Kiss Tribute - L.A. EXPO Convention

JROCK:  First thing I wanted to talk a little bit about was the songwriting for the album.  I was curious if you had all the songs already written before you went into the studio or what?
 
BK: - Well it's not really wise to write songs in the studio because studios cost too much money.  The only one I did have to kind of work on in the studio was the song with Gene.  We knew Gene's timing was really valuable in regards to getting together at the right time which was that day to record the track once we finished the lyrics.  I don't believe the song suffered at all because I already had some of the ideas.  We knew it  had to be something about "I Ain't Gonna Die" .  The original lyric when we first started working on it was I'll Never Die and I had the idea of making it about his legend will  never die and then I added the Beatles line which was "People are always saying that I'm using my fame".  Kind of like the TMZ people, and the paparazzi.  It kind of came together from that.  It only took us an hour to do that which I was really pleased about obviously.  When we went in the studio we really knew what we wanted to do...There's no way you want to go in the studio and write the songs.  It's really not wise to do that when you can be really creative in someone's living room with just a couple of guitars and a tape recorder.

JROCK:  And how did you go about deciding which songs you would sing lead on and which songs you wanted other people to sing on?
 
BK: - Well once anything was demoed up by Jeremy Rubalino, My Co-Producer and I who was the Co-writer on the songs as well.  The ones I felt comfortable with I took a stab at and we'd do like a reference vocal and the ones I wasn't so sure about I didn't even bother with.  We knew pretty early on, but we knew there was going to be some guest vocalist.  One person I knew I could count on right away was John Corabi.  We even thought if he could do two great....Why not as long as they were killer performances.  One of the other songs that he might have sang became the Nick Simmons song.  The Doug Fieger song "Dirty Girl" we knew we needed a power pop Singer and Doug was right at the top of the list and I think he did a great job.
 
JROCK:  That's actually one of my favorite tracks on the album...How did you get him?
 
BK: - I met him, one thing about this business that I always tell even young artist is to network with people.  Usually when they see that you're talented and you're a professional they don't forget that.  I mean your reputation is everything.  I've been a counselor for many years at The Rock N Roll Fantasy Camp and it was maybe like four years ago that Doug was one of the counselors and I was very thrilled to back him up.  The Camp is always jammed for the campers and we played "My Sherona" and then as I hung out with him and I realized what a Beatle freak he was and shall I say how meticulous he is of his equipment, engineering, and recording.  We hit it off pretty well and I reached out to him.

JROCK:  I heard he was suffering from Cancer...have you heard how he's doing?

BK: - He's really been a real survivor.  I mean it's been really scary.  I always wish him well and I mean I can only imagine what a nightmare it must be.  He's been sick a few years now but he's hanging in there and I always try and think positive for him.  I can't say if he was in remission or dealing with treatment but I remember the day he came in it took him an hour, he was in good spirits.  He looked really good.  I think it's a real honor to have him on my record.  It's a real catchy song.

JROCK:  So were most of the songs done pretty much in one take or what?

BK: - Nothing's ever done in one take.  The whole idea behind this album was always no compromise which I learned especially from The Revenge album with Kiss and Bob Ezrin producing it.  Things would sometimes be re-done and re-done.  That was kind of something that I committed with Jeremy that we wouldn't compromise and we really pushed for the best songs and the best performances.  There were many times when things had to be done a few times and the approach totally changed in the end it's only the end results that matter.

JROCK:  Have you become more comfortable in hearing your own lead vocal and singing yourself?
 
BK: - I don't know that I'll ever be completely comfortable because I know I'm a guitarist first and it's always been a bit of a challenge.  I've worked with so many famous singers.  I know what some of my favorite vocalist sound like and I'm not always going to reach the amazing vocals that a Paul Stanley can pull off so it's always frustrating to me but being produced has really been the reason why this record, Audio Dog and Transformer I did on my own and was my best effort with a little bit of help but my goal wasn't as high and my desire for something that was out of the box and killer wasn't as clear as it was for BK3.  So having Jeremy push me, push me, and help me kick and scream and do the best I could.  I'm not saying every vocal was a struggle, some were easier than others but having him to guide me was I really feel was the difference between me singing just mediocre or great.  I feel like I accomplished a step up with my vocals.

JROCK:  I remember when Audio Dog was released people were kind of surprised and like...."Wow the guy can sing too".  When Audio Dog was released were you surprised at all the positive reviews you got?
 
BK: - Yeah I was and I was flattered by it.  I remember being really flattered by it and seeing a YOUTUBE video that someone had put up, this was a few years ago called "Please Don't Wait For My Heart" and I think I called it "Please Don't Wait".  It was like a love me story video for that song and that was freaking me out.
 JROCK:  What do you think about YOUTUBE?
 BK: - I think the funny ones are the ones where they dub in something completely different music wise.  There are some really good Kiss ones. 
 
JROCK:  I know that you've always been involved with songwriting but since leaving Kiss you've become more involved with writing lyrics...What's that been like for you?

BK: - You know when I used to work with Michael Bolton I did a little bit of lyric work with him but that was a challenge to learn.  I am really quite proud of the fact that I have developed a knack for like "Man that's a lame line or that's a good line or knowing what's poetically interesting."  Jeremy helped me as well, Jeremy is capable of writing lyrics but he prefers for the artist to do as much on their own as they can and then he'll tidy it up.  So we made a really good team for that.  I remember we Produced this young Guitar Player from Texas.  His name is YIYO.  I met him at The Fantasy Camp, and he's really a talented kid but he's 15 years old and we recorded 4 songs and they didn't really have any lyrics.  Jeremy kind of threw me to the wolves with YIYO.  I really like the kid and we bonded but it's not exactly like I know what's on his mind but that was really kind of good school of lyric writing with somebody.  Those kind of experiences get you comfortable when you're in that room with Gene where you only have an hour that you bang out a real quality lyric. 
 
JROCK:  Another track I really liked that I wanted to talk about his "Fate"  That song is really fast paced...It seems like that would be a hard vocal to lay down.

BK: - If you're part of the writing team for it no.  It's kind of easy for me to spit out all those words because Jeremy and I had a lot of fun writing that actually putting in some of those Kiss titles.

JROCK:  Actually how did you and Jeremy meet?

BK: - Actually I've known him a long time.  He's actually related to Bob Ezrin.  He came to some of the shows when I was in Kiss when he was just a young teenager.  Later on he was working at a local music store and I'd run into him there.  Later on he was telling me "Check out what I've worked on".  He worked with Bret Michaels for a while and he was working with some local groups here in LA.  He's actually more of an orchestrator, the kind that writes string arrangements.  He's really good at that...I guess it's in the family with Ezrin because he does stuff like that too.  And then the sample CD he gave me of all the work he's done....except for that he was a teenager if you get what I mean I was really impressed with.  He hit me with that when I was already beginning to record Transformer so I said let's hook up the next time.  We've become quite close from working on this album together and he's contributed on every level kind of pushed me.

JROCK:  In regards to touring have you given any thought to that or does that kind of depend on how well the album sells?

BK: - Well there are a lot of factors to that?  First of all, I could probably do some type of show no matter how the record does but I am the full time Guitar Player for Grand Funk Railroad and that takes up about a third of my year.  We do about 30-40 shows a year.  Sometimes I love to do clinics where I just have a backing CD especially in places like Europe, South America, and Australia where I just came back from so it where I pick bands up from and play.  It's hard to say yet what I'm going to do but I'd like to get out there obviously at some point and play to people some of the BK3 songs and songs from my other solo records and then some songs from Kiss that I was part of.  Kiss doesn't perform a lot of the songs from my era.  If you look at my  set list from Australia you'll see what I mean.  It's on my website.

JROCK:  What do you think of the new Kiss album Sonic Boom?

BK:  - I think it's a really solid record.  First of all, I never thought they'd do another record because Gene said for years they were never going to do one.  I think it was really wise for Paul to take charge.  I also know that guy, Collins that coproduced it, I met him a few times.  I liked a lot of the songs.  I was really thrilled that both Tommy and Eric got to sing a song.  My only criticism would be is how they kind of promoted the record being something from the 70's when to me it sounds like every era of Kiss.

JROCK:  I was curious what you thought about the songs they re-recorded.. Especially "Forever" which was a song that you originally played on?

BK: - You know the re-dids ironically I only heard one time and it was in Paul's car right after they were done with it.  They sounded terrorfic but that's always creepy for a musician.  I remember Eric and I talking about it.  Even though Eric did a really great job it's kind of weird for them to copy themselves.  Especially for Eric he had to think what did Peter do on that or what did Eric Carr do on that.  It was kind of weird for me hearing Tommy do my riffs, it doesn't happen often because mostly they concentrate on the Ace Frehley era.  It is kind of strange for him to play "Forever" and for me to hear it.  I think he does a fine job with everything, he's a really good guitarist.

JROCK:  I attended the LA Kiss EXPO this year Bruce and one thing that really impressed me was The School Of Rock Kids which I understand you had a lot to do with.  Could you please tell us a little bit about The School Of Rock?

BK: - What was interesting is the second I heard of The School Of Rock, actually it came out of a Grand Funk gig.  We were doing a show in a really nice theater in Northern New Jersey and all of a sudden I'm asking "So who's the opening act Don?" and he goes "The School Of Rock."  I don't really understand what it is and the teacher and I in charge of it are talking backstage.  By the time the Kids get on stage and did their thing I was completely blown away.  I mean obviously when they're playing on a bill in a theater like that you've got the best of the School.  I was really impressed with it so I started to investigate it a little more and found out that not every City had one but a lot of the big Cities did.  I have a god Doctor friend and his kids are in the School Of Rock in Chicago and he showed me some of the videos of what they did so it was really natural for me.  I remember seeing in LA flyers for School of Rock Beatles night, School of Rock Hendrix night, you know at one of the local clubs.  I mean I'm talking The Whiskey and the Roxy or something.  So I reached out to the Hollywood chapter right away.............I figured I'd ask the Hollywood people and they were really receptive and very excited about it because they realized it was a situation where I'd jam with them and share some of my experience with them.  I went down to the Hendrix night and I had a great time.  I thought it was terrific.  It doesn't matter what age it is but obviously it's pretty awesome when you see somebody young playing music that you're familiar with and seeing how much they get off on it.

JROCK:  I have to ask you Bruce that on BK3, it seems like you're really giving this album more of a push than you did on the first two solo albums...What was the reason behind that?  Is it that you just felt the songs were stronger on this album or what?
 
BK: - Like I said I did the first two pretty much on my own and then when Jeremy approached me I think it was always his passion to take me to another level and see if I was capable of doing a Revenge type solo record and what it would sound like and how good it could be.  I was willing to even though, there were times when I was kicking and screaming when I realized how much money it would cost for me to do the record.  I was willing to do it though, because I really believed in what I could create the more than worthy featured artist  really contributed a tremendous talent and they were all so professional about it that made me realize it was all really worthwhile.

JROCK:  So it'll be more available in stores right?

BK: - Absolutely...I'm not going to give it away but this album is going to be available in all the chains.  They're taking Pre-orders at www.amazone.com and it'll be available at my site.

JROCK:  I understand that you also worked with a legendary Photographer for the album cover?

BK: - Yeah Neil Zlozower did it.  He did a really great job and Neil has shot a lot of the famous Kiss stuff and he currently works for Kiss even.  I reached out to Neil right away .  I had a short list of people but I knew that Neil would do an amazing job and I have to give him a lot credit because it was Neil who suggested this guy Tom Jermaine who was the Art Director.

JROCK:  Since you've left Kiss has there ever been any talk about you maybe opening for them?

BK: - You know the problem with that is unless you have a really big push......I mean I'd love to be on a bill with Kiss...Who wouldn't.  I don't want to say it's a political things but sometimes it is from the Booking agent ......It's really crazy what is involved in something like that.

JROCK:  Do you have any songs that you recorded but did not make the album?

BK: - I do have some songs that were left over that I'm very proud of but they weren't completely finished or they just didn't fit the overall direction of what we decided the album was going to be.

JROCK:  In regards to Grand Funk railroad I know there's probably very little chance of the band recording new music but have you guys given any thought to maybe releasing a live DVD of the current lineup?

BK: - There was one year when we talked about it but it kind of became the year everyone was doing it so it kind of fell off the plate but that's really up to Don and Mel in the way that Gene and Paul run Kiss.  I love playing with the guys.  The live gigging we do is great.  It's such a real kind of good time music band.  I've been real fortunate with my 9 years with the band but I can't really promise anything.

JROCK:  Have you thought of maybe releasing a live DVD in conjunction with this album down the line?

BK: - I only did 1 new song from BK3 when I played in Austrillia recently but there was a guy who did film it.  It's really hard to say at this point but it's something I might think about down the line.

JROCK:  I really loved The Eric Singer Project DVD.....That was just an amazing DVD.

BK: - Actually the same guy who shot that was the same guy who filmed me when I went to Australia this time so who knows maybe I can go there again in the future and we can put something special together.  Right now we're obviously concerned with getting the record out there and getting the reaction we want.  Thank You. 

JROCK:  Ok Jim why don't we start off with a little background information such as...Where are you originally from?  What is your professional background?
 
JIM:  I am originally from Chicago and I have worked as a painter for the past 25 years.
 
JROCK:  Could you please tell the readers of Chaotic Riffs Magazine the story on how you first became a Kiss fan?
 
JIM:  As a young boy I was fascinated by KISS. My first concert was KISS and Judas Priest at the Chicago Amphitheatre in 1979. I knew when that concert was over I was hooked!! I had never seen anything like this before in my life!  Its everything about KISS the makeup the costumes the music and the greatest show on earth! If you have never seen a KISS concert and you were not a big fan but you went and seen a show you would be blown away! the energy the magic and the stage show is a true spectacle of rock n’ roll !!
 
JROCK:  In regards to you becoming a Kiss fan what was it that initially made you a fan?  Was it the band's image/Makeup or was it the music that first grabbed you?
 
JIM:  As a young boy growing up with KISS my favorite member was always Gene Simmons, but as I grew older out of respect to his professionalism dedication talent and true commitment to this band I would say I have the utmost respect for Paul Stanley!! The
greatest frontman that ever lived in my book!!
 
JROCK:  Who is your favorite Kiss member or the member of the band that you would say you relate the most to?
 
JIM:  My favorite KISS album has to be Rock n’ Roll over this is truly an all time classic album with all 4 original founding members, and my favorite KISS song has to be Detroit Rock city from the 1976 Destroyer album.
 
JROCK:  What is your favorite Kiss album/song of all time?
 
JIM:  I knew from the beginning what to do and expect I had been the Promoter of the Chicago KISS expos in the past years, I was thinking about doing an expo back in March but I really got started in late July. I promoted the expo for 3 months start to finish.
 
JROCK:  Ok Jim now let's talk a little bit about the first annual Kiss Expo which you put on at the LA Marriott Hotel ballroom on October 18th, 2009. When did you first get the idea to put on this Expo and how long did it take from the time you got the idea for the expo until you actually started trying make your idea turn into a reality?
 
JIM:  I’m not surprised! no one ever wants to pick up the ball to put one of these expos together it involves too much dedication, time, money and hard work. Everybody loves attending the expos but they never want to put themselves out there and work like me.
 
JROCK:  Are you surprised that there's never been a Kiss Expo in LA?
 
JIM:  I hired a lady as my personal assistant to help me keep up with certain aspects of the expo but overall it was all my planning hard work and dedication.
 
JROCK:  Did you have any help in planning the event or did you put the event together all on your own?
 
JIM:  Some of the vendors were vendors that attended my expos back in the Midwest and others I picked up on craigslist, the MySpace page and some who came out of the woodwork when they heard about the expo.
 
JROCK:  How did you go about finding the venders that showed up to sell all that great Kiss merchandise at your EXPO?
 
JIM:  The special guest are not hard for me to find at all I have been known in the KISS circle for many years and have had several guests like Bill Acouin, Lydia Criss, Bruce Kulick..........and Eric Singer so you sort of get to know the KISS family after awhile.
 
JROCK:  How hard was it for you to find all the special guest that appeared at the event?
 
JIM:  There is nothing easy about putting this event together from the day I start up to and after the expo it takes lots of patience dedication and long days of work.
 
JROCK:  What was the easiest part for you in putting together this event?
 
JIM:  The hardest part was getting support from the bands once they knew they were hired and getting paid they did not commit to dedication of giving me 100% of support to promote this expo with their following and the KISS fans in California.
 
JROCK:  What was the hardest part about putting this event together for you?
 
JIM:  Actually the initial idea came from Bruce he thought it would be a great idea for the expo and I thought the kids should wear the makeup to fit the KISS theme.
 
JROCK:  I really enjoyed The School Of Rock Kids.....Could you please tell the readers of Chaotic Riffs Magazine a little bit about School Of Rock and how you got the idea to have these kids show up in Kiss makeup and perform a set of Kiss songs w/Bruce Kulick playing along with them?
 
JIM:  The highlight for me was seeing Bruce live onstage with the School Of Rock it was like being back in the eighties again watching Bruce play the great guitar solos and the kids belting out KISS classics from that era.
 
 
JROCK:  What did you enjoy most about the event?
 
JIM:  The only media that showed up and had interest besides Chaotic Riffs Magazine was channel 7 news which I heard aired a live clip on the news about the expo.
 
JROCK:  You also told me that none of the media outlets that did show up even took the time to come and talk to you about what it took for you to put on the event.  Were you at all shocked by that?
 
JIM:  I was shocked! the Promoter is the guy who put the event together from the beginning! you would think someone would wonder how all this got started?
 
JROCK:  Do you consider the first LA Kiss EXPO a success and is this something that you think will become an annual event?
 
JIM:  Yes, my first expo in California was a success! and I plan to do this annually.
 
JROCK:  Now that the first LA Kiss EXPO has come and gone what are you doing now to keep yourself busy?
 
JIM:  Taking a break and relaxing! I was completely exhausted after the expo!!

JROCK:  Where are you originally from?
 
DOLL:  I was born in Holland, but moved to So Cal when I was 3 years old and I was raised here in the suburbs of Los Angeles.
 
JROCK:  How old were you when you first started playing the guitar?  Did you take lessons or would you consider yourself to be self-taught?
 
DOLL:  I switched to guitar from bass about 15 years ago.  I just wanted to try something different.  It was a lot easier picking things up after having a few years experience of playing bass behind me.  I've never taken any lessons.  Everything I've learned has been by ear or by watching people I have played with, which I guess is kind of a lesson.  Up until recently, I never actually knew the names of the notes I was playing.  I kind of prided myself a little bit on that, but now I think it would be really cool to take some classical guitar lessons or something like that to help me with the writing or theory side of music.
 
JROCK:  You are of course the Lead Singer/Guitarist in Kiss tribute band Priss...  My question for you is could you please share with our readers the story on how you first became a Kiss fan?
 
DOLL:  When I was in grade school, I remember a few classmates bringing posters and drawing KISS logos on their folders and when we had free time to listen to music on rainy days the teacher allowed us to play our own favorites.  KISS was a big favorite in that class.
 
JROCK:  What was it that first made you a Kiss fan?  Was it more the band's image, makeup, the music, or maybe a combination of both?
 
DOLL:  Definitely a combination of both.  Once I saw their pictures and heard the songs I was HOOKED.  I wondered what planet these guys were from and they had me intrigued.  They had people who either hated them or loved them, but the ones they drew in were fanatics.  I loved the fact that they didn't care what people thought, they were going to do it because they loved it and they had a REAL appreciation for the fans.
 
JROCK:  Could you please tell the readers of Chaotic Riffs Magazine about some of the bands you were in prior to Priss?
 
DOLL:  I've been in a few different bands with our drummer Judy (Luda Criss).  One of the bands we were in together was a band called Betty Blowtorch.  Betty Blowtorch was VERY influenced by KISS.  We borrowed some ideas from KISS like pyro, but couldn't really afford to do anything but low-tech pyrotechnics.  Hot girls with aqua-net cans and lighters and 4th of July fireworks going off next to us while playing.  Not sure how many people know this, but our singer from Betty Blowtorch, Bianca, was killed in a car wreck in New Orleans in 2001.  She was cremated and her ashes are buried at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in her favorite KISS lunchbox.  So yeah, Betty Blowtorch's  biggest influence and inspiration was KISS.  It was really cool to finally get a KISS tribute band together with Judy and do these songs we've always loved!
 
JROCK:  Being that Priss is a Kiss tribute band I was curious how important is it to band to play the songs note for note the way Kiss originally did?  I mean does Priss try to put it's own spin on the Kiss classics?
 
DOLL:  We really try to stay true to the way KISS played their songs.
As far as costumes, we added the female twist and applied that to the outfits.
 
JROCK:  I recently got the chance to see Priss perform at The first annual Kiss EXPO in Los Angeles, CA.....and I must tell you your band really puts on a great show!  What did you enjoy the most about performing at the  EXPO?
 
DOLL:  Thanks, Jason.  The KISS Army and KISS fans are amazing. It was really cool to see 8 years old kids dressed like KISS and their parents dressed like KISS as well, the age spectrum is crazy!  From toddlers to adults.
 
JROCK:  I also love the name you came up w/ Doll Stanley.......How did you come up with such a great stage name?
 
DOLL:  We tried to keep the theme as feminine as possible, Doll seemed to be the best female name for Paul.
 
JROCK:  How long does it take you to apply your makeup prior to going on stage?
 
DOLL:  It usually takes about 45 minutes or so to put it on.  I'm probably the slowest, I always need help from the other girls!  It's harder than it looks putting a star on your face!!!
 
JROCK:  Being that you play the role of Paul Stanley in Priss do you feel that there's a little more pressure on you and your band mate Queen Simmons since it's the two of you that sing lead on most of the songs in the Priss set?
 
DOLL:  I think for me it was more of a challenge because this is actually the first band ever for me to sing a lot of lead and sort of front.  I've always been in the background playing rhythm guitar or bass and singing back-ups with bands in the past.  It's been a really great experience for me though, and I really like being able to step up a bit.
 
JROCK:  Being in a Kiss tribute band where you perform songs that were written by other musicians, and that you perform in Kiss like makeup do you kind of feel like an actor might doing a movie role?
 
DOLL:  Yeah, it's a whole different thing doing a tribute band like this, because we really have to try to get into their characters.  It's a lot of work, but so much fun!
 
JROCK:  In regards to your stage costumes does the band design the costumes yourselves or do you have them custom made?
       
DOLL:  It was different for each of us, I got the basic unitard with some stars on it, but Lace Frehely and one of her friends bedazzled it and did some alterations.
 
JROCK:  What do you enjoy the most about the show you put on?
 
DOLL:  The girls are all amazing players and we all get along great.
There's a real chemistry we have playing with each other.
To be able to play the music of KISS, who we have loved since we were kids, is a dream come true.  No more playing air guiatr or my moms broom or tennis racket as a kid, jumping up and down on the bed.  We put on the make-up now, get into the costumes up on stage, and just have a blast.  Fun stuff!
 
JROCK:  What is the hardest part about putting on the show you put on?
 
DOLL:  The preparation, I guess. Bringing extra stuff down to the show, like lights, fog machine, big PRISS banner/logo, etc... 
 
JROCK:  What is the most expensive part about putting on the show you put on?
 
DOLL:  So far, I think we've spent the most on our guitars, costumes and boots.
 
JROCK:  What do you believe is the biggest misconception most people have about tribute bands?
 
DOLL:  I think some people believe tribute bands are made up of musicians that can't cut it in an original project.  While this may be true in some cases, a good number of people in tribute bands are actually in, or have been in successful original projects in the past, and are now doing this for fun or for love of the music.
 
JROCK:  What was the very, first Kiss song you learned to play?
 
DOLL:  Oh, I don't really know...  I probably didn't learn one complete song at first, but rather stumbled through an album, learning bits and pieces as I went.  Maybe, Deuce or Strutter?
 
JROCK:  What would you say is the most, difficult Kiss song to perform live?
 
DOLL:  So far, one of the toughest for me has been Detroit Rock City.  In the past, I've always played rhythm guitar or bass and singing backing vocals.  In Detroit Rock City, Ace starts out the lead and then Paul kicks in with his lead.  It was my very first attempt EVER to try doing a lead.  I remember thinking to myself, "wow, these strings are really skinny and I'm hitting a lot of the wrong strings!"  Hahaha!   Anyway, it's been a good challenge for me and I'm excited to learn something new.
 
JROCK:  Are you currently involved with any other bands/projects you'd like to let our readers know about?  
 
DOLL:  Not working on any other musical projects at the moment.  I'm pretty busy with work, school, being a wife and a mom.  Got my hands FULL and I'm blessed with good stuff!
 
JROCK:  Anything else that you'd like to say?
 
DOLL:  PRISS is available for bookings nationally and internationally.
Check out our bio, music and videos at:  www.myspace.com/prissarmy
Please contact us at:  priss.rocks@yahoo.com
If you would like to book us for fundraisers, promotions, film & TV appearances, private parties, live concerts, corporate events, festivals, bike rallies, we can do it all.  Get in touch with us!

JROCK:  I read on your web page that you've been playing Drums since you were very young......How old were you when you first started playing the Drums?
 
LUDA:  I have been playing the drums since I was a little kid, in fact I really don't remember a time when I was not banging on something wanting to play, its just always been there.
 
JROCK:  When you first started out on the drums did you take lessons or would you consider yourself to be self-taught?
 
LUDA:  I dabbled on my own but in 4th grade we were able to study an instrument in school so I started my formal training then. I was in the high school band when I was in Jr high, played in the marching band, jazz band, concert band and took lessons. Then in high school I joined a rock band and dropped out of the marching and concert bands. I played in the jazz band a few years and still took lessons. Then when I was a senior I stopped all the school stuff and just played with everyone I could around me. Mostly rock stuff. I just started playing around and started working at a studio and learned the recording side of things as well. I took a few lessons, as I got older from various people, the most influential was from a drummer in NJ named Steve Becker. Amazing drummer and a great guy. He taught me a lot and was a huge influence on my style and ethics as a player.
 
JROCK:  Do you remember what was the very, first song you ever learned to play on the drums?
 
LUDA:  Hummm... I know I learned stuff at school... on the kit maybe Norwegien Wood in Jazz band...On my own I don't remember I was playing to as many things as I could.  I do remember it was a big deal when I could finally play Barracuda by Heart, I was so proud of myself. I love how Mike Derosier plays his sound and his fills. I really enjoyed his playing.
 
JROCK:  Between Peter Criss, Eric Carr, And Eric Singer who would you say is your all time favorite Kiss Drummer?
 
LUDA:  Oh man that is a hard one!!!! I mean each person has their style and I think artists have something to give that’s unique. You have to love Peter Criss, he is the original and the one who laid the foundation for the others to step in. Eric Singer was in a band that did some shows with my Old band Betty Blowtorch and I was able to see him play close up so that’s always cool. Eric Carr's playing is just kick ass too, so they all bring something different to the table.
 
JROCK:  Where are you originally from?
 
LUDA:  I grew up in NJ. Played a lot there and in NYC before heading ot to Los Angeles
 
JROCK:  Could you please tell the readers of Chaotic Riffs Magazine the story of how you first became a Kiss fan?
 
LUDA:  Kiss is just the complete package!! They have fun, love what they do, rock out and love the fans too. I remember the first time I saw Kiss i was a kid and I had snuck downstairs to watch Don Kirshner’s rock concert I think it was and I saw Kiss and I though oh my god that is awesome!!!  Kiss was also a huge influence on Betty Blowtorch so there is a sentimental side there too.
 
JROCK:  What was it about Kiss that first attracted you to the band?  Was it their makeup and image or was it the music, or the combination of the two?
 
LUDA:  I think it was the fact that they just looked like they were having fun doing what they wanted to do and they didn't care what anyone thought. They just did their thing.
 
JROCK:  Who is the member of the band that you would say you most identify with?
 
LUDA:  It has to be peter, kind of sitting back there doing his thing holding it all together.
 
JROCK:  Have you ever met any of the members of Kiss or know if they have seen Priss live?
 
LUDA:  Well other than playing on the same bill with Eric Singer's old band - no never met them and I do not think they have seen us. We are in talks with Gene Simmons family Jewels to be on en episode so thats is very exciting.
 
JROCK:  Could you please tell the readers of Chaotic Riffs Magazine about some of the bands you were in prior to Priss?
 
LUDA:  Sure - I have played in a bunch of bands and did a lot of freelance gigs. But here are some of the most recent; Betty Blowtorch, Cheap Chick, Dime Box Band, Stay at Home Bomb,
 
JROCK:  How did you hook up w/the other members of Priss and come to form the band?
 
LUDA:  Sharon from Priss and I have been in several bands together. Long story short - we went to a local LB bar for a drink one night and when we walked in everyone had Kiss makeup on. The bar tenders the DJ, the people... they were playing Kiss music and had Kiss videos on. So, we asked the bar tender why is everyone dressed liked Kiss and she said why not?  Sharon and I looked at each other and that was it, Priss was born.
 
JROCK:  When Priss was first formed, do you remember what was the very, first Kiss song the band jammed to?
 
LUDA:  Detroit Rock City of course!!!
 
JROCK:  What would you say is the most easiest Kiss song to perform live?
 
LUDA:  Ha-ha I think that is very different for each of us. For me - do you love me is pretty easy, simple beat and song structure.
 
JROCK:  Is there a Kiss song in your set that is really difficult to play?
 
LUDA:  We are slowly adding songs as we get others down. We try to make sure we really learn the tunes and play the parts as close as possible to the originals. Detroit Rock City and She I think were the most challenging to get down.
 
JROCK:  How long does it take you to apply your makeup prior to going on stage?
 
LUDA:  Well I never wear makeup so this took a little getting used to for me!! It takes about an hour.
 
JROCK:  Priss played the first annual LA Kiss EXPO in Los Angeles, CA.........What did you enjoy most about playing at the EXPO this year?
 
LUDA:  The expo was just so much fun. Everyone involved was great to work with; the fans are all so much fun. They are so loyal to the band and all have such crazy stories about their Kiss encounters. So its a really fun time to play and meet all the fans.
 
JROCK:  I was curious if you're a fan of any of Peter Criss's solo material...If so which Peter Criss solo album do you like the best?
 
LUDA:  I hate to say but I really have not heard much of the solo material.
 
JROCK:  What do you think of the new Kiss CD...Sonic Boom?  Any chance Priss will start playing any of the Sonic Boom material in your set?
 
LUDA:  I have not heard the new stuff yet, Sharon says it’s amazing and I look forward to getting myself a copy at Wal-Mart soon!
 
JROCK:  Are you involved in any other bands/projects that you'd like to let our readers know about?
 
LUDA:  I fill in playing drums with our Gene - Evie in her original project Evil Beaver. You should check that out. Its pretty amazing stuff and Evie has some very talented drummers sit in with her. So when I get a chance to play her stuff it’s a great experience for me.
 
You can check out Dime Box band an alt country project I play with, Also I sometimes have the privilege to back up Alice bag and Lysa Flores on some projects. We have a show in Mexico coming up I am really excited about too!!
 
JROCK:  Anything else that you'd like to say to all the Priss fans out there?

 LUDA:  Just thank you so much for the support!

JROCK:  Your band Priss recently performed at the 1st LA Kiss EXPO....How did they get the opportunity to play at the expo?
 
QUEEN S. - Jim the coordinator invited Priss to perform.
 
JROCK:  Was this the first Kiss expo/convention that Priss has ever played?
 
QUEEN S. - Yes
 
JROCK:  What did you enjoy most about performing at the first LA Kiss expo?
 
QUEEN S. -  The Kiss outfits the people were wearing.
 
JROCK:  Did you enjoy getting to meet many of the Kiss fans who showed up at the event?
 
QUEEN S. -  Of course! I love fans in general. Kiss fans rock!
 
JROCK:  Could you please share with the readers of Chaotic Riffs Magazine the story of how you first became a Kiss fan?
 
QUEEN S. -  I bought Kiss Alive II on Vinyl and was hook from there.
 
JROCK:  What was it about Kiss that initially made you a fan.....Were you initially attracted because of the band's image/look or was it the music that really first grabbed your attention?
 
QUEEN S. -  The image is cool but it was the music for sure.
 
JROCK:  What year was Priss formed?
 
QUEEN S. -  Priss was formed in May 2009, which was 5 months ago. We are new.
 
JROCK:  How did you meet the other members of Priss and come to form the band?
 
QUEEN S. -  My original band EVIL BEAVER toured in the USA with Betty Blowtorch. Doll Stanley and Luda Christ of Priss were in Betty Blowtorch. We became friends then and managed to KIT over the years.
 
JROCK:  Did you ever have any reservations about being in a tribute band?
 
QUEEN S. -  No, never.
 
JROCK:  When Priss first got together how long did it take for the band to learn the Kiss songs that you perform in your set?
 
QUEEN S. -  We learn the songs solo, meet to rehearse, and perform.
 
JROCK:  Does Priss have a set list of tunes the band performs or do you ever change the set list or perform a rare tune that maye Kiss themselves never play in concert just to keep it fun or interesting for the fans?
 
QUEEN S. -  We play what we like.
 
JROCK:  What has been the reaction to Priss so far?
 
QUEEN S. -  Folks are crazy about PRISS. Kiss fans are super loyal!
 
JROCK:  When the band first got together how long did it take you to be able to apply the makeup?
 
QUEEN S. -  The first time for me took about 2 hours.
 
JROCK:  How long does it take you and the band to put on the makeup now prior to going on stage?
 
QUEEN S. -  About an hour or so.
 
JROCK:  What do you enjoy most about being in Priss?
 
QUEEN S. -  Stepping into the roll of the fem-demon.
 
JROCK:  Have you ever met any of the members of Kiss or know if they have caught Priss in concert?
 
QUEEN S. -  No, but I am not sure if the other girls have.
 
JROCK:  What do you think of the new Kiss Cd Sonic Boom?
 
QUEEN S. -  Doll Stanley loves it and talks about it often.
 
JROCK:  In regards to Sonic Boom....Any chance that Priss may start playing any Sonic Boom material during your shows?
 
QUEEN S. -  Always a change we will play any of the songs.
 
JROCK:  I also understand that in addition to Priss that you are also in another band, an original act called Evil Beaver...Could you tell the readers of this magazine a little bit about Evil Beaver and how long the band has been together?
 
QUEEN S. -  Bass and drum rock duo Evil Beaver has shared the stage with a diversity of musical artists including; Chevelle, Fu Manchu, The Gossip, Local H, Nina Hagen, Peaches, Rasputina, Shellac, The White Stripes.  EVIL BEAVER features Evie Evil on bass and vocals supported by various drummers that at times have included Jonny "JoJo Beav'" Jones, members of Dee Dee Ramone, Queens of the Stone Age, and Eagles of Death Metal.  EVIL BEAVER is always performing live and touring internationally.  I formed EVIL BEAVER in Chicago 2000.
 
JROCK:  Has Evil Beaver released any CDs.....If so how many and how can fans go about purchasing your music and finding out more about the band?
 
QUEEN S. -  I give all of my music away for FREE on www.EVILBEAVER.us

We have a few CDs you can buy if you'd like on www.EVILBEAVER.us as well.  From the first release "Lick It" (2000), to the most recently released, "7 YEARz of ROCK” (2009), Evil Beaver continues to push the boundaries of kick ass rock & roll.
 
JROCK:  For people who have never heard Evil Beaver's music before....How would you describe the overall sound of Evil Beaver?
 
QUEEN S. -  The music is rock & roll that features only bass and drums. It is high energy!  Evie Evil's vocals melodies are dynamic. Her voice is seductive and powerful.  As a bassist, Evie is a pioneer. Her bass playing skills are mind blowing. Her playing style is uniquely original with underlying subliminal hooks.
 
JROCK:  How did you come to name the band Evil Beaver?
 
QUEEN S. -  I saw it scribbled in dirty graffiti on a wall of a rehearsal studio in Chicago and liked the name.
 
JROCK:  In addition to being a musician I understand that you are also an actress/model ....Could you please discuss your career as an actress/model?
 
QUEEN S. -  Modeling is something that fell in my lap. I model for work from time to time. The acting came with the modeling.
 
JROCK:  In regards to acting have you appeared on any TV shows or in any films that any of our readers might have seen you in?
 
QUEEN S. -  Possibly, check out HGTV's showdown. That is a fun show I am on sometimes.  Priss is scheduled to be on Gene Simmons Family Jewels and America's Got Talent in 2010!
 
JROCK:  What comes easiest for you? Being a Musician, an actress, or a model?
 
QUEEN S. -  All require work. Music is my favorite thing to do. It is was I believe I am best at.
 
JROCK:  What else should fans expect from you, Priss, and Evil Beaver in the year ahead?
 
QUEEN S. -  Gene Simmons Family Jewel appearances, America's Got Talent, a lot of touring and new music from EVIL BEAVER!  Evil Beaver is scheduled to tour Australia, New Zealand, USA and Europe in early 2010.
 
JROCK:  Are you currently involved with any other bands/projects that you'd like to let your fans know about?
 
QUEEN S. -  E. Lago Entertainment Group International is a group of organized musicians/artist that I am leader/CEO of. Some of our artist include, SWEET MACHINE (live band for PEACHES), JESSIE DELUXE (solo and full band), DEADLY 7 (sexiest all girl Las Vegas rockers), CLOWN KONG (NYC clown) and SHUNDA K (front women Yo Majesty). All of these artist can be found online at MySpace or FaceBook. They are well worth looking into if you are interesting in finding good music to listen to.
 
JROCK:  Anything else that you'd like to say?
 
QUEEN S. -  Priss is live at THE KEY CLUB in West Hollywood, CA for a FREE show this THURSDAY, OCT. 29th! KLOS Costume Ball!!!
 
For EVIL BEAVER so far...
 
Apr. 6th - Frankfurt, Germany
Apr. 7th - Zurich, Switzerland
Apr. 8th - Vienna, Austria
Apr. 9th - Berlin, Germany
Apr. 10th - London, UK

JROCK:  Where are you originally from? 

Wendy:  Hollywood, California
 
JROCK:  Could you please tell the readers of Chaotic Riff's Magazine a little bit about your professional background?

Wendy:  I don't have a professional background really. I just do things that I want to do. I am only a high school grad who trained to be an ice skater and ballet dancer. I have no training in writing or singing at all.
 
JROCK:  Most people of course know you because a few years back you wrote a book called Into The Void which was primarily about your relationship with legendary Kiss  Guitarist Ace Frehley..........My question is how did the opportunity for you to write the book first come about?

Wendy:  After my time with Ace, I just thought I'd write a book about my experience. I was tired of telling 'Ace’ stories to everyone all the time, ha!  I went to a book store and contacted the publisher from another book about Kiss. They were interested in my story right away and wanted to know how far along I was in my manuscript when I hadn't even started it at all, so I told them I would be done in 3 months and then I wrote it in 3 months!
 
JROCK:  Were you worried how Ace Frehley, Kiss fans, or the mighty Kiss Organization might respond to the book once it was released?

Wendy:  Yes, on the day of its release I called my publisher and tried to cancel its release!  But they told me that everyone feels like that after they write a "tell-all".  I am a very open person and the truth has never bothered me. It bothers other people. If the world was not full of judgment than there would be no problem with just being yourself and letting the truth out, good or bad.
 
JROCK:  From the time you started writing the book until the time you finished it....How long did it take you to finish writing the book?

Wendy:   3 months on the first one and over a year for the sequel.
 
JROCK:  What was the most difficult part about writing the book for you?

Wendy:  I don't think there was anything in particular that was difficult for me. I remembered everything.
 
JROCK:  Once the book Into The Void came out how happy were you with the response it got?

Wendy:  I was very happy to share my experience with the world and Kiss fans. I have gotten great response and have made many friends and fans in the Kiss community because of it. With some of the money I have made I was able to take my parents to New York for a family vacation and give to animal charities. I have only had a couple of negative people contact me. But they are the judgmental, jealous type. And I don't read the forums and reviews of people who are arguing about my agendas etc... They need to get a life and stop judging.
 
JROCK:  Along with the book you've also got Into The Void T-Shirts....I was curious which has sold more the book or the T-Shirts?

Wendy:  The book of course.  It takes about 3 years for me to run out of 600 shirts.
 
JROCK:  You recently released your 2nd book called Out Of The Void....Could you tell the readers of Chaotic Riff's Magazine a little bit about the new book?

Wendy:  It answers any questions you would have about the first book, (some in which we have just covered), and tells about everything that happened after Ace and what really goes on in rehab, (not like on Dr. Drew's Celebrity Rehab). That show is a joke. And the last chapter is dedicated to Kiss fans and talks about my experience touring the world doing Kiss Expos!
 
JROCK:  What would you say was the biggest difference for you in the writing of the two books?

Wendy:  The therapeutic aspect of the healing process from heroin addiction in the second book.  I feel the second book is more relevant in helping others than the first one.  Watch my E! True Hollywood Story:

http://www.youtube.com/v/n-w0SLlTZhA&hl=en&fs=1
 
JROCK:  You recently appeared at the 1st annual Kiss EXPO in Los Angeles, CA.  How did you get the opportunity to appear at this event?

Wendy:  This event was actually created for me in particular because the promoter does not like how I have been black-balled from Expos in the past because of Eric Singer. So he promised an expo with me as the special guest and Eric was not even invited. I got to invite who I wanted.
 
JROCK:  What did you enjoy the most about the Kiss EXPO?

Wendy:  I love signing books and talking to fans. It is just so much fun and without the pressure of performing or anything like that. You just sit there and feel like a star, ya know?
 
JROCK:  Did you enjoy the other acts that appeared at the EXPO?

Wendy:  Somewhat.  It was funny when Fifi took a spill though!  If I had it my way I would have had "Black Diamond" but we couldn't afford to fly them out.  They are the best Kiss cover band I have ever seen and they are all women!   And I wish that Bruce's band would have played.
 
JROCK:  In addition to the two books you are also the Lead Singer in a band called Venus Envy....Please tell our readers a little bit about the band.

Wendy:  It's just my rock band. I write the songs and we are trying to get Bill Aucoin to work with us.  Our influences are, Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, Zeppelin and Janis Joplin.
 
JROCK:  Does Venus Envy have a CD out or one in the works?

Wendy:  Working on finishing a demo, but I sell it all the time when people want it. Also, Ace played guitar on 2 of the songs!
 
JROCK:  What else should people expect from Wendy Moore in the year 2010 and beyond?

Wendy:  I am going to be on a reality show about my life. They filmed the Expo and will continue filming in January 2010. I am also shopping a movie script that has nothing to do with my books.
 
JROCK:  For people interested in purchasing either of the books what's the best way to do that?

Wendy:  Contact me on MySpace or send $20.00 for first book and $30.00 for new one and shirts to:

Wendy Moore
 1843 N. Cherokee Ave
 # 203
 Hollywood, Ca 90028
I also take PayPal: wendymoore3author@yahoo.com