This is what you get, when four metal ladies from Cape Town in South Africa team up together. JUNKYARD LIPSTICK is the only band that we know from this area. Not really a country, where you would expect the guitars to cry it out loud. Well, you’d better think twice, because these ladies sure know how to rock. All the more reason to check this band out and ask them about their influences and such. What made them to become the first all-female rock band on the planet from South Africa? It’s autopsy time. We took our scalpel to analyze the whereabouts of these four ladies. Tazz-O (guitar/vocals), Lucinda Villain (drums/backing vocals), Jacky Roodt (bass) and Louise 'Gore' Gorman (guitar) kindly took the time to put on their lipstick and guide us through their own private junkyard, where South Africa rocks like it has never done before. Here’s what we found out about these well-talented female rockerz.

Before I start this interview I’d like to thank you ever so much for giving us the opportunity to ask you some questions. When did the band get together and how did you actually meet up with one another?
Jacky: “I used to play bass in a band with Tanya, when I was around sixteen years old. A really long ass time later after a few bands I had been in, I got an inbox message from Tanya on Facebook asking if I wanted to try out for JUNKYARD LIPSTICK. I'd gigged with them once when I was still in a previous band and really didn’t like the way they sounded, but I thought “what did I have to lose?” Well, I jammed with them once and I really enjoyed it. Nothing is more important than that, so I joined.”
Louise: “JUNKYARD LIPSTICK had a few different members, before Jacky and I joined, so Lucy and Tanya will tell you how it originally started. I saw JUNKYARD LIPSTICK’s very first live performance where they announced that they were looking for a second guitarist. I auditioned, but I didn’t get the part. Tanya and Lucy contacted me about a year later after the other members had left and asked if I was still keen to join.”
Tazz: “Thank you for interviewing us; it’s always a privilege to be able to do this. Ok, so JUNKYARD LIPSTICK began in 2011. Lucinda found me on Facebook and she asked, if I would be interested in auditioning as a guitarist as their previous guitarist left due to time constraints. I auditioned and I started out playing guitar for the band. We were also looking for a second guitarist and we met Louise, who auditioned, but she didn’t join. In retrospect I think it was a good thing, because I can’t imagine her playing punk, which is what we were playing at the time. We had a line-up change in 2012 and we asked Louise, if she was still keen to join. Thankfully, she was. She took over on lead guitar, I took over on vocals and Jacky joined on bass. I met Jacky back in 2010. We played together in a progressive rock project. The band she was in had disbanded, so I called her up and asked if she’d be interested in auditioning for JUNKYARD LIPSTICK and then she joined the band.”
Luci: “We have a lot of friends that are in bands and while they were practicing one afternoon, some of the girls were watching THE RUNAWAYS. It was one of those inspired “why the hell not moments”. I could play some basic drums and amongst the friends there were Wendy (ex-vocals), an aspiring actress, and Chelsea (ex-guitarist), who could also play some basic guitar. I stalked Tanya on Facebook and asked if she would like to join. Our then bassist Lily, bought a bass and learned how to play when we asked her, if she could on a random night out with mutual friends. The plan was to create a band to keep us busy while the guys were jamming and to play some good old simple punk. At the time I think that’s the best we all could do. Later, when the line-up changed, it was easy to get Louise, as she auditioned for us before. At her first audition she was absolutely mind-blowing! The only reason she didn’t join after her first audition I think was, that the rest of us felt quite intimidated by her skills! Jacky and Tanya already knew each other and with the line-up change, it was the perfect opportunity to get her young, talented ass into our band.”

Did any of the band members play in other bands before they joined JUNKYARD LIPSTICK and if yes, did they record anything with that particular band or project?
Luci: “At varsity, I had a brief stint in a cover band as a vocalist and played a few gigs, but that did not last long. I just knew then that I belong behind the scenes, behind a drum kit.” Jacky: “I recorded with CY.STR, but it wasn’t even released anywhere. It was a project for a sound engineering student. I can’t remember doing anything else, but I might have.”
Louise: “I played a bit of keyboards for a black metal band, called CHILD, but I never performed live with them.”
Tazz: “I recorded bass back in 2005 for MITSOO on the album “The Misfortune Of The Unicycle Bear”. I’ve also done some solo stuff and a few background appearances in some songs, namely “Birds Eye View” by electronica artist MATEK. I did vocals for STRIDENT, when they first started out. Then I joined a folk band, named MYDDLE EARTH and I sang for them and played bass guitar. I was also in a blues/fifties project, called THE GOODY TWO SHOES, which I did with a very talented vocalist/pianist named Laura Stevens.”

Who came up with the name JUNKYARD LIPSTICK and why did it become your definite choice?
Luci: “When we started the band, we wanted a name that represented a feminine yet dirty and rough image. While listening to JULIETTE AND THE LICKS, I really admired her devil may care attitude and she’s always wearing bright make up and wild outfits. My eye caught her lipstick, while listening to a track on her solo album, called “Junkyard Heart” and the light bulb moment happened. We settled on JUNKYARD LIPSTICK, as the alternatives were not fitting and we had gone a few months without an appropriate name.”
Jacky: “I was once approached by a white rabbit, who kept complaining he was going to be late. I followed him to this junkyard, which materialized from a carrot he was carrying. It was all very strange and I seem to remember having a strange itch just behind my ear. It was in that very junkyard that I saw the nicest shade of lipstick.”

You released a two track demo in 2011. Did you sell many copies and did these two songs get on the debut album? (I see “Hollywood Hustler” and “Manic Moronic” as titles, but I couldn’t find them back on the debut album. “Hollywood Hustler” might have been changed into “Hustler” though.)
Louise: “JUNKYARD LIPSTICK had an entire EP, which never was released, when I joined. I think the older members ended up leaving just before they were about to release the “Girls on the Rampage” EP. When Jacky and I joined, we learnt all the songs off this EP. The songs were very basic and for the most part, sounded like pop-punk. Songs which we kept from “Girls on the Rampage” which ended up on our actual debut album “Hellbent” were: “Rosie”, “Reality TV” and “(Hollywood)Hustler”. All were changed up a little bit from the way it originally sounded.”
Luci: “We released the demo tracks online for streaming only to gauge how people would react, so we didn’t sell any physical CD’s. The old set with the old line-up didn’t fit the sound and direction we were going for with “Hellbent”, so only three tracks made it on the album, namely “Reality TV”, “Rosie” and “Hustler” for nostalgic purposes.

I also read about a line-up change in 2012. Maybe you can update us here a bit, like who went out and why?
Tazz: “We had a line-up change in 2012 due to creative differences and musical commitments. Wendy, our vocalist at the time, decided to leave for personal reasons and also because she wanted to do other things musically, which she has done with her band KRUNK. Lily, our bassist and Chelsy, our rhythm guitarist wanted to play music, but didn’t really want to make a career out of it, so they decided to leave. Lucinda and I still wanted to keep going, so we decided to find new musicians to work with and see where it would take us. I’m really glad we did, because we have something really special going.”
Luci: “Only Tanya and I are left over from the original line-up. Wendy, our original vocalist left, followed by Chelsea and Lily. It was a combination of clashing personalities, creative differences, goals and what each of us wanted from the band. Also being a self-managed band, not all members could handle or wanted the responsibility of trying to make something of it. Contrary to popular belief and rumors, we did not kick anybody out of the band and from the current members, there is no resentment towards any of the ex-members whatsoever. The line-up change provided us with a big opportunity to change our sound, our image and what we stand for. We now push each other on a technical level and to improve each individual’s skills constantly. It ultimately allowed me to play the genre I have always dreamed of playing and that is metal.”

Do you also get any negative feedback and how do you deal with that in general? Do you try to forget about it as soon as possible or do you try to learn from it?
Louise: “Personally, I LOVE criticism. I think on a personal level, we all deal with it differently. I am never hurt by it and encourage any feedback.”
Luci: “To me, it all depends if someone gives me negative feedback that is warranted and deserved and which is constructive, I don’t mind it at all. I listen and learn from it and work even harder. Constructive criticism makes you to self-introspection and challenges you and I love that. However, we have experienced some harsh unconstructive comments, but we see those people as trolls that don’t really have anything else to do but sit on the internet and cause trouble. In those cases, we don’t react to it all, we rather sit back and let our fans defend us.”
Jacky: “We have gotten negative feedback, but it doesn't really matter. There’s a lot of music that I don’t like, so we can’t expect everyone to like us.”
Tazz:“Of course we do! Every musician/band does at some point. I think, if it’s constructive, I will always take notice, because it’s good to know where you can improve or change things and I’m all for constructive criticism. However, I don’t give it a second thought, if it’s destructive criticism and there have been times where this has been the case.”

How would you describe your music yourself?
Jacky: “Lekka lekka fried chicken spicy spicy fast food buzz chimichanga.” Louise: “That’s actually such a tough question, because I don’t think our sound has reached where it’s supposed to be yet. I started out in this band thinking I had to restrict myself to three chords, because I thought Lucinda and Tanya wanted to do the simple punky stuff. After getting comfortable with them and my playing (I haven’t been playing for very long), they encouraged the more interesting takes on writing. So listening to our current set list is almost like hearing an evolution of JUNKYARD LIPSTICK. It has been getting thrashier and heavier. At the moment, the music is fast paced with glam vocals with the odd demonic growl.”
Luci: “Without having a long genre description, we’re thrash metal. But it’s difficult to box us, because each of us has such different influences and it makes for a unique blend of metal.”
Tazz: “Our music is thrashy and fast with melodic vocals. I can’t compare it to anything.”

Can you name the main musical influences of JUNKYARD LIPSTICK and maybe you can name the influences of each band member specific here as well?
Tazz: “I’d rather let each member name their own influences, so you can get an accurate idea of them. Vocal wise, I have quite an eclectic mix of influences. Freddy Mercury is my number one in terms of vocals and I’m also influenced by Maria Callas and Montserrat Caballe. I wanted to be an opera singer, so this is where it comes from. In terms of metal/rock, I love GUNS N ROSES, ALANIS MORISSETTE, TWISTED SISTER, ALICE COOPER, VAN HALEN and DEF LEPPARD. I only got into the heavier stuff in my late teens/early twenties and these were bands like CHILDREN OF BODOM, PANTERA, MEGADETH, ALICE IN CHAINS (I love the vocal harmonies that they did) and ARCH ENEMY. I think, that when I sing, it’s very much a mixture of all of these influences. I don’t try to make it sound that way. It’s really just what comes to me naturally.”
Jacky: "My favorite band is TOOL, so they're a big influence for me. I also enjoy KATATONIA, THE DOORS, A PERFECT CIRCLE and I like local music as well like ING and SINDULGENCE.”
Louise: “Personally, the music I listen to is out of my playing capabilities. I cannot play anything remotely like technical death metal. I only started taking guitar a bit more seriously once I joined JUNKYARD LIPSTICK, so I don’t have so much experience. Here and there in our tunes you’ll find me trying to do a bit of tremolo picking type thing, but I’ve got a long way to go, before I’d be able to play the way I’d like to.”
Luci: “From a drumming perspective, I’m influenced by bands such as SLAYER, EXODUS, ANTHRAX, METALLICA, SEPULTURA, SOULFLY, DEATH ANGELl and THE EXPLOITED."

Who did the artwork for the “Hellbent” release?
Louise: “A girl, called Sue Niewoudt took the photograph in Tanya’s living room and I edited the picture. My Photoshop skills are extremely poor, but it was the best we could do with our anorexic bank balance.”
Luci: “A great fan of ours, Sue Niewoudt from Disorganized Chaos Photography, took the pictures for the artwork. She came to see us, while she was on holidays all the way from Namibia and we decided to get her involved. To me, it’s great to involve our fans in the creative process and to collaborate with them. It’s awesome to share your creative vision and ideas with likeminded people and Sue was a pleasure to work with. Louise did the post editing.”
Tazz: “Susan Niewoudt, otherwise known as SueDidYouKnow! She’s a photographer from Namibia. We took the pic in my living room and we threw together some strange items, including some broken bottles, a sleep mask, some fake blood and a broken TV, which I found in my garage (I don’t know what it was doing there either). Louise played around with the image in Photoshop and voila: we had an album cover!”

Did JUNKYARD LIPSTICK play many live shows and with which bands did you share the stage already?
Luci: “We started playing our local club circuit in September 2011. We’ve played along many local bands and the list can go on for quite a while. I think, it’s only appropriate to mention a few such as ING (my husband’s band and our producer), THE WARINSANE, THEATRE RUNS RED, BOARGAZM, BLEEDING SPAWN, SINDULGENCE, THE SUMMER UNDERGROUND, SABRETOOTH, STRIDENT, AGRO, INFANTARIA, ZOMBIES ATE MY GIRLFRIEND, MOMENT OF CLARITY and WARGRAVE. We’ve also played a few festivals, which included not only metal bands but more well-known local bands such as FOKOFPOLISIEKAR, HOG HOGGIDY HOG and HALF PRICE.”
Tazz: “Oh yes, way too many to mention! We shared the stage with: SUMMER UNDERGROUND, SABRETOOTH, WARINSANE, KUDUCHILD, BEELDENSTORM, BULLETSCRIPT, CONDUIT and STRIDENT. And these are only a few of which I can remember, there are so many others and if I forgot anyone, don’t take it personally.”

Do you also play any covers and if yes, which ones do you crank out then? I read about METALLICA’s “For Whom The Bell Tolls”, but I am sure that there are many more like that, you could play live occasionally.
Jacky: "Actually, we haven’t covered anything else. I think, it’s tough for us to agree on a band and a song that all of us like.”
Tazz: We did “For Whom The Bell Tolls” as a cover a while back, but we try to stay away from doing too many covers, as it can ´kill you´ as a band. Personally, I’d rather write an original song over performing a cover. If I had to pick one song though, it would be “Hot For Teacher” by VAN HALEN”
Luci: "With our old line-up, we used to cover “Cherry Bomb” of THE RUNAWAYS, but that became too predictable. When we moved onto a heavier sound, it did not fit in our set anymore. Back then we also did “So What” by METALLICA. The only cover we’ve had so far in our current set is METALLICA’s “For Whom The Bell Tolls” and unfortunately, we haven’t worked on another yet due to the fact that we are writing new material constantly. We are having discussions about adding a cover to our set again soon, but each one in the band have a different one in mind and to find that exact song that will be perfect can be quite a challenge. Personally, I would love to cover ANTHRAX’ “Caught In A Mosh” or SACRED REICH’s “Who’s To Blame”.”

Any interesting stories you want to share with our readers about the live shows of JUNKYARD LIPSTICK?
Jacky: “In Johannesburg some guy asked Louise to go to France with him and kept insisting for her phone number. She called me to help I think (and I’m pretty sure!) I was completely useless. I've never sneezed on stage. That’s quite something.”
Tazz: “We always put on a show and we play our hearts out and kick ass, because that’s the whole point of playing a show. I don’t really plan what to wear or say, I just get up there and let the energy take over. I think, that’s the best way to do it, because sometimes as a performer, we have a tendency to spend so much time over thinking every single aspect of the show and then when you over think what you’re going to do or say, that’s when the whole performance falls flat or doesn’t work. The best thing is to just go with whatever is happening.”
Luci: “I get really nervous before our live shows. It’s so silly, but I guess it is because I am a perfectionist and a stress ball like my dad loves to call me. After a few songs though, I settle and you will always see me trying to headbang while playing. Tanya’s always full of energy and I love it, when she picks on the crowd or when she gets really angry. We’re thinking of lighting some fires under Jacky and Louise to get them to move more though! (Only joking, though some pyrotechnics in our set will be awesome one day)”

Did you ever have any experiences with male groupies? Guys, who want more than just an autograph or a guitar pick?
Louise: “No, not really. Sometimes people are drunk and want to talk for ages about nonsensical opinions on what they think I’d be interested in hearing. But I haven’t been hit on. Everyone loves Jacky!” Luci: “My husband’s my biggest groupie! (lol). Luckily, I have not.”
Jacky: “I don't think we have any groupies. I saw a guy wearing a JUNKYARD LIPSTICK t-shirt once. That was pretty cool!”
Tazz: “No, we’re all in committed relationships, so none of that’s ever going to happen. Sorry!”

Are there many bands from abroad (Europe, USA, etc.etc.) coming over to play in South Africa and do you attend many concerts and gigs yourself?
Luci: “In the last few years, there’s been quite a few. A lot more than say ten years ago. Bands that I have seen while here include METALLICA, BILLY TALENT (twice already ), THE EXPOLITED, BETRAYAL. BRING ME THE HORIZON and RISE AGAINST was here last year with Ramfest. Next year LAMB OF GOD, TRIVIUM, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and ASKING ALEXANDRIA will be touring here and I am hoping that some of my favourite thrash bands also follow suit. We attend quite a few local gigs - at least two a month, as I still believe in supporting my metal brothers and sisters. Plus I am a huge fan of live music, so you will find me attending punk and rock shows, too.”
Louise: “It’s getting a lot better. In the past, I’ve had to return my NILE and DEVILDRIVER tickets, due to show cancellations. But in 2014 we will be seeing TRIVIUM, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and LAMB OF GOD. We attend local gigs all the time as well.”
Jacky: “I saw DEFTONES, METALLICA and BILLY TALENT here, which was amazing. I wish more bands would come here and that it wouldn’t be so expensive. I do go to local gigs sometimes. Local bands have to support each other, because the scene here isn’t exactly thriving.”
Tazz: “Yes, we’ve had quite a few bands come over this year such as LAMB OF GOD, METALLICA and the KINGS OF CHAOS! I went to watch the KINGS OF CHAOS this year and it was phenomenal! I hope, that more rock/metal artists come down, because there are still so many more that I’d like to see perform live. KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and TRIVIUM are also going to be at RAMFEST 2014, which is a national festival that happens every year, so I’m looking forward to checking them out.”

What’s the metal scene like in South Africa? Are there many clubs where you can play live or is your type of music being considered ‘music for outlaws’ and therefore difficult to play live anywhere? Which bands are really huge over there?
Jacky: “There’s probably like six venues, where we play here in Cape Town. I think, a majority of the people here prefer really boring soft rock or trance or dub step to the metal scene. And those metal fans here, who seem to come crawling out of the cracks when an international band plays, annoy me. If we saw that kind of support for the local bands, I'd certainly be happier. It depends on what you mean by really huge. Local gigs are never really that packed.”
Luci: “The metal scene has a lot of bands and unfortunately, I feel that it has become quite elitist. The spirit of metal to me has always meant supporting each other and sharing in each other’s pain & anger. Now bands don’t watch or stay at a gig to watch other bands on the bill and it has become a competition of who has the best gear or who can play the best. Also if you don’t fit into some elaborate genre description or sound exactly like a popular international band, your music’s disregarded. Besides all the negativity though, the scene is growing and I am sure people will snap out of their elitism and start living the metal values. It is after all the rebel’s music and we should unite in that fact. I’m not saying you have to like every single band you watch, but give people a chance, stop being a judgmental douche, especially online and just enjoy the music. If not, that’s ok, too. So chill & go have a beer at the bar! Bands that are popular here are mostly metal core and tech-death bands. From a commercial and mainstream perspective, metal is still seen as ‘satanic’ music by our extremely conservative and religious Afrikaner community. The moment you dress a little different, wear all black and listen to music that’s heavier than generic pop, you’re weird and a Satanist. I find it quite humorous as those same people that judge the outcasts are the hypocrites with many skeletons in their own closets. In terms of our demographics, the majority is African and metal is deemed too western for them. However, in the past few years, bands have formed in Soweto and in our neighboring countries Botswana, Mozambique and Angola. The Dark Continent is turning to dark music more and more due to the political and social frustration which can only be a good thing.”
Louise: “The metal scene is extremely emotional. There’s always someone crying about some boring scene related thing. I don’t know if this is a result of that EMO fashion thing that plagued us or if it’s just because we’re so out of touch with true metal spirit (camaraderie). There are a few places that accommodate metal. Not many. We’ve had gigs where we’ve been slotted between some smooth jazz. Awkward. Local bands, that I think are awesome, include INFANTERIA, THEATRE RUNS RED, BLEEDING SPAWN, ING, THE WARINSANE and BOARGAZM.”
Tazz: “Our metal scene is extremely small and sadly, there are only a handful of venues, which you can play at. As Louise said, sometimes we get lumped in with a jazz or an electronica act and that doesn’t always go down very well. South Africa is still very conservative, so if you listen to music that’s heavy or you happen to be a little different to the mainstream, then people treat you like an outsider or behave as though there’s something wrong with you. It isn’t any different in the metal scene, there’s this trend that’s happening as of late which involves excluding certain bands from certain events for absolutely no reason at all. I really don’t understand it. As our scene is so tiny, we should be working together to make something of it and not trying to freeze people out. I also find it quite amusing that in order for one to fit in, you have to sound like a band that already exists. It totally defeats the point of being original. I think, we really have a lot to learn and a long way to go, but if we can put our differences aside and work together, then we can really create something amazing. In spite of this, we still continue to play and do our own thing and we won’t stop. THE END!”

Where do you have your rehearsal space and how did you find it?
Tazz: “We play at a storage unit in Edgemead. We needed some rehearsal space and we know two other bands, WARINSANE and SUIDERBEES, who had been using the space so we gave it a try.”
Luci: “We rehearse a storage space close Louise’s and my house. It’s the best we can do for now and all we can afford. Many bands practice in those units, so it’s not too bad but the sound can be a problem at times.”

Did you already play outside of South Africa and if yes, where and when was that?
Luci: “Unfortunately not yet, but we have played in Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria. There have been some negotiations about playing in Angola and Mozambique, but we are still waiting to hear more details about it.”
Tazz: “We haven’t played outside of South Africa yet, but I look most forward to when that time comes along.”

Are there any future plans to play outside of South Africa or outside of Africa in general?
Jacky: “We are planning to win the lottery and go tour overseas. Or whoever becomes single first has to marry rich.” Tazz: “Absolutely! It’s just a matter of getting finances in order and careful planning. I would love to play all over the world, it would be wonderful!”
Luci: “I think once we all have had a chance to save up or if the band can get a sponsor to help out with the travel costs, we won’t think twice if the opportunity arose. I would love for us to play one of the European metal festivals, such as Graspop (Belgium), Hellfest (France) or Wacken Open Air (Germany). We are entering our local Battle for Wacken 2014 next year, so hold thumbs we’ll make it to the preliminaries.”

Who writes the lyrics for JUNKYARD LIPSTICK and what are they about?
Jacky: “Oooh, not me. I just play bass.”
Luci: “I write the bulk of the lyrics and Tanya chops and change as needed. Most of lyrics are inspired by life around us, science, politics, social frustrations, gore & humor and general emotions, that I feel. “Bioterror” for example is more on the humorous & gore side, because it’s about the world being ‘zombified’ by a virus, that was created by a team of scientists and terrorists. One of our new songs “House Of The Holy” is a very personal song, which I wrote about my frustration with religious people being hypocrites and judgmental pricks.”

What do we hear in the beginning of “War”?
Tazz: “That’s an old ‘struggle’ song. People still whip it out today during protests, etc.”
Luci: “It’s an old struggle song about how the AK47 roars and protesters are mimicking a machine gun sound. “War” itself is quite an interesting song, because we used an old struggle song as an intro to symbolize the apartheid government and how it disgraced our country by its extreme racism. Whereas the song itself is about our current situation, where more than half of the population is fighting a different struggle and where our government uses them as pawns and keeping people misinformed to hide their extreme corruption. In essence, we are saying fuck the old pre-1994 government, and fuck the current corrupt government.”

What’s your favorite song on the “Hellbent” album and why?
Jacky: “Oof. I don't like listening to that album. It’s like when you complete a painting and you look back on it in a few years and you just think “wow I completely sucked!” Although Daisy has a cool bass line.” Louise: “I think my favourite is actually “Hellbent”. I enjoy playing that lead and it might be really simple, but it’s catchy.”
Tazz: " “Hellbent” is a fun and very catchy song. I wrote the lyrics a while back and in one day in the practice room. Louise just started playing this really cool tune and I sang what I had written over it and it kind of just came together. I love Louise’s lead, that she plays and when we perform it live, I go mental!”
Luci: “Autopsy Time”, because it’s the most fun to play. “Barbie” always gives me goosebumps, though because of the sadness and anger we portrayed so well in that song.”

I’ve heard a brand new track from your upcoming 6 song EP “The Butcher’s Delight”, which is called “Bioterror”. Wow, it sounds really AWESOME indeed!! Will all the new songs sound like that and what else can we expect from this new EP, released in 2014?
Tazz: “Thanks! Our new material is a lot heavier, faster and darker than our previous album, so you can definitely expect some changes. I think, we’ve definitely evolved from our “Hellbent” days. We cover some very controversial topics such as eating disorders, cannibalism and using religion to scare people. It’s quite an interesting mix and I’m excited to see the public’s response.”
Louise: ”Every song on that EP has a little something different to offer, but yes, we have definitely upped our game with this EP.”
Luci: “That is definitely the direction our music is growing into: angrier, heavier and faster. We are growing together as musicians and with each song we try to push each other’s boundaries. I personally think the new material is technically better and the songs are written with more structure.”
Jacky: “They’re all just better and everything we did before sucked. And no, dummy. All the songs won’t sound the same. What are we, AC/DC??”

What other future plans do you have besides this new EP? Are there any (huge) concerts planned for JUNKYARD LIPSTICK in 2014? You told me about Ramfest 2014 – one of S.A.’s biggest music fests. Can you tell us a bit more about that?
Jacky: “I've never even been to Ramfest. I think, it’s for rich people.”
Tazz: “For me, it would just be to play more shows and to perhaps do a music video at some point. It would be fantastic if we could do a tour or play a cool festival. I guess, we’ll see what 2014 has to offer and take it from there. Ramfest is very big here. It happens over a weekend and all different bands from all over the country and a few international acts perform at this festival. It’s basically just a show case of all the different bands that South Africa has to offer.”
Luci: “We would like to launch the EP early in 2014 and then of course Ramfest is a big occasion, as we are on a line-up with TRIVIUM and KILLSWITCH ENGAGE. I would love for the Angola and Mozambique plans to pull through and perhaps have a tour to Johannesburg and Durban again. It’s all dependent on money though unfortunately.”

Which famous band would you like to support on a big tour and why? You can choose any name you like - the sky is the limit here – don’t be shy (lol)
Luci: “SLAYER of course! I was very fortunate to see them live in 2012 with Dave Lombardo (probably the most influential drummer to my drumming) and sharing a stage will be an honor and a dream come true. SLAYER is what I will play to any aliens ever coming to our earth asking “what is heavy metal music?”
Tazz: “Most of the artists I would have liked to perform with are all dead, such as JIMI HENDRIX, Freddy Mercury (QUEEN) and MARIA CALLAS, so if I could bring them back to life, then it would be those three. Otherwise I’d love to sing with Bruce Dickinson (IRON MAIDEN), David Coverdale (WHITESNAKE) or even Steve Tyler (AEROSMITH). That would be cool!”
Jacky: “BUTCHER BABIES! So people, don’t think woman are just tits.”

We are a Dutch online ‘zine, which is totally focused on female musicians in the hard rock and heavy metal scene. Do you still think that women need this special attention or do you feel that women already get all the respect that they deserve so much?
Jacky: “I don't think we need it, but who doesn't like special attention? It feels so cool, that there’s a zine just for us ladies.”
Tazz: “I think, it seems to be getting better these days. It isn’t really that much of an issue anymore, not to me anyway. I wouldn’t say that woman need any kind of special attention, I personally just want to be judged on my skills and not because of anything else.”
Luci: “I think, it’s a catch 22. As a female musician, I want to be seen as only a drummer and not be defined by my sex. However, from a marketing perspective, it creates interest. In Europe and the rest of the world, I think people are more accepting and respecting to female musicians, because they are exposed to the idea more often, whereas in Africa, it’s a bit of a stretch. Websites and ‘zines like yourself make it easier for listeners to discover female bands, when they specifically search for it.”

Like I already mentioned, we are based in Holland (or The Netherlands). What else do you know from our country, besides the fact that we have very colorful tulips and beautiful windmills?
Jacky: “(lol) You guys lost to Spain in the last soccer world cup. Haha... Congrats for making it to the finals though. Who am I to talk? Our football team is horrible. Oh, it’s cold there and other stuff. Science.” Louise: “Haha - I don’t know too much. Hey, wasn’t VAN HALEN from the Netherlands??!?”
Tazz: “The capital is Amsterdam and cannabis is legal! Haha! Lucinda has been to Holland, so I’m going to leave this one to her.”
Luci: “My husband and I visited Amsterdam in 2012 and we thoroughly enjoyed it! The Sex Museum was awesome and the medieval chastity belts were definitely noteworthy. We partied it up at a great metal pub called Café Excalibur in the Red Light District. I’m not sure if I should mention this, but we did visit the The Grasshopper,too. (lol)”

Do you have any particular hobbies or interests besides playing in a band, that’s worth mentioning here?
Louise: “Nah, for me I just work all day and spend the rest of my time trying to learn how to play the guitar. I like to bite people’s elbows, if that’s interesting to you. If not, I am sorry for sharing.” Tazz: “I play piano and guitar and I practice boxing and Kung Fu.”
Luci: “Not really, a lot of my spare time this year has been spent on practicing drums. I’m a little bit of a nerd, so if I have any time on top of that I love to read crime novels.”
Jacky: “Well, I’m busy studying animation. And I love Rune factory and Pokémon. Anyone reading this wanna sponsor a 3ds for me? I like watching anime, too. I don't really do much. Oh, and those yoghurts with the pieces of chocolate in them. That counts as a hobby.”

What’s the most beautiful area in South Africa? Your country is still very high on our wish list as a travel destination, so maybe you can give us some travel advice?
Jacky: “Yoh, Cape Town definitely. We have Gatsbys. Need I say more?”
Louise: “If you do come for a visit, please be careful - haha. We are like number one in the world for crime, so give us a call, if you’d like some street-wise tips. But this country is so beautiful. There are some beautiful places up along the East Coast. I once went to this place, called Hogsback (past East London somewhere). It’s all foresty and amazing. The Lord of the Rings author (J.R.R. Tolkien) wrote the story being inspired by Hogsbacks beauty.”
Luci: “I’m going to be totally biased and say Cape Town. We’ve got the beach and mountains. Crime is high in our country, but if you take precautions to avoid dangerous situations and not act reckless, then you’ll be ok.”
Tazz: “I’m from the Garden Route and that’s really one of the most beautiful areas in South Africa. George has some really beautiful mountain ranges. Knysna is a very cool seaside town with so much going on there. Plettenberg Bay has some of the most beautiful beaches, that you’ll ever see in your life and you can go whale watching in season and sometimes, you can see dolphins, too. I’ve seen people swim with them and that’s really breathtaking!”

When we travel abroad, we always try to do some record (cd/dvd) hunting to complete our music collection. Are there any good record stores in South Africa in general and maybe in Cape Town in particular?
Tazz: “In Cape Town, there’s “Revolution” in Observatory, “Mabu Vinyl” in Kloof Street and “The African Music Store” in the City Centre.”

Are there any more bands, preferably with female members, that come from South Africa that we should check out?
Louise: “CORTINA WHIPLASH!”
Jacky: “Yes, CORTINA WHIPLASH. Completely amazing band! And lekka people, too.”
Tazz: “The only other all-female band that I know of in SA is CORTINA WHIPLASH, but I’m sure there are more. I know of quite a few female-fronted bands, that you should check out though: WE ARE A CONDUIT, COLD HAND CHEMISTRY and TERMINATRYX.”
Luci: “CORTINA WHIPLASH for bluesy sex rock, JAPAN AND I to punk shit up, TERMINATRYX, if you are into industrial metal, COLD HAND CHEMISTRY and WE ARE A CONDUIT for progressive rock and metal. There’s also MIZERA and TAMLA KAHN from the Gauteng area in South Africa.”

Do you have anything you’d like to add to this interview that makes the story of JUNKYARD LIPSTICK complete? Maybe there is something we forgot to mention here?
Tazz: “I love strawberries and apples.”
Jacky: “My left nostril has more snot than the right one.”
Luci: “So many people ask the question, “why an all-female band?” We want to have a good time jamming with our female friends, talking girly things like periods, shopping and sex. It’s like having a girls’ night twice a week with my bff’s. If there were guys in the band, that dynamic and fun element would be restricted.”

Do you have any personal messages for our readers?
Tazz: “Keep on rocking!”
Luci: “Quote: “It’s the size of your heart, not the length of your hair” – SUICIDAL TENDENCIES. Join the Army!”
Jacky: “I was serious about that 3ds thing. I’m a student and I have no money. Like us on Facebook and then just inbox the band. Will give hugs in return, if I ever meet you in person. Oh, and Pokémon X or Y would be nice, too. I don’t mind, if it’s second hand!!!!!”

Can you please give any comments regarding the death of Nelson Mandela, your old-president and freedom fighter for apartheid?
Jacky: “Brilliant man, but I think it was his time. I don't think he'll ever be forgotten and he spread some wonderful messages during his life.”
Louise: “It’s heart breaking. The tremendous effort he put into the change he brought. And how our current, greedy leaders are basically spitting on what he stood for. I hope, that one day his inspirational legacy would have affected the soul of a future leader so that equality can be brought through the way Mandela would have wanted it.”
Luci: “It will be one of those days in my life that I will always remember because of the intense sadness I felt. He was a legend and hero, who loved and gave unconditionally. After apartheid, he chose to forgive and created the path for us to be a unified country. I will always be grateful for that. The sadness is also accompanied by severe disappointment in our corrupt government for not living up to Madiba’s ideals and not carrying on with his legacy. My wish is that with his death, people will stand up against our government and make their voices heard by voting in the 2014 elections against the corruption that we see every day.”
Tazz: “It was obviously very heartbreaking, when it happened. Even though he had been sick for a while and the public knew he was going to pass away soon. The legacy he left behind lives on and hopefully we can follow as an example.”

The famous last words are for JUNKYARD LIPSTICK....
Tazz: “Quote: “Your mother was a hamster and your father smelled of elderberries. Now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!” Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”
Jacky: “When taking a shit, you can't plop a plopper.”
Luci: “Keep an eye out for our upcoming EP “The Butcher’s Delight” coming soon!”