Exposed Vocals Interviews NYC’s own “HER”
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
HER: I grew up in NYC, downtown in Tribeca to be exact, back when Tribeca was just a grimy neighborhood off the west side highway. I don’t think I ever really decided to become an artist, I just never enjoyed doing anything else. My dad’s an artist/musician stemming back from the glam rock era of NYC, and I always loved the showmanship behind that. I picked up the guitar when I was 10 and just started writing. By 13 I booked my first show at CBGB’s, and fell in love with all music had to offer.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
HER: HER!!..I feel I stand for a lot of rebellious women out there. I write songs and tell stories about topics some may think are too shocking or stay away from. I like to speak out and spread the word that some may not be able to. So HER, stands for exactly that.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
HER: Online music sharing is the future. I’m not too worried about it, because we as artist need to be constantly creating and being creative. To me, it’s the dinosaurs at the major record labels that are worried about it because they can’t control it. Any creative artist is creative enough to figure out how to spread your craft around while still being able to eat. I enjoy giving my music out for free, giving free tickets to shows..When you have real fans for your music, they become fans for life!
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
HER: I’ve tattooed my dads words of advice to me, before I take the stage..and that is “Give Them Something To Remember”. I make sure of that everyday, and believe it’s important.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
HER: At one show I played in Nashville at a venue called The Basement, I broke my knee on stage. Right in the middle of a song, it snapped! I fell down on my guitars players pedals and just looked at the rest of my band is pain..but, I got myself up and finished the rest of the set out. I don’t really think that was a mistake, ha..But it others words, Keep on going! The show must go on!
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
HER: Oh man, every tour has crazy interesting, wild stories. At one show, at the end, and after 5 shots of whiskey a kid came over to me and ask me to tattoo his arm with my band logo. I thought he was kidding, but he turned around with a tat gun,ink, gloves..the whole deal. I told him I never have done that before, but he didn’t care. So there I was, 3am after a show and full of whiskey, giving a tattoo to a fan AND his girlfriend! Another crazy story happened when we toured in Germany last year, and walked into a electronic store on our day off, just to find out the owner lead us into a private secret room full of east German soldiers suits and memorabilia to take home. That was wild.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
HER: A lot of the times I write songs when I’m doing other things. Usually driving, or walking my dog, I’ll come up with a lyric idea or melody and grab my phone to record it. I live in a house with a recording studio in it. So usually myself and my guitar player/producer Caleb “KBC” Sherman get together and I’ll play him an idea from my phone and we will start cranking. Many times my original idea gets thrown away, but it sparks the process.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
HER: www.TheInfamousHER.com, facebook.com/OfficialHER, youtube.com/TheOfficialHER, Instagram @TheInfamousHER, www.TheInfamousHER.bandcamp.com , iTunes etc…Where do I stop???
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
HER: The soundtrack to “Born Free”, “Grease 2” and “Roxette”!
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
HER: Rescuing animals.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
HER: Everyday is an upgrade, cause everyday I’m in the studio I’m playing with new sounds, new genres, new pedals, new vocal techniques, learning new instruments. Right now, I’m trying to learn the didgeridoo.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
HER: Playing live. That’s when I feel an audience can become fans. They can really see and hear the truth in me as an artist. There is no “fixing”, or 2nd takes when you’re onstage. It’s real passion, and a live performance.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
HER: This question gets asked a lot, and my answers change a lot. But, today, and what I’m feeling right now, I would say David Bowie. A true artist, creator, stage performer, stylist. The ONLY place that would be right for us to perform together would be on the moon. Come on, who wouldn’t want to perform with Bowie on the moon?!
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
HER: I just released a music video for my single “Crush” off my new record titled “Revolution”. It might be a shock and awe music video, since I have nuns making out, I guess I’m prepared to deal with the backlash from it, but hope there isn’t much. We are also preparing our 5th tour in Europe in May and June.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
HER: Without a doubt rescuing animals. Animals and reptiles are my life, and if it’s in need, I will be there to save it.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
HER:I can’t remember which album I purchased first, but I remember playing and listening to my parents album collection of The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Buffy Saint Marie, The Turtles, David Bowie, and Blondie, and I feel in love with each and everyone of those artist for all different reasons.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
HER:It’s hard. I keep going, and never stop. Sure there are ups and downs, celebrations and tears all in one day. But music is my life and will always be a part of my life. Right now, I’m having a hard time finding someone who can watch my “rescued kitchen mouse” while I’m on tour for 2 months.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
HER: Enjoy the ride! I never know what to expect, so I can’t tell anyone else what to expect.
I guess I’m saying…Expect the unexpected! Cheers!
