Backstage Pass - Kickin Valentina - Interview

ATP

What is the title of your CD? How did you come up with the name?

KICKIN VALENTINA

Super Atomic. The name is based on a song that Jimmy wrote the lyrics to called Super Atomic Poster Boy. The song is about those fake, cheesy, spray on tan, hair gel kind of guys that like to hang out in dance clubs. We are the opposite of that type of person as you can be and we thought it would sound cool as a title.

ATP

Is this your first CD and if not, how is this one different from the others?

KICKIN VALENTINA

Technically no, but this is our 1st full length. We have released 2 Eps over the past 2 years. When we signed with Mighty Music they wanted us to release a full length CD. Since we knew we would be exposing the band to a new audience, we decided to just combine the 2 Eps together as a full length.

ATP

Did you write all the songs before going into the studio or did you write them as you were recording?

KICKIN VALENTINA

All of the songs were written before going into the studio. Like always, once you get into the studio you start changing some things around a bit.

ATP

Walk us thru the process of writing your music?

KICKIN VALENTINA

We pretty much do everything as a band. There is no main song writer or anything like that. We’ve all written lyrics/melodies for songs. For the most part, we get into the rehearsal room and throw out a riff or a drum groove, and just start bouncing ideas off each other.

ATP

Where did you record and why?

KICKIN VALENTINA

4 of the songs were recorded at Lucky Dog Studios. The other 6 songs were done at Muse Productions. When we decided to release the full length, we had the 4 songs from the 1st EP remixed/remastered at Muse Productions so the sound quality would match up a bit better.

ATP

HHow did you pay for your recording?

KICKIN VALENTINA

We actually make enough money from shows and merch sales that were able to pay for the studio time. We run this band like a business and are very careful on what we spend money on and save it for things we need….like studio time or getting more merch printed etc.

ATP

Did you have a producer or did you self-produce? If so, what kind of input did the producer have. If your self-produced, why?

KICKIN VALENTINA

We had a guy named Andy Reilly produce it. Andy has worked with a lot of great bands over the years and we knew what he could do and that he understood the sound we wanted. He helped us out tweaking some of the song arrangements and melodies etc.

ATP

Did you try to capture your "live sound" or did you go for something else?

KICKIN VALENTINA

We tried to capture as much of a live sound as we could. We are a live band and wanted to capture as much of that as we could in the studio.

ATP

Did your record label have any input into the music you recorded?

KICKIN VALENTINA

When we signed our deal, everything had already been written and the label liked what they heard. We’ve had the freedom to do what we want.

ATP

Are you pleased with the final product?

KICKIN VALENTINA

Yes. As a musician, you are always your own worst critic and you always want to change things when you listen back. At some point you just have to leave the song alone. Once you start fucking with it too much you lose the spontaneity of it. Sometimes the imperfections are what make things cool.

ATP

Where will we be able to pick up a copy?

KICKIN VALENTINA

We have distribution in the US through Traffic Entertainment and it should be in most of the mom and pop record stores. You can also get it on iTunes, Amazon and all of the major download sites. You can also get a copy directly through our site at www.kickinvalentina.com

ATP

Will you be touring to promote your CD?

KICKIN VALENTINA

Absolutely. We are starting to book shows for next year.

ATP

Would rather be recording or playing live shows?

KICKIN VALENTINA

Playing live is what it’s all about.

ATP

Anything you would like to say to your fans?

KICKIN VALENTINA

We have some of the most loyal and dedicated fans and we love them. We cannot thank them enough for everything they do for us. Only thing I can really say is keep spreading the word on the band.