
INTERVIEW with ROKTOPUSS (Roxy Petrucci)

By Metal Mike and The MontalianIf you havent heard the latest from Drummer Roxy Petrucci of ROKTOPUSS, then head on over to www.myspace.com/roktopuss. The tunes posted there rock and will make you wish for a full length cd. As the world of music is now at the touch of a finger, it is easier to find out about lesser known music that doesnt reach the record stores we frequent. From the tracks on Rocktopus's page you will find some cool tunes. Lorraine Lewis (Femme Fatal, and utter babe), and Roxy Petrucci, most notably in (Madam X and Vixen), combine to kick some ass with these uptempo hard rockin tunes like 'Dog Bite', and 'Naked' to the more soft tempo rock of 'Away'. I'm sure you will love the jams as much as we do and be awaiting a little more. So drop on into their page and drop 'em some comments!
MUEN: First of all, is Roktopuss a band or just a side project?
ROKTOPUSS: Roktopuss is a project. I work with different musicians at any given time. Lorraine also has other things going on however, we get together when we can. I'm experimenting with instrumentals at the moment and talking with other musicians such as guitarist Carina Alfie about laying down some guitar work.
MUEN: Who's Idea was it to form and make some music?
ROKTOPUSS: Lorraine called me and asked if I was interested in putting something together with her. She originally envisioned an all girl band calling it Super Pussy, but I said no fuckin way!... excuse my french, but I was not gonna be in a band called Super Pussy. I was working with guitarist Brian Young (DLR band) at the time and really diggin his ideas. His guitar playing is energetic and inspiring, I really wanted to include him but he was already committed to DLR band. We also worked with Jeff Young from Megadeth, another kickass guitarist. I got spoiled, I'm not picky, I just want the best!
MUEN: How much material do you guys have ready for a cd, and when can we expect to see it out?
ROKTOPUSS: We have songs posted at www.myspace.com/roktopuss Lorraine and I are itchin to play live so we're checkin into some summer shows.
MUEN: As Lorraine has a very diverse range of music she likes and listens to, we were wondering if you carried this same diversity, and will that be brought into your music with Roktopuss or can we expect a pure rock sound?
ROKTOPUSS: The tracks we have posted are pretty rockin and Im diggin that direction.
MUEN: What are some of the cd's you have recently purchased?
ROKTOPUSS: Marilyn Manson and The Muse
MUEN: How about some of the recent shows you may have attended?
ROKTOPUSS: The Scorpions... brought back some great memories. Heaven and Hell show kicked my ass! ZZtop was cool and I'm checking out Tesla soon.
MUEN: As even Metal and Rock have many different styles within their genres, we were wondering what your favorite style was to listen to?
ROKTOPUSS: It depends on what kind of mood I'm in. When I'm in the gym I listen to metal like Megadeth, it gets my blood pumpin, but I also love jazz, big band, metal, hard rock and some classical.
MUEN: Who's guidance helped you most while learning to read music and become a musician in general?
ROKTOPUSS: My brother was a big influence, he introduced me to all sorts of great music. He would listen to me practice and write out some really cool drum beats that would inspire and challenge me. My years spent in the school bands really helped with my discipline and my drum instructors were great!
MUEN: What is your favorite song to play live and why?
ROKTOPUSS: 'Metal in My Veins' Madam X. I loved everything about that song, from the guitar riff to Bret's vocals. It was heavy and just slammed you right in the face.. That song was a good representation of what Madam X (and myself) were all about.
MUEN: What has been your most memorable moment in music? and elaborate for us a little.
ROKTOPUSS: Meeting Steven Tyler who I had a crush on since I was 16! I told him I was going to have his face painted on my drum stool! (I had some balls huh?) Madam X signing our first record deal with CBS! Vixen being presented with our first gold record. Touring arenas with The Scorpions, Ozzy, Deep Purple and Kiss. Sitting behind Ian Paice (on his riser) while he's performing watching him in amazement! Staring at Ritchie Blackmore's ass in his tight Leather pants! Jamming with Steve Vai and Billy Sheehan on my audition for David Lee Roth! Those are just some highlights, I've got many memorable moments.....
MUEN: What are some things fans and bands can do to increase the live shows stateside? as it is our opinion that bands are lured abroad with the idea of sold out shows.
ROKTOPUSS: I think venues need to get realistic about ticket prices and then maybe more fans will attend.
MUEN: What impact if any, did Rocklahoma make initially on 80's style metal bands?
ROKTOPUSS: I don't know, I haven't performed there yet... What's the deal, Roktopuss should be there in 2008 kickin in some teeth!
MUEN: Do you see yourself still playing when you are as old as some of the Stones?
ROKTOPUSS: Hey, Mick Jagger's still got it! He's more exciting to watch than some of these new guys who just stand there and look like they'd rather be home playing a video game for fucks sake!
MUEN: What are some of your interests outside of Music?
ROKTOPUSS: My husband and I own a CD/DVD duplicating/replicating business that's doing very well. I'm pretty active in the gym and outdoorsy shit but the most enjoyment I get is from slammin my skins on stage... it get's me off like nothing else.
MUEN: Would you like to add or say anything in closing?
ROKTOPUSS: To my friends and fans, stop by www.myspace.com/roxypetrucci or my site www.roxypetrucci.com and give me your feedback or just say hey!Metal Mike and The Montalian / MUEN Magazine |