It seems these days, whether in the Syracuse area or anywhere for that matter, that there is a monkey complex invading my senses. As in, monkey-see, monkey-do, everyone looks and sounds the same and it dulls people to the point of ignoring it all. Seriously, how many bands really look and sound like a bunch of clones and why do you not even bother a lot of times with them. Seen that, heard that, ho-hum.
And then, when I was to the point of screaming “This sucks!”, just when I couldn’t care less, my senses were awakened by an up and coming band out of Toronto, Canada; the incomparable CJ SLEEZ. Yes, it was her ‘look’ that made me take a peek again. You can’t blame me there. That of course had me look at the info and ultimately listen. I kept listening and watching the videos. The raw energy and visual performance captivated me. Excitement shot through me as I was accosted by pure rock & roll mixed with some old school punk and topped off with hints of hard rock. The music kicked ass and the performance matched it all. I was hooked. That was in the beginning of 2011, now a year later the groups latest video “Back to Nowhere” (see video to your left) was released in November, and I could wait no longer, it’s time to show this kick ass band off to the world!
Here is some of what CJ SLEEZ’s press kit from July/2011 offers:
“CJ SLEEZ’s new CD ‘Valley of the Shadow’ is a testament to rock n’ roll’s spirit of tenacity and bold determination; In 2001, CJ introduced us to her world of reckless abandon with the release of her debut album ‘Rock Action’ (OPM Records). In 2005, she granted us further exposure to her rebellious lifestyle with the release of her second record “Back from the Brink’’ (Spinerazor Records) and with the publication of her autobiography ‘Poor Little Bitch Girl’ (Manor House Publishing) that same year, she seemed to revel in the seedy glamour and decadence of her own self-destruction. Now, with the upcoming release of her new CD ‘Valley of the Shadow’, on her own successful private label ’Sleez Records’, CJ stands stronger and more stubbornly self-expressive than ever, proving without question, that she is indeed worth her own hype.
Recorded in Toronto by familiar producer Rob Sanzo, this album demonstrates a clear evolution in all aspects of the band’s sound. Musically, the songs are still fast and hard-driving, but with a double-kick drum (which is new to the mix). Lyrically, CJ now speaks with the kind of perseverance, wisdom and resolve that can only be acquired after a decade of heavy experience playing dicey rock bars, working in shady strip clubs to make ends meet and warring with some serious personal demons. Vocally, CJ Sleez is fiercely confident on ‘Valley of the Shadow’ and seems to have truly found her voice.’
With all of that said, CJ has to another of those musicians that just cares about what she does and to hell with anyone that has different ideas. She is engaging, very sweet, and totally sincere. The exact same traits that I get from some of the national acts that I’ve talked with these past couple of years, they are destined to ‘make” it. Check out what she had to say.
David - “CJ Sleez” interesting name, can you tell me how that came to be and where it all started?
CJ - CJ’s my birth name, in full length it’s Carmen-Juliet. I wanted my last name to sum up everything that I loved about rock n’roll, I wanted to describe the trashy style of music, the sexy clothes, rebellious attitude and reckless lifestyle that I lived. I wanted a strong name that people wouldn’t forget. CJ Sleez had a nice ring to it.
David - The band is, at least to me, high-energy rock, metal, and punk all rolled up and smoked together. What do you say when asked to describe CJ Sleez?
CJ - I think you pretty much nailed it there. I usually say loud, raunchy, in your face, high- charge hard rock. I don’t like comparing myself specifically to others artists. I’ll gladly credit their inspiration but imitation has never been my intention.
David - The band has a very cool look and killer sound. So, why all the lingerie and sex kitten posturing, is it just to make guys like me melt?
CJ - The lingerie? It’s what I want to wear because I think it’s cool and because it makes me feel sexy and powerful- The Posturing? It’s not “posturing” it’s 100% natural, raw uncensored and real. There’s no choreography or set plan to the way I move on stage. It’s not even a part of my thought process. I just completely let go and follow where the music takes me. I dance like no one’s watching when everyone is watching and I don’t care what anyone thinks.
David - I’ll admit the bands look, and of course your looks, made me look again. Once I started listening, I was hooked, what is everyone’s background in music in the band?
CJ - Stacy Stray has been a member of both Robin Black & the Intergalactic Rockstars and The State of Things. Right now we share him with another great Canadian band called “Die Mannequin”. Norelle was part of the all girl punk band The Machetes and Danni was a member of Revolution Love. This is Errol’s first major project- he was waiting for the right one.
David - Let’s talk about seeing you live; what can people expect to see at a live show and where do you play? Do you ever hit the states and will you be?
CJ - Expect to have a fabulous time and see an amazing show. We always give the crowd our best and deliver raw, uninhibited rock action. I genuinely love performing and it shows. I have yet to tour in the US, but would love to in the next year or two.
David - I just finished watching the latest video, “Back To Nowhere”. The video is impressive as hell, the song kicks ass, too. What’s happening now with the band in the new department along with the video? (I’ll be embedding it if that’s cool)
CJ - Thanks Babe and of course! It’s the first single from my most recent album “Valley Of The Shadow” as well as being the single for my upcoming European Release “Play It Loud” which is a collection of 10 songs chosen from all three of my CDs. It’s not a “Best Of” though- The best is still to come. We’re currently working on some killer new material and I hope to be back in the studio recording this fall.
David - So, you’re on the road and I run into you all in a bar hanging out, what’s the night going to be like hanging with you guys?
CJ - As a band we’re all close and get on really well together. It’s always a good time and a lot of laughs when we’re out. We’re generally up for anything anytime, unless we’ve got a show to play in which case we’re pretty focused until after the set. We don’t take the opportunity to perform for granted and know that the better we play, the better the experience is for everyone.
David - What should people know about you that we haven’t covered? Say what you want to say to the readers.
CJ - I’d like to plug my websites CJSLEEZ.com & SleezRecords.com and I just want to encourage people to live hard. Life’s too short to put off.
Be sure and check them out. I have a feeling we will be seeing more of them soon!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/CJ-SLEEZ/
http://www.youtube.com/user/CJSLEEZ1
http://www.myspace.com/cjsleez
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