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Linda McSherry Interview
(Missdeameanor)
Formed in 1986, in New York City, "Missdemeanor" has made quite a name for
themselves in the Northeast club circuit.
They're not signed yet, but that situation could change any day now.
Guitarist Linda McSherry talked with us about her band.
Q: Linda, you formed the band in 1986. Then in 1987, the group
split up. And in 1988. you were out on the road. What were you doing between
1987 and 1988?
A: Between 1987 and 1988, we didn't really split up. We were writing new material
and working on an image change from thrash to mainstream metal in order to
appeal to a wider audience.
Q: You played your first show at CBGB's. What do you remember
about that night? Do industry people really hang out there?
A: CBGB's is famous for being a musician and industry hangout. Our first show
there went very well. We've played there since and hope to play again soon.
The crowd there is always receptive and our shows are always rockin' there.
Q: Your drummer Lori says, "Our lyrics are cool because they're
about going out and getting drunk and partying." Isn't that the wrong kind
of message to be sending out in this, the era of such organizations as Students
Against Drunk Driving (SADD)?
A: Of course, we don't condone drinking and driving. That wasn't the message
we had hoped to get across. However, there's nothing wrong with people getting
together with their friends to go check out a good band at a club or bar and
having a few beers; so long as everyone is of legal age to drink and drinks
responsibly, we'll all have a good time.
Q: How did you enlist the help of Michael Des Barres? Was
that through your management?
A: Yes. We've been able to hook up with Michael Des Barres as well as other
industry people through our
management. That's one of the things that makes Bob Rowland ("Missdemeanor" manager)
invaluable to us.
Q: Tell me a little about Bob Rowland. Who are his other clients
and what does he do for them? What kind of work did he do for Billy Preston?
A: We're not really concerned or involved with what Bob Rowland does for other
acts. He's been able to get us good gigs and create a great deal of interest
for us throughout the music industry.
Q: Is it a plus or a minus that Missdemeanor is an all female
rock band? People will initially pay more attention to you, but are you afforded
the same kind of respect as all male groups would get? Some people think
an all female group can't be taken seriously. How do you combat that attitude?
A: We were wondering when you were going to ask this question. Everyone always
wants to know if an all-female band gets the respect and recognition that they
deserve or if people only come to see how they look. Well, if our looks get
people to come to a show initially, it must be our ability musically that keeps
them coming back to our shows again and again. We don't know of anyone that
would go to check out a band every time they can just because they look good,
if the music wasn't worth it. We always get a positive reaction from girls
as well as guys.
Q: How long are you prepared to hang in there and wait for
a record deal to come your way?
A: Hopefully, we won't have to wait too much longer for a record deal. Music
is not just something we do; it's a part of every member of this band. We couldn't
stop playing even if we wanted to. We're all in it for the duration. It's this
attitude that makes the four of us so close and our music so strong.
Q: You appeared at The Ritz awhile back. Did anything ever
come of that? Did that further your career in any way?
A: With every show we do, whether it's at a big club in Manhattan or a smaller
bar in the middle of Anytown, U.S.A., our following grows. That makes every
show that we do important in furthering our career.
© Gary James All Rights Reserved
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