05.27.2005 - Interview from FemaleMusiciansOnline.com


First let’s introduce the band:

Christine Fullwood - Lead Guitar
Lynn Ellen – Bass Player
Jodi Joy – Drummer
Natalie Poole – Front Woman


FMOnline: I read on your site that Jodi had personal lessons from jazz drummer Howard Curtis and Def Leppard's Rick Allen, how did that come about?
Jodi: Howard Curtis was a local drummer from my area and I was referred to him because he was one of the best. At a very young age, Rick Allen was engaged to a close family friend and used to take me backstage for personal lessons and come to my house when he was in town. I was always attracted to the drums, but he was the first to really introduce me to them.

FMOnline: So Christine, your dad was a bass player and you chose guitar? Why not following in dads footsteps?

Christine: Because my hands are too small for the bass.


FMOnline: Here is a quote from your website “Though relatively fresh to the Los Angeles scene” Is this just meaning how long you have been together or that you all just moved to LA?

Natalie: It’s how long we had been playing shows in the LA and surrounding areas at the time. That of course is quickly changing as we have been playing consistently in several counties for the past few months and usually keep ourselves booked 2-3 months out.

FMOnline: How long have each of you been playing?

Natalie: 21 years

Jodi: 21 years

Lynn:
6 years

Christine:
6 years


FMOnline: And what made you want to pick up an instrument and join one of the meanest industries?
Natalie: I picked up the guitar because I love to create and my father also played guitar and sang. He gave me my first guitar at age eight and I fell in love. I began writing songs and shortly after, incorporated singing to my playing. The dream to make a living doing what I love most (playing guitar, singing, and songwriting) is what drives me into the heart of this industry.

Jodi: I was always attracted to the drums even before I ever picked up a stick. When I started playing I wasn't thinking about the industry, I was just thinking of how good playing made me feel and continued with it. It became my passion.

Lynn:
I have always been interested in playing guitar, bass, or drums so I could be in a rock band. About 6 years ago, a friend of mine was looking for a bass player for his band. I told him I was interested in learning, so he let me borrow his right-handed bass and we re-strung it upside down (I'm left-handed). I took it home and started learning how to play it. About a month later I was on stage as the bass player of his band.

Christine:
Because there are few girls in this industry and I wanted to do it to prove girls can kick ass too.


FMOnline: What positive words would you like to say to other female musicians?

Natalie: Be consistent, persistent, and resilient!

Jodi
: To female or male, have fun and play your ass off.


Christine: Don't let anyone tell you that you can't be successful, believe in yourself.

FMOnline: What sucks about being female in the music industry?
Natalie: The stereotypes and the unfortunate, unavoidable politics that seem to be magnified due to the female gender, and, not being able to pee in a bottle while driving (on the road), it would save time, seriously. Funny Jodi and I said similar things before we saw each others answers…lol

Jodi:
That we can't just stop in the middle of nowhere (on tour) to pee on the side of the road or change a tampon.


Lynn:
Receiving the phrase, "you're good for a girl band."


Christine:
You don't get as much respect as the guys.

FMOnline:
Who are your musical influences?
Natalie: I am influenced by such a wide variety of genres and artists, but the top of my list right now contains Frank Black aka Charles Thompson (The Pixies), David Grohl (Foo Fighters), Ian Astbury (The Cult), Jim Adkins (Jimmy Eat World), and Sean Yseult (White Zombie).

Jodi: My early influences range from all the old metal hair bands, to disco. But I can say my biggest influence is Tommy Lee. There are many good drummers out there, but nobody can come close to his showmanship and charisma.

Lynn:
Samantha Maloney who was the drummer from a band called Shift (who later became the drummer from Hole). Every time I see her play, I am amazed by her talent. She is definitely an inspiration to other female musicians.


Christine:
Cursive, My Chemical Romance, Green Day, Motley Crue.

FMOnline: What question have you never been asked, but wish someone would...and what’s the answer to that question?
Natalie: Would you like a lifetime of daily massages madam? Answer: Yes.
Jodi: Can't think of any........

FMOnline: Do you have anything you would like to plug?
Natalie: We are playing Van’s Warped Tour, July 1st, in Long Beach, on the ShiraGirl Stage. We are also performing the International Pop Overthrow Festival this summer. You can get all the details and more by visiting our website: www.PrettyInStereo.com and our myspace site: myspace.com/prettyinstereo ROCK ON!!!




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