Although Pamela Moore is widely known for being the voice of ‘Sister Mary’ on Queensryche's legendary concept album, Operation: Mindcrime, she's also released her own recordings, contributed her voice to various radio and television commercials, and has a background in theatre. Twenty years on, this lady continues to rock!

 

Q
Hi Pamela, please tell me about your hobbies and interests growing up.
A
Growing up? I would have to say horses! I was an avid horseback rider! I think I was on a horse 24/7! OR at least as much as possible! (Laughs)
Q
Whilst you have probably been asked this a million times, many of my readers/viewers are under 20 years old and discovering the 80s legends for the first time. How did you become to be involved with Queensryche back in the day?
A
I was living in Seattle and sang on many radio and TV commercials. One of the commercials I sang on frequently ran on most of the top rock radio stations in the area and about that same time, Chris DeGarmo and Geoff Tate were searching for a singer to be the “voice” of Sister Mary.  They heard the commercial I sang on and set out to find me… they found me and the rest is history!
Q
Earlier this year you were on tour with Queensryche in Europe. What has the role of Sister Mary meant to you and can you tell me how the role has evolved?
A
For the first time ever, we took the full production of Operation MindCrime 1 & 2 with us to Europe and those who are familiar with the show know it IS a full production!  Equipped with stage, props, actors, media, etc. Fans have told me it’s a lot like watching a Rock Opera! Along with that Sister Mary has evolved from just singing one song, to singing more songs and parts, making many quick costume changes, performing a very dramatic “suicide” scene and appearing as a ghost in Operation MindCrime 2!  So, needless to say, Mary is no longer a one-dimensional character but a pivotal part in the show and I am thrilled because it allows me to stretch out in every area of the process, from singing to acting and everything in-between.
Q
I believe you were only 16 when you first sang Sister Mary.  What was that like at such a young age? i.e. your thoughts on the storyline etc.
A
(Laughs) Well….  I would say the very first time Chris and Geoff explained their “conceptual” idea to me, I was a little confused. Embarrassed to say, I didn’t get it…  Operation MindCrime was my very first experience with a conceptual record and it took a bit for the storyline to sink in!  Inevitably, the role progressed as we started performing it night after night and truthfully, I tend to look at my role in the story as a love story with Niki and Mary, all be it, a very dysfunctional relationship, still very passionate.
Q
As an artist, do you approach the theatrics and performance of a concept album differently to your other projects?
A
Yes and no. It all depends on what the performance needs to make it come alive… but all in all, in ANY musical project with theatrics or not, I usually use life experiences to pull from in order to get the message across.  This certainly doesn’t mean that I have tried committing suicide, but you can pull from those feelings you felt when you were very sad about something (or very happy and in love) and project that feeling in your song and in your acting.  This is the concept I use when performing Mary and basically the same concept I used when I wrote and recorded the songs on my new CD, STORIES FROM A BLUE ROOM.
Q
Do you enjoy the European festivals?
A
I always have such an amazing time touring Europe.  This last time was especially sweet meeting new friends and fellow musicians!  The weather was beautiful and each country presented a different culture and different view of life.  So, YES!!! I LOVE IT VERY MUCH! It’s a total adrenaline rush too, performing to huge crowds. The air is electric!  Very Satisfying!!
Q
How does your vocal delivery differ on your solo work?
A
My recent record STORIES FROM A BLUE ROOM is very intimate in nature, and sound…very reflective but utilizes the rock roots I am known for too.  It’s a personal record and a lot more atmospheric in sound, It’s sensual and sexy as opposed to an all out “hold onto your pants” rock!.
Q
You have said your last CD in 2006 ‘Stories from a Blue Room’ is broadly based upon personal experiences.  Who produced this album and which musicians participated in bringing it all together?  Specifically why did you invite those particular musicians?
A

My producer for STORIES FROM A BLUE ROOM is the legendary Neil Kernon. (Queensryche, Nevermore, etc)  A brilliant man who knows how to bring the best out of your work. My co-writer is Benjamin Anderson (Rorschach Test). Ben and I are good friends and decided to collaborate a couple of years ago.  Ben had also worked with Neil when Neil produced Rorschach Test CD “UNCLEAN”.  Neil and I had always wanted to work together so it was a natural choice for us.

Ben is responsible for all the musical ideas and electronic programming you hear on the record.  I wrote all the melodies and lyrics.

All Guitars were executed by the Master of Shred Jeff Loomis (Nevermore)!  Jeff recorded the rhythm and lead solos, except for a solo that my friend Michael Wilton (Queensryche) performed on, a song called 'Take Me Down'.  Loomis is such a gifted player and really added the energy and power needed to elevate the songs. My cousin and superstar Terri Nunn (Berlin) shared vocals with me on a duet called 'Satisfied' and a cameo on a song called Get Off (American Way) Drums: Jason Killer Kowalski (N17), Bass: Brian Gordon (Ion Vein)

Q
You have a new solo album in the pipeline hopefully out in 2009. What direction does it take in comparison to your previous works?
A

Well, as of now, I am in the writing process for my new solo record which looks like a Fall 2009 release. I want to keep true to the sound of BLUE ROOM but make it much heavier, with dark, powerful guitars, grooves and riffs. (I love vibey stuff with power to it!) I’m also guest vocalist for a “top secret” European release which will be out early 2009!  Everyone needs to stay in touch about this one….it’s gonna be awesome !

And finally, I wanted to let everyone know I have been rehearsing with a band in Chicago and my debut shows are coming up this November 21 and 22, which I am very excited about. We’ve been in the studio as well, recording some unplugged versions of a few BLUE ROOM songs as well. So, needless to say, I have been staying very busy which I am grateful for! It’s a great ride actually!
Q
Every album has standout songs. What songs really stand out to you on the new cd? Why?
A

All the songs on STORIES FROM A BLUE ROOM have special meaning to me because they were written from real life experiences.  Cross My Heart, (which I did a video for) is about Divorce.  Forever in My Dreams, touched me deeply when I recorded it… not a dry eye in the studio when we finished the vocals… my eyes even more so!!   Ordinary Day, which is a song I wrote about my late father, sharing my personal life growing up in a divorced family…not unlike what many families go through after divorce.

I guess I would say that each song on there has been my favorite at one time or another.  At this moment however the song Get Off (American way) is very poignant of what my country is going through right now!  The drive for materialistic things, wealth and just how far we go until we start losing sense of reality. Perhaps what is happening with our economy is a wake up call or result of what I was warning about 2 years ago in my song?  Who knows...?
Q
What are your views on the pros and cons of the internet and sites like myspace etc.?
A
Myspace has been a very strong marketing tool for me. Especially because I am not signed to a major label. It exposes my solo work to many different types of people (Musicians, promoters, etc) as well as to fans familiar with my work with Queensryche.   Today’s record business is a very, very different game which forces the artist to come up with other creative ways to be seen and heard!  The internet is the best resource for this and used effectively helps the artist in so many ways. Other than selling my merchandise at live shows, I almost solely sell product online instead of in stores. It can be love/hate situation…but the positive outweighs the negative!
Q
Can you remember the first live show you went to and what impact, if any, that had on your career path?
A
I’m not sure what live show I attended but all I could think of was WOW!  I want to do that!  Everything seemed so surreal… with lights, sound and energy! I was mesmerized and have been ever since!
Q
Let’s be girly and talk clothes…how do you choose your stage outfits?
A
Ahh… well, many of my costumes are “remodels” of different outfits! Custom designs with my own personal flair! I like to take a dress and rework it a bit. I love working with Corset’s too, they give you such a nice line. AND you will usually always see me in either boots or NO Shoes at all!  (I love the barefoot freedom!!)
Q
And finally, who is your favourite band/artist of all time, ok so that’s probably a bit too difficult to narrow down…who then is in your Top 5 favourite bands/artists?
A

I hate having to answer these questions because I truly have so many favorites in different categories.  But, in protest… (Laughs)

*Chris Cornell, one of my all time fave singers. So whatever band he is in…or not in!
*U2
*Journey
*Ann Wilson (Heart) Ann’s voice just keeps getting better and better!
*Queensryche, of course.
Some singers that I most recently have enjoyed listening too…
*Cory Taylor, Stone Sour and Slip Knot.
*James Michaels, 6 AM singer/songwriter

Now, this is more than five… but like I said, this could go on and on… there is so much great talent out there… yet to be discovered even!

 

I would like to thank Pamela for this interview. I have only scraped the surface of what this lady is all about and has to offer. I urge you to check out her sites and live performances. She rocks!

To check out more about Pamela Moore, visit

http://www.myspace.com/pamelamoore
and
http://www.pamelamoore.net

Keep It Loud!

 

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