Fashion Bomb discusses “Visions of the Lifted Veil” and more (Interview)
Chicago based Fashion Bomb recently spent time with The Hot Zone to discuss their most recent release “Vision of the Lifted Veil.” They have been compared to Static X and have toured the country with Marilyn Manson. The band recently signed to Full Effect Records (Faster Pussycat, Pigface) and represented by TQ Management (Vanilla Ice, Forever the Sickest Kids, Shorelines End and
www.FashionBomb.net
Dan Spitx (Anthrax lead guitarist) and his new band DeuxMonkey). Check out the Interview with Fashion Bomb below.
Revolver magazine featured the band and compared you to Marilyn Manson and Static-X how do you feel about this comparision and do you find it difficult to pave your own path in the music scene?
Val: I think it’s great to be compared to artists we admire and respect. I don’t think that comparison is bad at all, as it gives people an idea of what we do. It isn’t difficult for us to pave our own path, as that comes naturally to us. We will always be true to ourselves musically, and in so doing, while a comparison may be a starting point, we are confident that we will always communicate our true message.
Acid: When we played with Manson, no one had any difficulty telling us apart.
Fashion Bomb is represented by the well known Tommy Quon AND TQ Management (Vanilla Ice, Forever the Sickest Kids, Shorelines End) – having such a respected industry individual on your team obviously opens alot of doors. Do you feel that you still have the freedom to make your own career choices or are you at the mercy of your manager and others in the industry?
Val: Tommy is a pro, and any advice he makes will undoubtedly be positive for our career. We are in a unique position though, on an independent label, having full creative control over our music and art. The major labels, usually run by businessmen and not artists, are losing their stranglehold and dominant position in music. We are hoping to be an example for the future…where artists succeed on the merits of their own creation, and not what a marketing guru in an office creates for public consumption.
“Visions of the Lifted Veil” is your latest studio release (November 10th, 2009) how do you feel you’ve grown as a musician since your last album “Devils to Some, Angels to Others”?
Val: As with any serious project, we did some re-tooling after our first record. Acid, Trace and I wrote all of the songs on the new record and it was truly a positive, creative experience.
Acid: The writing environment makes all the difference. Everything is very open. Every crazy, off the wall idea will be tried. Anyone can suggest anything for any instrument. It freed us up to write deeper, more nuanced music.
Val: I think the music matured quite a bit, and we were able to stretch our musical legs, so to speak. We were able to realize any vision we had for any song we wrote.
I saw you perform as part of The Next American Star national finals. How did you get involved with the contest and do you have any advice for The Next American Star contestants?
Val: We were approached by the Next American Star people to be one of the 3 headliners for their finals event. The other headliners were Vanilla Ice and Treaty of Paris. I think that it is awesome to come perform with young artists, and perhaps show them by example what hard work it takes to succeed and where they can go with dedication.
Acid: As for advice, I’d say to stay humble, be cool to every single person you meet. Take time to talk with fans. Work your ass off. No one is going to do the work for you.
Why are contest like The Next American Star are so important in advancing an artists career? Have you been involved with any contest like that to help forward your career?
Val: Contests like the Next American Star give new artists invaluable experience in what it takes to be professional, and also gives them opportunities to meet artists and music industry veterans who can guide or help them.
Acid: They also help showcase emerging artists, and give them a medium to expose their music to people who otherwise would never see it. When you’re just starting out, it can be tough to break through the thousands of other acts clamoring for attention.
Val: We did do one contest, and it was a great experience. Back when we were starting out, we won a band competition sponsored by a major radio station. As a result, we landed a demo deal with Hollywood Records and got to work with an amazing producer. It was an excellent learning experience.
So tell us how your MAC endorsement come about (I have to say I’m jealous!) and is there any other companies you work with?
Val: MAC is a great company and supports artist of all kinds…I guess it helps to wear the makeup on stage.
Acid:We have a ton of great endorsers we are proud to work with. They are all listed on our website: fashionbomb.net.
Social networking sites like Myspace, Facebook, Twitter etc have changed the face of the music industry – how do you feel this helps or hinders an artist?
Acid: They’ve definitely changed the game and give bands new avenues to connect with fans and potential fans. They’re especially helpful to new bands, who otherwise would have a harder time getting established.
Val: I think that it is great to hear from music fans around the globe via these sites, and it is an awesome way for everyone to stay current on all our tour dates, news and music.
You’ve previously toured with Marilyn Manson on his Against All Gods Tour is their any touring plans in the works in support of the new album?
Val: We are definitely looking forward to bringing our live performances to all countries, big and small…. Look for us in a town near you in the new year!
What else can we expect to see from Fashion Bomb in the coming months?
Val: World domination
Acid: Expect to hear us on your local radio station. A lot radio stations are starting to add us, so call the request line at your favorite station and demand they play some Fashion Bomb. We have a page on fashionbomb.net dedicated to stations playing us and their request lines, so check that out. Right after you buy five copies of Visions of the Lifted Veil.
Visit Fashion Bomb Online http://www.fashionbomb.net/ http://www.myspace.com/xfashionxbombx
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