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MM - Would you
like to introduce the band members to us, tell us who does what and also
where you call home.
Yana: We are from NYC and Yana on vocals, Chip on drums, Noel on
guitars, and Michael on Bass, he is new, replacing Carla.
MM - The band's name is quite quirky, what was the thinking behind it?
Yana: Well there was this amazing band in the late 80's in NY called
Raging Slab and I worshiped them and a song called Shiny Mama. It means
vibrator in street slang. Yep us and Steely Dan!
MM - Now for a brief history lesson, would you like to tell us when the
band was formed and how did you all meet?
Yana: Oh God this lineup is about 2 yrs old, Now Carla just left as
well. Carla and I knew each other for a long time and both were members
of a band called PMS, at different times. So I ran into her at a bar and
we decided to jam again, for good fun.
MM - How would you best describe your music and who do you think your
songs would most appeal to?
Yana: We are rock, arena rock and fun. I think a rather large
cross-section. I'm always amazed who comes to the shows and what kind of
different people say they enjoyed the show. Something for everyone I
guess, like a Circus.
MM - What other bands have the band members been involved with prior to
Shiny Mama?
Yana: PMS, Wench, Lunachics, Snapdragons, and Carla used to play with
Debbie Harry.
MM - Is there anything you've brought along with you from your previous
bands to this new band?
Yana: I am sure but it's too deep to delve into. It's like listing my
human evolvement or progression for 10 years.
MM - How can people find out about the band and where to catch you
performing live?
Yana: We only play locally, but have a very fabulous website www.shinymama.net.
MM - What bands did you grow up with and how have they helped in
creating the style of music you perform now?
Yana: Old Punk definitely for all. But basic rock was always there. How
can you not grow up on Zeppelin? Queen! I always liked eclectic mix of
musical styles. I even listen to Opera or used to. Standards and Frank
Sinatra were great to learn to sing to. Thank God for Punk, it gave us
all the freedom to just try it and go for it .
MM - At what age did you decide you wanted to be a musician/performer?
Who did you want to be when you were younger? Who was your idol?
Yana: Well I just started singing without trying to be anyone. Just get
up and see what happens. But I opened my mouth and I could sing not just
scream. I tried copying Janis Joplin, Debbie Harry, Siouxie Sioux . The
most favorite was Nina Hagen-Godlike. I worshipped her.
MM - How has the music press responded to the band and its music so far?
Yana: I don't know whoever listens to it likes it a lot and the shows
have been pretty cool and responsive. We are having fun. It's awesome
when someone comes to us after the show and says they really enjoyed
themselves, and they were touched in some way.
MM - What are the band up to at the moment and what do you have planned
for the year ahead?
Yana: We are just writing and want to records again. This is labor of
love and the joy of making music. Beats stamp collecting - right?
MM - What 'Shiny Mama' song do you really look forward to playing live
at your gigs and why?
Yana: Honey bear because I like it and so does the crowd. It's fun when
someone is actually into your music.
MM - Who writes the songs that you perform, is it the job of just one
person or do you all play a part in the creation of new songs?
Yana: Mostly Noel and I. Carla used to contribute as well. But Michael
writes as well so were just going with it.
MM - Is there one song written by someone else that you love and wish
you'd been the one to write it?
Yana: Too many to mention. How about the Beatles catalog.
MM - What's been your favourite concert, other than your own, that
you've attended and why?
Yana: Andrew WK because it was just pure good time man. Like the Ramones
used to blare them out.
MM - If you could perform/tour with any
band/artist, who would you choose and why?
Yana: Foo Fighters, because they just rock so hard.
MM - Have you ever met a fellow artist and been
totally star struck by them and unable to talk/behave normally to them?
Yana: Certainly, Debbie Harry, She is someone I worshipped and there I
was chatting away. She's so cool. Great gal.
MM - What do you find the most frustrating about being in a rock band?
Yana: That not all members of the band contribute equal amount of work
sometimes. It's like running a mini corporation. Always being tired. And
sometimes forgetting that we do this because we just love music and it
makes us happy, not for any other reason. Having a good sense of humor
about yourself helps.
MM - What do you think about the current trend where radio/music TV
shows can make or break a band overnight?
Yana: It's not that easy but if kids respond then you have an immediate
hit. There is no artist development of old any longer. It's so not
relevant to me because I just do the music I like to play and listen to.
I am not catering to trends.
MM - When you're not performing or recording new material, do the band
hang out together outside of the normal band duties? Are you friends as
well as band mates?
Yana: Yes we hang.
MM - If you won the lottery tomorrow, would you leave the music behind
or would you pump some hard cash into making sure the band had the best
shot at success they could ask for?
Yana: I'd put it in the band, if $ is of no issue then the world is open
to all possibilities.
MM - What's the most precious thing in your life right now? Who or what
could you simply not live without?
Yana: Music. Life would be pretty empty without music.
MM - What's the one thing you'd really love to tell people about
yourself, or the band, but that no ones ever taken the time to ask?
Yana: WE just wanna ROCK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!! Hahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!
MM - In 3 words how would your best friend describe you?
Yana: Stubborn, Honest, Fabulous Darhlink.
MM - Lastly, is there anything you'd like to say to our readers out
there?
Yana: We just want to ROCK YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!
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