Q&A Interview with Vanessa from Lioness

"I hope more people will buy vinyl so it doesn't disappear like polaroid film"

December 2, 2008, 12:55 AM

Toronto’s Lioness came together in the winter of early 2007, almost in secret, when Jeff Scheven and Ronnie Morris, the rhythm section behind the stomping disco pulses of controller.controller records, hooked up with Vanessa Fischer of soul-punk quartet No Dynamics. Haunting off-the-radar locales, playing low-key after-hours sets in dark, sweaty clubs, Lioness generated a noteworthy undercurrent of buzz on the scene.
Altsounds.com was lucky enough to catch up with Vanessa and talk to her about all the latest Lioness scoop. This is what she had to say for herself:

Altsounds: Your Myspace page states 'Lioness came together, almost in secret' – can you tell us a bit more about how that happened?
Lioness [Vanessa]: If I told you all the details it wouldn't be a secret anymore. But perhaps there was fire, blood, wine and a goat.

Altsounds: Describe the band's sound in three words.
Lioness [Vanessa]: Dark Mystical Soul

Altsounds: Why did you choose Rob Sanzo to produce your very first EP?
Lioness [Vanessa]: Jeff and Ronnie had worked with him before on their Controller.Controller Records. They trusted him, and I trust them. I am very happy with the way it worked out.

Altsounds: Your debut EP was released on 21st October. How was it received, and was it how you expected?
Lioness [Vanessa]: So far so good. Reviews seem to be positive, we have toured Canada, and have had a sold out release party at Wrongbar here in Toronto. We are still excited to get it out to the rest of the world.

Altsounds: Vanessa, a previous interview I read with the band quotes you saying that you 'can roar at 106 decibels'. How on earth do you know that?
Lioness [Vanessa]: I won a screaming contest in high school.

Altsounds: Describe a perfect night out for Lioness.
Lioness [Vanessa]: Rollin down the street, smokin endo, sippin on gin and juice.

Altsounds: When one of you is interviewed on behalf of the band, is it sometimes hard to answer for another band member, or are you so tight that you automatically know what their response might be?
Lioness [Vanessa]: We usually have the same ideas to the same questions that are generally asked about the band. An exciting question might warrant a different answer depending on who's answering, and how much they've had to drink.

Altsounds: If you could play any venue in the world, where would it be and why?
Lioness [Vanessa]: I would love to play at the Casino de Paris. Josephine Baker used to perform there in the thirties. She wore glamourous costumes and had a pet leopard.

Altsounds: What was the last single or album you all bought or downloaded?
I think the last record I bought was by Arthur Russel. The last single I downloaded was a remix by Stop Die Resecitate for You're My Heart.

Altsounds: What is your opinion on the download vs store debate? Has it helped or hindered Lioness?
Lioness [Vanessa]: I feel that most people have Ipods. If you buy a CD you'll probably upload it on your computer. With our vinyl you get a free download, and a magnificent piece of artwork. I hope more people will buy vinyl so it doesn't disappear like polaroid film. We want people to hear our music. We also want people to buy our stuff.

Altsounds: If for some reason, all three of you were unable to work and live in the music industry, what other career would you pursue?
Lioness [Vanessa]: Ronnie Morris would go on to pursue his academic endeavors and would get his doctorate. Dr. Morris would be found travelling executive class giving lectures on Romanticism in Europe all over the world. Jeff Scheven would go on to direct the one of the weirdest horror/fantasy films ever made. The success of his film would allow him to work with such talent as Asia Argento, Crispen Glover and Karen Black. Vanessa Fischer [me] would go on to create strange costumes for theatre, film and print. Miss Fischer will be living on a remote island off the south of France writing words never to be sung.

Altsounds: What are the plans for Lioness for 2009? What can fans expect to see and hear?
Lioness [Vanessa]: Touring. More remixes. New Songs. New Photos. Videos. More Records. Repeat.

Altsounds: Please use this space to promote anything you want.
Lioness [Vanessa]: If you don't have a copy of our record yet, you are most definitely missing out. Demand that your local record shop stocks it. Demand that your local promoter brings Lioness to your town!

http://www.myspace.com/lionesslionesslioness