VIXEN

Q	Hi Jan, I first saw you play at the Hard Rock Hell Festival in November last year. There was a great atmosphere and you really got the crowd roused. This was the first HRH Festival, what did you make of it?
A	We had a blast!! We really really enjoyed it!! We were thrilled to be part of the 1^st HRH Festival, and hope to be invited back again sometime!!!
Q	In what ways has your success in Europe differed from your success in the United States?
A	We seem to have a lot of support in Europe, therefore we get asked back more often, (and we LOVE touring there!!) and so we’ve toured over there a bit more than the US, in the past couple of years…
Q	Was there a lot of pressure, with the new line up, when putting together Live & Learn?
A	We didn’t really think about there being pressure, we just knew we wanted to release a new record with the new lineup, and so we put all our energy into writing and recording, and didn’t really worry about “pressure”.
Q	What aspects of your latest album contribute to the progression of your band and yourself musically?
A	Well, definitely the “new” members and their individual styles & influences contributed to the progression of the “Vixen Sound” on Live & Learn, and also, our producer, Dennis MacKay, really encouraged me to layer & add more guitar parts on this record, than on our past records, so that really challenged me, which was a good thing!!
Q	When you started working on Live and Learn, what were your goals and/or expectations for the album? Do you feel you have reached those goals?
A	We just wanted to make a good album and be ourselves. I feel we did reach a lot of our goals on this record, and now on to the next album, and more new goals!! : )
Q	With the bands career stretching back to the early 1980s, how have you seen the music industry change over the years?
A	Wow – it’s definitely more accepting of all female bands today…also, back in the 80’s, there seemed to be a lot more focus on individual virtuoso players, and today it seems to be more about band chemistry, band unique-ness, and overall “band” appeal…
Q	It must have been very difficult to replace the bass player, drummer and singer within a short period of time. How did you face that challenge?
A	It was not easy, and to this day, I still consider it a miracle!!! I faced that challenge by staying positive and believing it was possible, and also got through it with the invaluable help of my good friend, Eden Stollman, who at the time was our keyboard player, tour manager, driver, and more!! I couldn’t have done it without him!!
Q	Do you think it's difficult for girls to get into the rock music scene and maintain longevity?
A	I think it’s a bit easier for females to get into the rock scene today, but as for longevity, I think it’s probably the same for males or females…you just have to be very very dedicated and persevere through good times and bad!!
Q	Do you feel it is important to stay true to the original Vixen sound or evolve and spark interest from new fans?
A	A little of both…staying true to the original sound comes sort of easily for me – haha – but having the new blood of Jenna, Lynn & Kat, also naturally evolves the sound, which is a great thing, and we hope that the natural progression sparks interest from new fans as well as keeping the old fans interested!!
Q	2007 did seem to be the year of the fox, having played various European dates and being amongst the Independent Music Awards Vox Populi Winners. What has been the highlight of 2007 for you?
A	For sure, playing HRH in November, was one of our biggest highlights of 2007, and also, having Live & Learn be recognized and nominated by the Independent Music Awards was definitely another of our top highlights of 2007!!!
Q	Tell me a little bit about the new record you have planned for next year:
A	We’re writing and working on our next record right now, and plan to be in the studio in the fall, and plan to release the new record in 2009! We also plan to release our DVD “Live in Sweden” this fall…
Q	And last but not least…top hair tips?
A	Ha- ha – I love this!! : ) I could go on for days! 1. Well, Biolage Detangler is my favorite detangler… 2. I love Aveda Brilliant Emolliant Finishing Gloss for shine,(and also some Aveda shampoos-they smell sooo good!) and also Morrocan Oil (kind of expensive, but lasts a long time) for shine and controlling the frizzies… 3. I also love Pureology Super Straight Conditioner, and their shampoos are really great, too! 4. One suggestion about “tender loving care” for long hair! (I just learned this, after having been “ripping” my tangles out on dry hair, with a BRUSH all these years!) ALWAYS use a wide-toothed comb FIRST to get tangles out on dry hair, and THEN it’s ok to use a brush, but don’t rip them out with a brush first! Also, it’s best to try to use a natural-hair bristle brush, not the plastic tip/metal ones… 5. Deep condition often, but of course!! : ) (I sometimes use VO5 1-minute hot oil treatment in the shower)…
Well, thanks very much for inviting me to do this interview!! It’s been really fun!!! Peace, Love & Rock & Roll!! Jan
To check out more about Vixen, visit http://www.myspace.com/vixenrock and http://www.vixenrock.com
I would like to thank Jan for answering these questions. Best wishes for the future.

Photograph courtesy of David Sutton	Photograph courtesy of David Sutton
Photograph courtesy of Loren Lowrey	Photograph courtesy of Kat Kraft
Photograph courtesy of Jogi
Photograph courtesy of Jogi