LadyParasyte: The Macabre Cadaver Premier Edition Interview by Jeff Woodward

LadyParasyte was born in Kankakee, Illinois. At a very young age she moved to the city of Chicago where she spent most of her educational years at various Catholic Schools, often being labeled the “weird girl” due to her array of hair colors, eccentric makeup, spiky knee-high boots and fishnets augmenting her Catholic schoolgirl skirt. She then grew up, as most humans do, and went on to study Live Sound Reinforcement at the Music Industry Workshop which inspired her to pursue her own musical endeavors.

LP, along with production from fellow Chicago musician Jim "birdFEEDER" Vanaria of the band Essenza, has established a sound incorporating elements of industrial,electro and metal music creating a fusion of sound that ranges from strikingly aggressive to addictingly catchy. Her lyrical content often goes beyond the “black and white” often dealing with the “shades of gray.” Already gaining an impressive online following, LP is making the Chicago music scene take notice with a unique voice: repentant and apologetic one moment, then relentless and unforgiving the next.

LP was a featured guest on the Chicago “industrial/electronic” outfit Die Warzau’s latest album, Supergangbang. She has also been credited for getting the metal band Scum of the Earth signed with Eclipse records. Her single Salvage is featured on the promotional compilation release for Ominous Passions Clothing as well as Creative Violence Records "More Than One Way to Skin a Corpse." It will also appear on her debut album, Abandoned Places, currently in production.Most recently, she contributed lyrics and vocals to the track Shinjuku Vampire Club featured on Alan Oldhams release The Art of Transformation 2. In her spare time she enjoys practicing making "air quotes" with her hands and has been studying the Zombie Survivial Guide. She now lives in Chicago with her cats Oz and Staley, and is clearly outside Joss Whedon’s court mandated 25-mile restraining order radius.

Jeff Woodward: How long have you been creating music?

LadyParasyte: As far as recording I think I really began pursuing it probably about 2005, when I began recording with birdFEEDER(Jim Vanaria). He's a big fan of EBM/Industrial and we would just come up with complete songs in one night. For as long as I can remember though I would always be writing lyrics. I have notebooks filled with lyrics. Some good and some that I think should probably remain only in those notebooks.

JW: Who are some of your influences?

LP: One of my biggest musical inspirations is a woman named Stella Katsoudas who formed the band Sister Soleil. She released two amazing albums Drown Me In You and Soularium. Right now she sings for Dirty Little Rabbits. I'm also a big fan of Garbage, 12 Rounds, Massive Attack, My Ruin, Otep and Portishead.

Now, as far as non music inspirations I would have to say almost anything by Joss Whedon. He really knows how to write in a way people can relate to but places them in such fantastical circumstances. I've always wanted to be able to write in that way.

Beyond those, horror movies. I'm a horror movie junkie.

JW: Your songs range from the ethereal ("Salvage"), to fast and heavy electronic melodies ("Are You Dead Yet?"). Do your emotions at the time of creating, decide the tempo and lyrics of a song?

LP: Pretty much. When I put pen to paper, or more accurately finger to keyboard, I may hear the vocals one way but when it's time to sing in front of the mic they can come out a completely different way. I think originally "Salvage" sounded a lot harsher and more sarcastic in my head then it came out actaully. For example the "every time you disappear, I keep wanting more" was intended to be EXTREMELY sarcastic but in the end I think it ended coming out very sincere sounding. It's fine with me if people want to interpret it either way.

With "Are You Dead Yet," that song was the product of an awful 3 year relationship and 8 bottles of Guinness.

JW: Is there a large electronic/industrial scene in Chicago?

LP: I think Chicago has a pretty good scene. With clubs like Neo and The Exit industrial music has a steady place in Chicago. It's definitely better than alot of other places in regards to bands trying to get their music heard. Mostly in the club scene though. Radio  . . .  well mainstream radio pretty much sucks here as I'm told it does everywhere else.

JW: If there was one artist you would compare yourself to, who would it be?

LP: Wow, only one! I guess, and I hope I'm worthy of saying this, is Tairrie B of My Ruin. Mainly because of the more growly stuff I do. I don't do that with every song but when I do I get a lot of Tairrie B. comparisons. I hope people aren't blowing wind up my skirt with that one because that is such a HUGE compliment to be compared to her. However, she did tell me once that I had "quite a set of lungs."

JW: Are you signed to a label?

LP: No, not at the moment. I'm currently working on an EP with Alan Oldham, (DJ-T1000). That will most likely be released on his label. Once my record is complete I will shop it around and then based on the results of that either sign with someone or self release it. Right now I have almost all my music available for digital download.

JW: What is in your CD player at the moment?

LP: Right now it is Curve, Come Clean. They are fantastic! I only wish I knew about them while they were still making music.

JW: What's your favorite club in Chicago to perform at?

LP: Well mostly I've been spending my time recording and am just working on getting a solid live lineup together. Clubs that I'd love to play are Abby Pub, Subterranean and Double Door. When I just want a beer, Club Foot is the way to go!

Visit LadyParasyte on the web at: www.ladyparasyte.com. You can also find her on MySpace at: www.myspace.com/ladyparasyte or VampireFreaks Music at: www.vampirefreaks.com/theladyparasyte ... her music is available for preview and purchase via download from any one of the above web sites.