INTERVIEW – Alicia (Kill Miss Pretty)

Published on September 13, 2010 by Christian Sellers · 2 Comments

Kill Miss Pretty are a fusion of heavy guitar riffs and industrial synthesisers that was formed by singer Alicia and musician Russ. With the recent recruitment of guitarist Scott Putesky (formerly Daisy Berkowitz of Marilyn Manson), the band has enjoyed acclaim for their memorable hooks and theatrical stage shows.

Putesky’s influence can be felt in the band’s recent work, with the upcoming appearance in Miami at Let Your Ego Die: A Tribute to the Spooky Kids (Marilyn Manson were formerly known as Marilyn Manson and the Spooky Kids), and the track She’s Not My Girlfriend, which was one of the Spooky Kids‘ early songs.

Having earned Best Female Vocalist for her work, Alicia talks about Kill Miss Pretty.

As you were growing up what kind of music were you a fan of and which artists in particularly fuelled your desire to make music for yourself?

“I like all kinds of music and have always enjoyed variety, I thought starting a band would lead to having lots of fun, free booze and friendly women.”

How did you come to decide what style you wanted to play and were your early recordings far different to those that you later released?

“I haven’t chosen a style yet.”

Do you feel that women are taken as seriously in the metal industry as their male counterparts and is there too much focus on women’s looks and sex appeal from the press?

“I don’t think we (as a culture) will ever get away from the “sex appeal” thing, so that’s basically a non-issue for me. We are animals after all. As for women in metal being taken seriously, I’m probably not the one to ask. All I want to do is have fun and NOT be so serious.”

How have you used the internet to promote your work and do you feel that, whilst the likes of YouTube and Facebook have allowed artists to publicise themselves, online piracy has had a significant negative effect on the industry?

“Our music is available for free online, so no one has to mess up there karma stealing it.”

Due to downloading and shifts in the industry over recent years it is far more difficult now for a group to make a real living out of performing without hit singles. How has Kill Miss Pretty survived and have you found it a constant struggle?

“If you are doing music for the wrong reasons, then you will be disappointed without a doubt. We look at this band as our outlet, and if it provides us a living then that’s a bonus.”

Which artists are you most frequently compared to in the press and which musicians in particular would you rather be associated with?

“We’ve been compared to Peaches, Mindless Self Indulgence, Blondie and Hole. We love Peaches, Fugazi, Does it Offend You Yeah, Lords of Acid, Metric.”

How did former Marilyn Manson guitarist Scott Putesky become involved with the group and how has he changed the sound and attitude of the band?

“Martin our bassist was in a band with Scott – plus we’ve all kinda been hanging out in FL forever. Scott was in our video Haunted Houses, then collaborated with us on our song Judy Garland. We just finally decided to all play together officially and make as much interesting music as possible. Scott’s a free spirit much like all of us so he blends right in and really adds another layer of depth to the group.”

How do you feel you have developed and grown, both as an individual and as a group, throughout the course of Kill Miss Pretty and what are your main ambitions for the future?

“I think we’re actually maturing in reverse. The more time goes on, the more ridiculous we tend to be. As for the future though, we wouldn’t turn down the right opportunity, but as long as we’re having fun that’s all that matters.”