Interviews: LIPSHOK

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Gothic Rock/Symphonic Metal band, LIPSHOK from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1.Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that? 

Ah, now that’s a good story. During one of the earliest rehearsals, we didn’t have a name yet, and the guitarist at the time got a giant “lip shock”. That happens, as a lot of singers will tell you, when you touch your lips to the mic, as we all do, and you get shocked because of some kind of electrical problem. I even saw a blue arc from the guitarists’ lips to the mic! He yells “hey, I shocked my lips” and I say “ooo, you got a lip shock” and then that was it, the name stuck. And let me tell you, I had many a show and got a lot of lip shocks and they are not fun! It’s like a whole bunch of tiny needles poking your lip at the same time. And I have received many a mocking laughter when it has happened to me live… lol… Of course we had to change the spelling to one word and take out the ‘C” to make it look more metal…lol

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

I can’t help it. It’s just the kind of music we’re drawn to, especially me, Scarlett, as the primary songwriter. I love the combination of super heavy guitar, orchestral keyboards, with melodic and haunting vocals so I do the best I can to recreate that.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Well, me and the bass player, Phil, are married, so we kind of knew each other. But the drummer Joe took us a long time to find after many configurations, and we are so lucky to have him. And now with our newest guitarist on the new album, Shadows of a Dark Heart, and his name is Max, we have finally got the most conducive group of people for our music. 

4. Each band member favourite band?

Well, besides Lipshok, I like Within Temptation, Nightwish, Evanescence, and Lacuna Coil (I know, there’s a pattern there…), the other members like Rush and Dream Theatre a lot, and I know that. But they also like the artists I like to so it’s all good you know?

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs? 

Everything on a magical scale. The Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, breathing, dreaming, thinking, fantasyland, etc.

6. Where was your last gig?

We had a great show on 2/29/20 and it was a blast, as live performing always is. But then this little pesky thing called a pandemic (Covid 19) and put a crimp in everyone’s life. But fortunately we had just started to work on the new CD “Shadows of a Dark Heart” so we had plenty to do during this time. But I’ll tell you, there is nothing like the energy at a live show and I miss it terribly and can’t wait to get out there. I know there is the on line thing you can do, and that’s cool, but the energy is lacking.

7. Where would you like to act? 

My dream is Wacken. If we could play there, I could die happy.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Oh man, I would be honored to share a stage with any of the artists I mentioned above.

9. Whom not?

If a good show came up, I don’t think there is anyone I wouldn’t share a stage with. Unless they were horrible people or something?....

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Well, if you didn’t get nervous you wouldn’t be human you know? The nervousness isn’t that unsettling unless you are under rehearsed. As long as you’re super rehearsed you should be okay. For me, I just have to believe in what I’m doing and not care what anyone else thinks. It’s a true self fulfilling prophecy. And beginners just have to get used to it and do it no matter what. And again, do what you love and love what you’re doing and you’ll always be on the right track. 

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

All the ones I mentioned above. But a lot of other artists too. Elton John, Genesis, Pink Floyd, The Tubes, The Beatles, Sixx AM as well. 

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

A night with me. Yes this really happened. I even got a 100.00 bill during the show thinking it was a tip. Well, I am married so ooops, not gonna happen…at least not for only 100.00 lol! Another time it was 2 gay gals that wanted me to come home with them…they were gorgeous too…but I didn’t do it…maybe I should have? lol 

13. What do you think of your fans?

Well, I hope they like what we’re doing. And I hope they stick around. ‘Cause I’m not dead yet so I have to keep going.  

14. What do you think of our site?

Thank the Goddess there are places and people like you to help us aspiring musicians get our stuff out there. You guys have been very nice to us and we appreciate more than you know the attention. Sliptrick has been really cool and you guys seem to work well together.

15. Something add?

Music and songwriting is something I am compelled to do and no matter what, I will keep doing it. If I can get someone or something to care even better. But I have no choice but to carry on or my head will explode.