The undead hunger for a lot of things, and we're pretty sure good music is one of those. Please to be enjoying some highlights from the Rabies' CD release show at Mohawk Place in August. Listen while reading our ~*exclusive*~ text interview! (Audio interview was logistically difficult that night.)
Through The Hiss: A demo disc was circulated (to WBNY, at least) back in 2005! Tell us what happened in the 3+ year period of time between then and now?
LEXI: Well we were -trying- to conquer the world with Jedi mind tricks, but that didn't end up panning out, so we did some stuff with the band instead. :) We actually did manage to keep ourselves busy during that time. We went on two tours with the legendary deathrock band 45 Grave in 2006, put some songs out on a few compilations, and played some amazing shows with some great bands like The Saints, the Koffin Kats, the Murder Junkies, and others. We also just had the opportunity to play live to air on the Fangoria Radio show in NYC. It's a horror-related show on Sirius Radio that's hosted by Dee Snider of Twisted Sister and horror movie actress Debbie Rochon. That was a scream!
TTH: What was the bigger obstacle in that time: getting five band members on the same page, or other difficulties surrounding putting an album out (i.e. finding the best priced CD pressing service, label support, etc.)?
LEXI: I think -waiting- to release a new album was the biggest obstacle for us! We really wanted to get on a label but didn't know how to do that at first, so it took us a while to get a better understanding of how the industry works. Then when we finally caught the eye of a couple of labels, we learned that sometimes that process can take time...sometimes it can take a lot of time and you never really know if they're going to change their minds at the last minute. We knew we had to release something soon because it had been years since our last album "Get Infected!!!" came out (which was more of a demo CD than a studio-quality CD anyways.) So we chose to just release "Night Terror" ourselves in the end. I think we learned a lot because of this experience though, and perhaps we'll try again for label support with the next album.
TTH: The ice throwing. Who started it? Dish, please.
LEXI: The ice throwing was actually born years and years ago when Jimmy Fiction's former band, TBA, was gigging around Buffalo. Some friends and I, after consuming just a little more than our fair share of alcohol, would show our support for the band by pelting the members with ice while on stage (sounds logical, right? Haha.) The ice throwing seemed to just continue through the years with other bands around the area. Then when The Rabies started and I was the one who was up on stage, the tables turned and I think that everyone was very pleased to have a chance to get some revenge. It's all in love though, and we don't mind the audience participation...as long as it's only ice that is! No liquids, glass, edibles, small children, or body parts please!
TTH: Dr. Sik, how many pounds do you lose each show in your mask and cloak?
DR. SIK: It's not a mask, you foolish mortal--------------->
3lbs, 6oz everynight
TTH: Jimmy Fiction, did the Joker donate to "Locks of Love" for the decoration of your drumkit?
JIMMY FICTION: No, that was a gift from the Riddler!
TTH: If you could own eighty-eight of something other than electric piano keys, what would it be?
88: Puppies...or millions of dollars...
TTH: Any and all lurid details on the recording process, please!
LEXI: We recorded "Night Terror" in a studio inside of a Buffalo attic, and really did everything ourselves. The whole album was actually engineered and mixed by the insatiable talent of Dr. Sik! It was nice because we got to take our time and perfect everything without worrying about studio schedules, etc.
TTH: Were any animals harmed during the making of this album?
LEXI: Oh just one little goat for sacrificial purposes, no biggie though.
TTH: Were any band members harmed during the making of this album?
LEXI: Uhhhhhh...
TTH: Do you feel there are any stylistic or lyrical limitations to the horrorpunk/psychobilly genre? i.e. Have you ever felt any limitations yourselves, or maybe there are other bands (no names needed) you've seen or heard that you feel are limiting themselves due to the genre?
LEXI: Well for us, stylistically we –purposely- try to combine different genres into our songs. For example, on this album we've tried to mix punk, goth, rock-n-roll, Middle Eastern, surf, big band, cabaret, and more. Our logic is that by doing this, we hope to create something new that makes us stand out. However, there are some people who get a little confused because I think they're used to classic Misfits interpretations from horror rock bands. Sometimes they don't know how to classify us. However, when it comes to horror rock and psychobilly bands, -my- personal favorites tend to always be the ones who dare to try something different.
TTH: List the top three favorite shows you've played, ever. What made them so full of awesome for you?
LEXI: Well our last few out of town shows were really fun! I'd say Pittsburgh PA and Ft. Wayne IN were my favorites so far because the bars, as well as the crowds, were similar to what you'd find at Mohawk Place here in Buffalo. Kind of dark, dingy places with great character and good vibes. Mix that with super friendly, energetic people who are really into music, like to drink and get crazy, and that would describe those shows! I'd also say that back when we were on our first tour with 45 Grave, Chicago IL was also a great show for the same reasons.
TTH: And finally... Evil Dead Ash or Army of Darkness Ash?
LEXI: EVIL DEAD ASH!!!
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