Interview with Jodi from Striga, by Jen

First off Jodi, you have been in this scene longer than anyone I know. During promotion for our local band Orcus, touring as the grandma with King Diamond and just going to every metal show in Philadelphia. When did you decide to start singing in a band?
It was kind of something I always wanted to do, but I guess it was about 3-4 years ago I really got the urge to make it happen. always going out, seeing band after band... I decided it was time to get my own ass up there.
How did the band come together? Have you guys known each other for years?
I knew both Yanni and Drew from around - same way I meet most people - at shows. ya see the same faces night after night you know you at least have similar taste in music! I was at the Troc to see Meshuggah and Strapping Young Lad when the boys approached me... "We've got an idea. We're gonna start a band and you're gonna sing for us." I agreed immediately - this was just the kind of project I was looking for. It was a little after we got the ball rolling that Alexei joined us.
Do you have any releases out at this time? You have clips on myspace, are they going to be on an upcoming release?
We recorded a 5 song demo with Mick Mullin at Super 8 Studio - the tunes on myspace are from that CD.
You guys have been playing a ton of shows too, (not that I have been to any of them sorry about that!), how has that been? What is the reaction to you guys?
I love playing live - for me that's what its all about. So far the feedback has been really positive. We've played with all kinds of acts - from a belly dancing troupe to grind core / death metal bands, and its gone over well in every room. I really feel like we have the luxury of fitting in with a wide range of sounds.
What are some influences of the band?
Oh man, what aren't we influenced by! This is a hard question cause we all listen to so much different music. I guess when the basic Striga structure was being developed it's safe to say there is a lot of influence from black metal and the occult, as well obviously the stoner sound. I know that's a pretty vague answer... we just kind of take it all in, mix it up and what comes out is a combo of all our ideas.
To someone who hasn't heard you guys, give us a description.
Well in a world of 8,546 different sub genres of rock... I call it female-fronted, occult-laden, stoner doom metal. Is that enough adjectives for ya?! I'm the worst at labeling music! Anyone reading who takes a listen and comes up with something brilliant - let me know!
You have been touring for years with King Diamond. How did that go about?
Back in '98, Orcus was scheduled to open up for King when he hit Philly. I was on-line spreading the word when I ran across some message board posts..."actress wanted". I answered, figuring the position was already filled, really just looking to make contact. Low and behold, they flew me out a few days later, and it worked out great for everyone.
What do you think of King? He is very mysterious and doesn't let a lot of people get close to him, do you agree?
Well, I guess he doesn't let strangers get close to him! He's a very interesting person, with a lot opinions, theories, beliefs... I suppose that makes him a bit mysterious. We quickly became friends so I don't think of him that way. To me he's a nice guy who's serious about his work and the perfect partner for an all-night talk-a-thon.
Have you been able to play/beat him in any of the play-station games he brings on tour?
Hell no! Some things are not to be messed with! I don't challenge his racing, he doesn't challenge my belching :P
The first time I remember seeing you, you were in a mosh pit, I remember turning to Burt Wolfe saying, I never saw a girl in a mosh pit before. Do you still mosh at shows? Have you ever gotten hurt from it?
hahaha!!! You're too funny. I remember seeing you too - all they guys saying - that's a girl on drums - and she's little! and me thinking - yeah, you don't have to be big to have balls!
Nah, never left the pit with more than a bruise or the occasional fat lip. I did break my nose and 4 teeth dancing once though - figure that one out! haha! I learned my place right away! There's still some bands that I MUST see from the floor and get thrashed around to, but I'm not in there full swinging these days. That whole broken nose thing... made me think twice!
What CDs are in your car right now?
My car doesn't even have a cd player :( so pathetic! at home though... the last 2 cds I picked up have been in constant rotation - Mimento Mori by Withered - it hasn't even been released yet an I'm wearing it out! And the latest by Life of Agony - Broken Valley - I'm a big fan of Keith Caputo's vocals
You also are involved with some animal right clubs on myspace and you are a vegan. Tell me a little about that. When did you start being a vegan and was it hard just turning off all of the foods?
I've been vegan over 7 years. Best move I ever made. The switch was actually really easy. I had ben getting literature for almost 2 years about how brutally animals are treated in the farming industry - it was a relief to be able to look at myself and know that I wasn't responsible anymore for any animals being tortured. As far as food - I really don't feel like I'm missing out on anything. There are constantly new vegan versions of traditional dead foods coming out, and I eat a much bigger variety of foods than I did before.
Any last words, anything to plug, anything at all?
We're playing the Khyber on Friday 10/14 with Omegalord, Body Part Trophy Case and the Unheard of from CA - other than that - keep an eye on what we're up to at http://www.myspace.com/striga. cheers!
http://www.myspace.com/striga