¤ C u r s e   I c o n ¤

B R O K E N

AND IT BEGINS!!

VMU: What's up and how are you doing?

Marco: “Doing awesome. Just trying to live through this year’s South Florida hurricane season. Just got hit by 2 in a row. It really blows.”

VMU: Where are you from and who is the current line up ?

Marco: "We are based in South Florida, Broward County. Our Line-up consists of
Kiana Prestol/ Lead Vocals
Leo Farinas/ Keyboards & Sampling
D./Guitar and Vocals Sean Carrol/ Guitar
and myself, Marco /Drums & Sampling."

VMU: How long have you been together?

Marco: “I started the band about 3 1/2 years ago and have changed a bit since that time. I was looking for the right chemistry and mix of work ethic, attitude and talent. The core of the band has been writing performing together for almost 2 years.”

VMU: How many releases have you put out and who produced them?

Marco: “We are currently working on our first studio release, produced by Curse Icon, and recorded and engineered by Rob Roy at Power Station Studio, Pompano Beach,Florida.”

VMU: Could you tell us what gear you use live and studio? (in detail)

Rob Roy (Engineer):In the studio, as far as musical gear, aside of your (Curse Icon's) personal gear, we used the studio's Sonor 6 piece drum kit. This is a 28 year old maple kit with oak outer layer shells. Custom engineered Marshall amp heads and a vintage marshall 4x12 cabinet loaded with 25 watt greenbacks. As far as vocals, Kiana was tracked using a vintage Nueman U-67 (which was the exact microphone used by Madonna on "Like A Virgin", Bruce Springsteen on "Born To Run", Steven Tyler, Dianna Ross, Ozzy Osbourne, Bette Midler, Barbers Streisand, and many more.) This microphone was used with custum-built eq's from Motown Records and Emperical Labs Distressors for compression.

Leo:“Live I use a Korg Triton Le 61 and a Roland XP80, Alesis RA-100 and two Yamaha SV15 speakers. I send to the house nd monitor through our “electronics/keys rack”. For studio purposes I use both keyboards, but for the acoustic piano in "Shine On Me" a Yamaha Motif 8 was used.

D.: “Live I play a Les Paul Standard Cherry Sunburst (my main axe) and a Les Paul Smart Wood through a Peavy 5150 (one of the original models, not the new ones) out of a Marshall 1960A cabinet. I have a BOSS stomp box tuner and I run a Samson UHF Synth32 wireless system live. In the studio I used my Les Paul Standard Cherry Sunburst through my 5150 out of a Marshall cabinet."

Marco: “Live, I play Yamaha Drums with Zildjian cymbals for my acoustic set up. I have Roland PD-5’s in my set-up also that I trigger a Alesis DM5. I monitor with a Shure HW Monitor System and Shure E2 in-ear monitors. Leo and I have a consolidated “electronics rack” that takes care of monitoring. We run all the electronics through a Beringher mixer and route all monitoring to our in-ears, and run the Outs to the house through a Rack Mounted direct box. It really gives us great control on our personal monitoring and feeds to the house. In the studio I used my Cymbal package with a vintage, maple Sonar Drum kit. Really thick, full sounding Drums. They sounded great. For my next session I want to get and use a Yamaha Maple Custom. I would also like to hear the Spaun Drums in the studio because they sound AWESOME live. I write with the Roland XP80, Roland Groovebox 505, and use my Mac to tweak out sounds using Cubase and a ton of filters. I am currently toying with Reason, Absinth and Battery as well.”

VMU: Did you use analog or digital on your last release? (if computer what programs)

Rob Roy: We recorded to an all digital format. However, we tracked through an analog mixing console with Neve designed eq's. Mixing was done in kind of in a "hybrid" format. We mixed through the analog console and "multi-tracked" the final mix to the hard disk. This way we could still edit individual tracks after the mix was made.

VMU: How do you feel about the mainstream music scene?

Leo: “I really don't like the mainstream scene right now. It seems like all these new bands coming out just do what the next guy is doing. They all sound the same and all use the same formula. This is one of the reasons I'm so happy being a part of Curse Icon. We break that formula and have developed a sound that has no category. We have set a new standard in rock. The one that has no formulas, has no rules, and it's a great feeling. “

D.: “At this point I don't really care what kind of rock is being played on the radio as long as it's people playing instruments and not some pop singer singing to tracks of both vocals and the band. That really bothers me. I would really like it to be more of an equal opportunity mainstream music scene but it seems like pop and hip-hop have taken over. I guess it's only fair considering rock ruled the 80s and the first half of the 90s but I think there's more than enough room for it ALL get out there equally; especially with the invent of the internet and the downloading capabilities.”

Marco: “Mainstream has been about the same since the beginning of Rock. And or a few bands create a cutting edge sound or movement and then a ton of others jump on the band wagon. It then dilutes the sound and becomes really horrible. As far as the current trends go, If I want to listen to the Rolling Stones, Talking Heads or AC/DC, then I’ll put them in, not a band just copying them. We all borrow from our influences, we take make it new and our own, creating something new. To me it sounds like a lot of these bands are just taking and old band and blatantly taking there sound and just re-doing it. I guess they are taking the position that most of this generation doesn’t know those songs or bands and making them think it’s something “new”. I do like how a lot of the industrial, goth and electronic flavors are becoming more prevelant and mainstream though. It really opens up the door for bands that have those elements in their sound.”

“Mainstream has been about the same since the beginning of Rock." - Marco

VMU: Could you tell us who are your musical influences?

Kiana: “We all have a very diversified musical background/influence which is why when we come togetherit is sooooooo awesome.”

Leo: “Believe it or not, one of my major influences is Beethoven. In my mind he was the originator of dark, moody music that told a story. I was classically trained so most of my influences come in that traditional classical form, but mixed with my added influence of the industrial and goth movements, bands such as NIN, Rammstein and Frontline Assembly have had a dramaticimpact on my playing style as well. Put them all together and you get a rather interesting mix of dramatic synth movements with electronic backing followed by an orchestral flair. “

D.: “When I first picked up the guitar I chose to just learn by doing rather than learn by playing other people's music (covers). I felt that would allow me to develop my OWN playing style. I don't really have any personal influences but I really dig heavy, melodic rock in the vein of Alice in Chains to Filter to Mudvayne. I'm all about groove and no one does groove better than The Black Crowes; really showed me groove is all about feeling.”

Marco: “This is Easy. My band is my musical influence. I totally vibe off of what my bandmates create and pull from that for my writing. Bands I liked coming up would be NIN, Stabbing Westward, Depeche Mode, Bjork, Metallica, Nitzer Ebb. Bands like that. I also dramatically changed my playing style after buying Blood Sugar Sex Magic. Chad Smith of the red Hot Chili Peppers opened my ideas to more funk and groove oriented playing. That and the first Infectious Grooves release. I started listening to more groove oriented stuff, old school funk and jazz and a lot of other stuff. My favorite Rock drummers would be Scott Rockenfield, Scott Cameron, Chad Smith and Phil Collins.”

VMU: What do you guys express in your lyrics?

D.: “I tend to write about the fight with your sanity. You always have 2 choices in life: deal with it or go insane. Everyone has dealt with that decision in a number of aspects in their lives. I've struggled with that all too often and sometimes the only way to deal with it is to write about it. If it's not insanity, it's usually about someone I know. And it's funny, they never know it's about them. Only 1 person nailed my lyrics as being about them!”

Marco: “Lyrically, I like to write about schizophrenia, introspection, inner struggles, dark personal thoughts, and the psychological aspects of dark thoughts and the rise and redemption of ones self. With a female lead, I transpose thoughts sometimes in third person and think from that perspective. Kiana and I talk about deep, personal issues, fears, and a lot of things. We write about that a lot. I tend to be metaphoric and sometimes even ambiguous so the listener can pull their own meaning out of the lyrics. I feel it adds a lot of depth to have the listener interacting with the song, which gives it a long shelf life. And sometimes it’s just straight forward and based around a melody or hook.”

"I've struggled with that all too often and sometimes the only way to deal with it is to write about it." - D.

VMU: It seems like in the underground the Gothic Metal and Electronic Metal is growing very fast. Did you come together musically for that goal or did it just happen?

Leo: “In my opinion, I believe that our goal was to make good music, no matter what the style. We all have distinct musical influences and when combined you get exactly what we wanted, a unique and original sound that ROCKS!”

D.: “For me it just happened. About 8 years ago I was in a band (with Curse Icon's old guitar player...the one I replaced!) and we needed a bass player but couldn't find anyone. We ended up getting a keyboard player to play the bass on keys and then incorporated some industrial-type keys into the songs. So, for me, when I was given the opportunity to join Curse Icon it was as if I was getting back to my roots so to speak.”

Marco: “2 of my favorite bands are NIN and Stabbing Westward. I always liked the idea of incorporating Industrial sounds and electronics in music. I Loved Queensryche back in the day and they were doing that when everyone was speed metal or Glam Rock. I never set out to be Goth, Industrial, Metal or anything, but rather to pull from a myriad of influences, mixing those flavors with a contemporary song-writing sensibility. When we auditioned singers, I had no predetermined idea of what we wanted, but kept a very open mind and ear. When Kiana came in, it was like WHOA! She was amazing, absolutely amazing. Nobody at the time was using a female lead vocalist with that style of music. Closest thing was Sisters of Mercy I think. I recognized that she was a spectacular, and highly talented vocalist and it piqued my interest. But honestly, I wasn’t sure if it would mesh and sound right. So I figured, let’s try it and experiment a bit and see what happens...and it meshed in a BIG WAY! Nobody could put a finger on who we sounded like which I liked a lot. We sounded like everybody and nobody all at the same time. That’s when I knew we wer3e in for a long, fun ride.”

VMU: Do any of you own a home studio? (if so what gear)

D.: "I own a home studio: 2 ADAT LX-20s Mackie 24/8 Bus Board with meter bridge Event PS-8 Monitors Tannoy SBM Monitors Tascam DAT: DA-20mkII Fostex DAT: D5 HHB CDR-850 Tascam 202mkIII Furman PL-8 Power Conditioner 2 Re'An Patch bays Lexicon Processors: MPX500 and Vortex TC Electronics M-One Aelsis 3630 Compressor BBE 362 Sonic Maximizer Joe Meek VC6Q AKG 4050 Condensor Mic Shure Sm58."

VMU: In studio do you preffer live or 1 on 1 recording? And did you guys do any direct recording through the board? (the songs sound very clean) Rob Roy - Very little recording was done direct. All tracks were performed with "Live" instruments and "Live" amplifiers. The only significant thing that ended up being "direct" to tape was the bass guitar.

D.: “We track individually and not live. It allows us to really feel the groove of the song and lock into the feel of what the song needs for that extra punch. The only things that were direct into the board were the bass tracks and the clean guitar tracks. All other tracks were run through a mic. We also added all effects in post production/mixing and did not track the effects to tape. The only effect that was tracked to tape was the guitar run in the verses of ‘Down’.”

Marco: “I like to track separately so I can really nail the parts. I rehearse a ton before tracking and we have played all the songs live a lot, so I know exactly where the dynamic is, and hear in my head. So I know when to pick up the Dynamic and when to lay off. And I can do that more accurately and more dynamically if I track separately. But I have to admit - I do like an audience when I’m tracking.”

VMU: Are you shopping around for a home label?

Marco: “Yes. We are looking for whatever is going to be best for the band artistically, financially and that will allow us to bring our music to as many fans as possible, recording and especially live. Having the backing can really bring you to the next level of your music career, and touring and such. We LOVE to play live and it is our strength. Our live performance is so powerful and that is when the music is complete for me personally. When you have that backing, you can do that on a larger scale.”

VMU: Any bad experiences playing live?

Leo : “I had a very bad one once. We were playing a battle of the bands in West Palm Beach one night. Everything seemed in order except that it was one of the HOTTEST clubs we had EVER played at, and by hot I mean uncomfortably hot. With that said, I was sweating so bad that at the end of our next to last song, sweat began trickling down my face right into my eyes. It go so bad that wiping the sweat off didn't even help. By the last song I was playing blind. My eyes were burning and I could not do anything to remedy the situation without screwing up the song, so I just kept my eyes shut and let my instincts take over.”

D.: “The only bad experience I ever had, personally, playing live was at the Factory. I left my set list in my car and didn't realize until the first song started. It screwed with me the whole set; I felt out of sorts. Like my set list was my blanky and I needed it feel at home or something. It was very weird. And, I almost tripped and fell on my ass at The Culture Room (and wouldn't you know that was caught on tape!).”

Marco: “A sound guy guy shut us off once in the middle of a song after he told us we could play one more. It was a little dive bar in North Miami. He made us look so bad, and so unprofessional. I was so irritated that I charged the board to drag him over it and have a very stern Italian style “conversation” with him. But in my haste, I didn’t realize he was already on stage, setting up for the next band. I totally passed him on my way there.”

VMU: What would you tell the young musicians trying to break into the scene?

Kiana: “Never give up! Be determined and be ready to work your ass off!”

Leo: “It would be nothing more than these two words. Be Hungry. If you don't Hunger for that shot, you have already failed. You need to want to make it enough to put your blood, sweat and tears into this. If you understand this and know what you want, the rest will follow. You can concentrate on your live performances, promote the hell out of yourselves, and be the best band in the world, but if you don't want it bad enough, you will not get it. I know plenty of bands that have what it takes to make it in this industry, but they're not hungry enough to take that extra step. Take an extra three steps and then some. Then round out the rough edges and get out there to show the world who you are.”

D.: “Keep doing what YOU love to do and NOT what you think will get you a record deal. Music is all cyclical. Believe me, at some point what YOU are doing will be the next big thing. Besides, isn't music all about playing what you are inspired to play? Keep at it, it's hard work. Don't ever forget it IS a business but that doesn't mean you can't have fun with it!”

Marco: “If you like to sleep don’t do it.”

VMU: Any news or tours to look out for?

Marco: “ We are currently finishing up tracking, and mixing for our studio release “paradismal”. We’ll have that done very soon. Keep an eye on the news at www.curseicon.com for details. We are also playing all over Florida and trying to expand into other states and spread as far as we can. We have fans all over the country via the internet who are anxiously awaiting the release of the CD. We have many things working and looking into a lot of options professionally right now. We are ready to bring our music and powerful, live performance to every one we can. We are calling this movement the ICONATION, and you can all be a part of it. We are also building a local and National street team called Street Icon. Visit www.curseicon.com/streeticon for more details.”