Really interesting chat incoming with Queen of the Static Opera!
S] Yo! How are you today?
I’m good. I just got back from buying some vintage posters from Amoeba Music in Hollywood. No studio today, mostly because I have a lot of material that needs to be mixed already rather than recorded. I’m going to produce a whole album alone now.
S] How important is the visual aspect of what you do?
I think visuals are just as important as the music. A lot of what holds Queen Of The Static Opera back has always been trying to match the visuals I imagined for the project, til I just started making them myself instead of expecting someone else to help me. Even when I do work with others- I like to be highly involved with every aspect of it. I usually shoot all the music videos myself now. I almost like it better than the stress of actually shooting a video with a camera and a director and all that. I’ve tried both, but I think we’re in the age where social media is like MTV. You can shoot amazing pieces of art with cell phones. I find it to be so cool.
S] How do you define success?
Actual fans, freedom from 9-5 slavery, influence. There are levels to this game, I’m not sure what level ensures happiness, but I am happy right now
S] What’s inspiring you outside of music, think specific people, places and games for example?
I’m really interested in psychic phenomena, tarot, and astrology, especially because I grew up in a haunted house. I’m also still really interested in aliens and space. An artfully done movie can also be inspiring, I grew up watching a lot of horror movies and crime fiction, but I am more careful about the media I watch now because I’m more sensitive. Nature is actually really inspiring, like going deep into the woods or the desert is such a different feeling. I think i was a warrior woman in a former life. I used to play Roller Derby and I miss the adrenaline.
S] I dig ‘Warm Leatherette’ – what inspired that?
Trent Reznor and Peter Murphy’s version of The Normal by the brilliant Daniel Miller gave me a few vocal ideas. I like the Grace Jones cover. In general- the song is a legend. I think my spirit guides gave the cover to us.
S] What’s your mission statement?
I love to be underestimated and misjudged. It gives me the extra edge when I prove them wrong.
S] What’s your message for fans who have supported you?
I am so grateful for you all to be in my experience. I’m grateful my music and story resonated with you all. I am grateful for my Patreon supporters. I would do this if no one listened, but I’m happy you do.
S] Thanks for your time!
Thank you!
