Wednesday, September 06, 2006
8 Questions with....Queen Bee
I first met Detroit's famous Queen Bee at the Michigan Comic Con a couple of years back. She had a merch table in the middle of the indy comic books section. I recall a lot of the writers were a) upset so many fans were around a musican in the middle of "their"section or b). damn happy a beautiful woman was there in the middle of their section to chase away the boredom only a small print zine writer suffers through while at a Con.
I walked up and said "hello" and told Queen Bee I had heard so much about her. Its funny,while Queen Bee dresses in next to nothing (and has quite the figure!) what impresses me is how the local Detroit music press writes about her VOICE! The lady can sing,don't be fooled by the outer appearances. And now Queen Bee,after a extended layoff,has buzzed back into the limelight w/a new release, "Girl on Top" which is getting QB some of the best reviews in her career.
This is my first major interview here on MySpace. I do hope you'll enjoy reading "8 Questions with.......Queen Bee!"
As always,feedback is always welcome!
1. Whats your take on the Detroit music scene both pro and con?
Pro: Detroit has the best garage scene.
Con: I don't play in a garage band.
2. What did you think of the local media making Proof a hero despite the fact he murdered a man? Do you feel it brought a negative image to Detroit's scene as a whole?
Atleast he went out with a bang! I really think that the biggest hemorrhoid on the ass of Detroit is Kwame KILLpatrick...Actually, he's the biggest dick fucking the ass of Detroit at the moment...Not some dead rapper...But enough about them. When I'm dead, the whole world will either mourn or rejoice, for my skid mark will cover the earth!
3. Do you think Amir Daiza made a mistake in selling his venues to Clear Channel,making it much harder for local bands to get quality gigs?
I think that it's unfortunate. But that's business and he is a business man, not a musician. It's all part of the New World Order and it'll only get worse...
4. Queen Bee has been a local legend for quite some time,what can you do to make her a national name?
Actually, I have several releases on different labels; Alternative Tentacles/CA, Sleazegrinder/MA and HotGoth/UT...I get all sorts of international exposure on different websites. I also have a fan base in Japan, but unless someone can pay me enough to quit my day job and support a full band, the base of my operation will remain in Detroit. Show me the money, motherfucker!
5. What do you to say to critics who say you use your body to sell music rather then the music itself?
I'd say, you obviously have me confused with someone who gives a fuck.
6. What kind of music makes the Queen buzz? Do you see a lot of bands?
I love all kinds of music and since I've been involved with Punk Fitness Detroit, Julie Hecker has opened my eyes to a wealth of local talent! I don't get to see alot of bands, but I can tell ya I love Die Grinder, Chapstik, The Paybacks, the Dirtbombs, the Hard Lessons, the Muggs, the Displays, the Koffin Kats, the Ruiners, the Cyril Lords, the Grande Nationals, Downtown Brown, Crud, the Demolition Dollrods, Brian O'blivion, Plush Deathly, Human Eye, and of course, esQuire and The Brain Saw...Hell...I know there are many more!
7. I personally think the White Stripes are VASTLY overated,what 3 bands deserve the hype the Stripes got and didn't get it?
I personally feel that the White Stripes had something very special from the first time I saw them play, which was also Queen Bee's debut. They were fortunate to have had the resources to finance an effective publicist, but they also had a unique appeal that struck at the right moment. I'd rather see people like them do well, than some slimy, egotistical bastards who don't have an original bone in their bodies, nor care about helping out other bands.
8. What do you feel about the local music media? Do they support original music well enough or could they do more?
I've been a spoiled press darling for a long time, so I'd say they do pretty good. I've been on the cover of Metro Times twice now. Real Detroit has been very good to me, although I have yet to make their cover. The Detroit News and Free Press have also helped. Steffie Loveless and Sue Trescott from the Jam Rag have also been huge supporters of the local scene. An unfortunate loss. Hour Magazine has yet to feature me. They must be saving it for something special!
9. Tell us about your new CD.
Welp, this cd was actually recorded for the sole purpose of touring Japan! Up until a year ago, I had given up on live band performances as Queen Bee. I was playing bass in The Brain Saw when this opportunity for QB came up. I had originally started recording "Girl On Top" 3 years prior with Joey Mazzola on guitar, Terry B on drums and Warren Defever at the soundboard, but we just couldn't synchronize our efforts to get it done! Hence, the occasional compilation releases in 2003...When I got the invite to Japan, Terry B rejoined with young blood John Hajec on guitar and backup vocals. We were then approached by Dave Hytenin who offered to record our cd. It turned Queen Bee back into a band, only with a newer sound...It's a great rock album chocked full of everything from anthems to epics, complete with slick radio-friendly hits and is now available for purchase at QueenBeeDetroit.com on our own label "Hot Pants Records". My naked ass on the back cover is well worth the 10 bucks for a good wank! We are also seeking a larger label for manufacturing and world distribution. Any takers???
10. How much has MySpace helped the Queen?
Tremendously! Tom is my friend!
11. Where do you see yourself musically in 5 years?
Suing the silicone out of lil kim's fake tits....maybe sportin' a pair of my own...Becoming a household name...Turning more heads...Warping more minds...Owning your soul...It's hard to say...I could either be dead or starting a new band. Keep your eye balls open and your zippers down, the Queen Bee's comin' to rock your cock! Haha!..You thought I was gonna say "town", didn't-cha?
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