Self-proclaimed "sexiest band
in Liverpool" - though, to be fair, other people say so too - Venus have
scrambled a long way in a short time, and look set to continue the pace in
the new century. Just before Christmas, we asked them some things... and Michelle
responded. She's polite like that.
* how did venus come together?
Michelle Haywood, singer-songwriter created Venus in
1997 with French keyboard player and composer Arnaud Bertrand. An album worth
of songs was ready by the end of 97 and Venus was about to be born. Vol Volleamere
joined in 1998 on guitars, followed by Jo Cook who brought her unique soul-Diva
vocal technique to the band. It was then the turn of Mark Blacoe on Bass.
Several drummers have since backed the band, including
one of the city's
finest drummers, Nick Kilroe who filled in for a couple of months.
The success has since been growing overwhelmingly.
Venus's unique sound has travelled from ear to ear at great velocity. The
band has got support from Liverpool's leading music scene people such as Janice
Long, John McGee, Phil Hayes and Ian McNabb.
Venus have been through a couple of management deals;
they are now managed
by Arketek Management who are proving to be some what of an asset, Alan's
faith and ingenuity is vital for VENUS' solidity and stamina.
* what do venus sound like?
Very feminine!!! No, like nothing else around really:
a mixture of dark and light, smooth and rough with subliminal undercurrents.
* you claim to be the sexiest band
in liverpool - who else comes close?
Absolutely nobody!!
* whats the current line-up?
Michelle Haywood: vocals
Jo Cook: vocals
Arnaud Bertrand: Keyboards
Vol Volleamere: Guitars
Mark Blacoe: Bass
Venus are currently auditioning for a permanent drummer.
* what do you plan for the next year?
Open a VENUS bakery and sell cosmic stardust bread
or baguettes for that matter. No; on a serious note you'll just have to wait
and see!!!!
* what sort of reaction are you getting
from your MP3s online?
Great! People are asking for more...The website is
highly visited, and fully appreciated ( They want more rude pictures of the
girls)!! The two full-length songs featured on mp3.com
are downloaded around 50 times a week Worldwide.
* how easy is to be a musician in Liverpool?
If your a good musician, who has clout; and especially
can interact and pull it off, NO PROBLEMO. It is as easy as the enjoyment
you gain FROM it. Liverpool has a lot more to offer than the Lake District
for example; so travel down and make your fortune!!
* Rudy Simone recently issued a call
for an all-female version of the MMDA. Do you think she's right?
Rudy Simone is as mad as a hatter, but she does have
views; GO RUDY!!!!! By
the the way, we don't agree, it is 2000 now and I'm sure amongst the male
masses VENUS still shine through no matter what the sex!!!!
So, if you're a drummer who thinks
you can keep up with the Stars, get in touch. Venus' website can be found
at listen.to/venus_uk.
The band also filed their choices of
'99 and hopes for 2000:
what have been your favourite tracks of the year?
"Drinking in L.A." Brand Van 3000
"Coffee and T.V." Blur
"Don't Do It" Venus
what song from 1999 do you hope to never hear again
in 2000?
The shocking cover of "Rock The Casbah" by
Will Smith. Will Smith in general!
whats been your best live experience of the year?
Radio 1 Sound City at the Picket in last November.
what are your three wishes for the new millennium?
Becoming successful in VENUS, our BAKERY and WORLD PEACE!!!!!!!!!!!
