the experience like?
I didnt know about Michael Borman before but when I heard him sing I surley enjoyed doing the duett with him..
– Seasoned producer Chris Laney mixed the album; are you satisfied with his work?
Im very satisfyed with his work.He is a professional and give us a lot of feedback. He also aranged the kontact with Rob Marcello.
– Chris has produced a lot of albums, specially into Hard Rock and Melodic Rock. In fact AOR and Melodic Rock are prolific styles in Sweden with bands as WET, WORK OF ART or younger ones as HOUSTON or H.E.A.T. What do you think is the main reason behind this?
Sweden is a small country but it has for a long time tradition to produce great bands and artists. From Abba.Roxette e.t.c..In the melodic scene we hawe great bands like Europe and Treat that has shown the way to new bands and artists. I have no explanation why Sweden seems to have an unusuall amount of good bands in the Melodic Rock but am sure that more bands will keep coming..
– And due to this, are things easier for a band like you in Sweden or the opposite? As it seems to be a great interest for this kind of music but, on the other hand, there are a lot of talented bands playing this music style.
It depends what you mean by successfull. To sell loads of albums and tour the world is as hard in Sweden as in other places I guess. The good thing is that the competition means that everyone is really doing their best to produce as good as possible.
– From Queens of Steel we have always brought special support to women into the Rock world, thats why we would like to know your view on the role society use to give women into this scene, as it seems to be harder for ladies to be noticed at first because of their skills instead of the physical “skills”.
Well, I think no matter if youre a woman or a man you should allways stay true to who you are! I have noticed that almost all successfull women in the rock scene is singers…there is very few bassplayers or girls playing other instruments today.I think that what you as Queens of Steel is doing is great! To show the world the great potential in women rockers is something we all will benefit from.
– There have always been great female artists and singers into Melodic Rock as the Wilson sister (HEART) or Robin Beck. What singers have influenced you throughout your career?
I grew up with Heart,Robin Beck,Steelheart,Whitesnake,TNT Scorpions Sweet,Deep Purple Pat Benatar and maaaaany more 😉
– And finally, what are the near-future plans for ALYSON AVENUE?
Right now we are rehearsing with our new Guitar player,Mike and its a lot of fun to hear our songs with him. He fits perfectly and we have really developed our sound with him on board. We are looking foward to be playng some live venues this year in sweden and abroad. We will also start to reherse for our next album later this year. It will be exiting to start the creation process again!!!
– That’s all from my side, thanks once more for your time. If you want to add some final words, feel free to do it.
Take care Hugs Arabella
