Chicago rockers Lady Parasyte originally formed six years ago while lead singer Kimberly K was living in West Bucktown and collaborating with previous member birdFEEDER. After self-releasing their debut EP Sirens last year, the band underwent several key lineup changes as birdFEEDER left to focus on his main project Essenza. That left only K and backup singer Angela Shaub (Miss Angela) as original members.
However, with new programmer and guitar player Mark Black aboard, the new trio's sound has evolved from a heavily layered electronic mix to a more rock and roll edge with electronic backbeats. LP's indie label and full-length debut Abandoned Places is already available via pre-order through New York-based MachineKunt Records.
While the lineup may have changed the one constant is K's impressive display of vocal theatrics. Simpering and ethereal one moment, LP's lead singer can immediately launch into earth-shattering growls and gutteral screams that would make the crustiest Death Metal singer proud. Black's guitar work and programming also make the album shine, as tracks like "Playing Parasite" and "Handful of Locusts" have more of a guitar-driven catchiness than their previous work. The Examiner recently sat down with the group for an interview.
1. Which musical groups caused you to fall in love with music? In your words, what are your own musical influences?
Kimberly K.- When I was little I listened to probably what a lot of little girls listened to at that time which was a lot of pop. Madonna, Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson, all that kind of stuff. When I got into my early teens then I started to discover stuff like Tori Amos, Bjork and Ani Difranco, which got me into songwriting. After that, I was interested in a lot of alternative and rock which progressed into metal. As far as particular artists that influence me to this day I would have to say Stella Katsoudas and Tairrie B. Stella released two albums a long while back under the name Sister Soleil. I hadn’t heard anything like it at the time and I just thought it was great. Then Tairrie B. influenced me with her growling style in My Ruin. So I'd just sit at home screaming lyrics till it didn't hurt anymore...when no one was home of course.
Mark B.- Oh wow. How much time do we have here? I know it’s a cliché’ but, if I had to pin it down to a few groups then I’d have to say that Depeche Mode made me an impact on me as a teen. I’ve also been a fan of other early 80’s new wave artists like Berlin and Missing Persons.
Miss Angela- I would have to say that my first musical experience that wasn't the oldies station (cuz that's what mom listened to in the car) was Guns n' Roses. I was a bit of a 90's rock n roller, into Motley Crue, Skid Row, Faster Pussycat. High School was where I found my major influences that I still adore to this day: The Cure, Sisters of Mercy, Jane's Addiction, NIN. Those bands got me through a lot of hard times. To this day I continue to love the darker side of things that have a booty-shake effect to them, like The Bravery, and She Wants Revenge. Of course I still listen to the rock of the 90's, but what really "does" it for me is the mix of emotion and funk. Dark and dancey.
2. How would you describe Ladyparasyte musically?
Kimberly K-Currently, I would describe our sound as mostly electro-rock. It’s a mix of a lot of different influences. I don't think we are attempting to force ourselves in any genre but electro-rock is the best description I can think of.
Mark B.- Disco Metal maybe? Our sound draws influences from multiple genres. We didn't set out to write a rock or a dance record but you can definitely hear the influences of both. We have a couple of songs that are heavier (with guitars) and a couple that are nearly all electronic but most fall in between the 2.
Miss Angela- Very up my alley! It makes you wanna dance and scream. Pump your fist. Kinda heavy, but still having a good time. Maybe industrial dance rock.
3. You have a new record out, Abandoned Places, which has a markedly different sound from your previous work. How would you describe the new album?
Kimberly K.-The new album definitely has more of a rock element. It has a hint of 80's at moments. Both in it's electronic and rock sides. At other moments it's got this eery dark side to it. Initially when we started going into this album I didn't plan on the lyrics to get as serious as some songs did...but it just seemed like I need to let some frustrations out. It’s also got a really fun side to it as well.
Mark B.- That's difficult for me to comment on (since I wasn't a band member when Sirens was recorded). Fans are definitely going to hear a difference in the musical style. The biggest change is that the music is more dance inspired and the heavy use of guitars makes it more of a rock sounding record than the previous one.
Miss Angela- I agree with Kim, it's much more rock. This album doesn't take itself as seriously as the first one did. Much more fun.
4. Which “Abandoned Places” song is your favorite?
Kimberly K.- That's a tough one. It really depends on my mood. At different points each song will rotate into being my favorite. I really love the music to “Playing Parasite” but I also have a strong connection to “Satisfied” and “Trapdoor.” I often put those two has a pair in my head for some reason.
Mark B- Bliss is my favorite track. I’m a sucker with any reference to the “living dead”
Miss Angela- I like "Prick" alot, as well as "Playing Parasite". "Abandoned Places" is a really great song as well.
5.What is your role in Ladyparasyte?
Kimberly K. -I am the lyricist and lead vocalist. I would describe my style has catchy but aggressive. Lyrically, I kind of go in a lot of different directions. Some lyrics are really personal and others are sort of just stories in my head set to a first person perspective.
Mark B.- Music composition, production and mixing.
Miss Angela- Additional/Back up vocals. I was originally only in the live line-up, but this time round Kim wanted to use my vocals on the cd as well. It was really exciting to help out with this cd since I wasn't a part of the recording process of Sirens.
6. What are you listening to right now on your IPOD?
Kimberly K.- Us! Only because it's a nice feeling to be able to hear the record completed after working on it for such a long time. Other than that, lot's of 90's stuff like Medicine, Ruby, Elastica and P.O.E and of course Stella Katsoudas’ new band, Dirty Little Rabbits..
Mark B.- Dragonette, Goldfrapp, Innerpartysystem, Ladyhawke, Little boots, and Def Leppard.
Miss Angela- The new LadyParasyte! I'm really enjoying it! Also, I have been listening to Lamb of God, and Prince a lot.
7. If you could be any superhero, which one would it be?
Kimberly K.-I would say Wonder Woman but then I'd never get a movie. Ha! Other than that probably Jean Grey if I could manage not to turn into Dark Phoenix. If were not restricting to comic book originated characters then definitely hands down...Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Hot chick, kicking ass.
Mark B.- Blade. Kickin butts and driving around in a vintage Dodge Charger.
Miss Angela- Wonder Woman for sure! I used to have the under-roos, and run around the house in them. I was 3 at the time. Now I have these star tattoos on my wrists, and I always want to clink them together like her bracelets...
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