Jackknife Stiletto are an all girl flat out punk meets rock meets metal band from the New York/New Jersey are. Formed from the remains of Violet Vier, the band have their debut album entitled “Beautiful Disaster” released this month (Oct 2010), a new website and now an interview on the hallowed pages of Lights Go Out – things just keep getting better and better for Jackknife Stiletto. After checking their album out, I knew this was a band I wanted to feature on these pages and also do check out their band profile in Issue 10 of Lights Go out Zine. So here for your reading pleasure I give you Jackknife Stiletto…
Hey welcome to Lights Go Out, so how is the current mood in Jackknife Stiletto?
We’re really excited to finally release our CD and play some more shows!
You have your new album due out like anyday now, are you pretty excited for people to hear it?
Hell yeah!
Are there any central themes running through the songs on “Beautiful Disaster”?
Revenge and Lust.
What inspires your lyrics?
The people that come in and out of our lives. Take as you will!
How would you describe the Jackknife Stiletto sound to someone who hasn’t yet heard you?
Queen V put it best, “punk-rock-alt-metal”
You used to be known as Violet Vier, how come you’ve changed names recently?
First all, we were originally a four piece. We had a show coming up and scrounged for a name. Next thing you know, we’re the purple four. After going through a few 2nd guitarists over the years, we decided we worked best as a trio. New sound, new attitude, and new band name.
I know you’ve had a fourth member on second guitar before. Are you now going to stick as a three piece or are you still looking for that right person?
We are for now. We never say never to anything.
How did you come up with the new name for the band?
After a few drinks at a Mutilators / Nekromantix show while sitting at a diner at 3am.
What artists would you say have influenced your sound?
Because our backgrounds are so diverse, there are too many artists to list. But as far as genres go, EsotErica is influenced by goth, grunge, and classic rock. Annie Stoic is influenced by punk. Mel Funk is influenced by 90’s, pop, and alternative.
You’re from NY, what is the music scene like over there?
Put it this way, in one night you can see a country band, hardcore band, to a blues band sometimes all on the same bill. That’s what makes NY awesome. How’s UK?
Are there any bands we should be checking out that you can recommend us?
Spread The Rumor is a pretty cool girl band we’ve played a few shows with recently.
What can we expect from your live show?
A fuckin’ good time 🙂
You’ve played on the Warped Tour, how was that?
It was actually a last minute spot offered in NY & NJ by an indie stage called S.T.O. Side Show. It was definitely an awesome experience and we gained new fans there.
Have you toured much in America and do you have any plans to come and visit us in the UK at all?
We’ve done a few one-stop shows and definitely plan on a tour very soon. We would love to come to the UK. Can you book us!?
For the tech geeks out there, what brand of instruments do you all play?
EsotErica – Peavey Millenium Bass & Hartke Amp, Annie Stoic – Gibson SG & Marshall Half Stack – Valvestate 2000 AVT150 head, Mel Funk – D Drums, Zildjan Cymbals, & Pro Mark sticks.
If you could play on a show with three bands which three would they be?
The Dresden Dolls, Rancid, and Pink Floyd
You have a video up for “Swan Dive”, how was it shooting this?
Interesting, Fun, Dangerous, and Sweaty!
Where did you film the performance in the wood scenes?
In Staten Island, NY in the woods on some old abandoned rusty cars.
What advice can you offer to people in bands or looking to form a band?
Don’t do it unless you are committed. You should want it to be your life.
So what does the next year hold for Jackknife Stiletto?
More touring, music, videos, and whatever else comes to us!
I know interviews follow the same format so to try and make this a bit more fun, we’re going to ask you some different ones…
Which pop stars are your favourite?
EsotErica – Madonna
Annie Stoic – Spice Girls & Michael Jackson
Mel Funk – George Michael
Growing up what TV shows did you watch?
EsotErica – Pee Wee’s Playhouse
Annie Stoic – Power Rangers
Mel Funk – Rugrats
Do you think someone like Katy Perry is a good role model for girls?
Are you referring to her flashing Elmo or her fake bi-sexuality? We can honestly care less about pop stars as role models.
Where is the best place to eat in New York?
Almost any Pizza place in NYC.
If I was going to the bar, what drink would you like me to get you?
EsotErica – Whiskey Sour
Annie Stoic – Jack & Coke
Mel Funk – SoCo & Ginger Ale
What was the first show you ever went too?
EsotErica – Albert Collins
Annie Stoic – Celion Dion
Mel Funk – No Doubt
And what was the first record or CD you bought?
EsotErica – Extreme II: Porno Graffiti
Annie Stoic – Rancid: Let’s Go!
Mel Funk – Mariah Carey – Dreamlover
Do any of the band collect Pez at all?
No, but they are tasty!
What are your favourite foods?
EsotErica – Pizza
Annie Stoic – Mac & Cheese
Mel Funk – Tacos
Right that’s more than enough of that, what final words can you leave the readers of Lights Go Out with…
Thank you very much for interviewing us and hope to visit the UK soon. P.S. We took your cat! 😉
Thanks very much + best of luck with the new album, we love it!
Check them out online now: www.jackknifestiletto.com
Thanks to Annie @ Heldback.
By Mr. T (Oct 2010)
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