California’s Deconstruct is ready to kick ass in the sometimes-fickle world of metal. Fans across the U.S. and worldwide have embraced bands from LA, the hardcore heavy latent market. In a recent rash of the emo/screamo or post hardcore bands seemingly have no purpose. However, Deconstruct combines hardcore with heavy riffs, industrial sounds, and lyrics that will blow most so-called “hardcore and metal core bands” out of the water.
Their tastes in music mimic most other metal bands but the band’s bassist, in particular, is a big fan of Yanni. “He is so fabulous, when people find out I like Yanni they laugh and think I’m joking. Every time he comes through town, I have to go see him.” Still, all their tastes are clearly revealed on their CD, The Human Condition which opens with the track, “Welcome to The End”. You can clearly hear the influence of Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor in Skitz’s vocals. When this was told to Venessa, she exclaimed, “Really? That’s great, because he sure is hot.”
Typically, females who are in bands are assumed to be just a showgirl or be the lead singer since fans automatically think that she can’t play an instrument, however, Venessa can hold her own with the best of them. She never actually picked up a bass until her bass playing boyfriend, at the time, was in a band. She then relocated with him, during this time she and sat back watched as he played. Later, she met guitarist Joe Fraulob, who at the time, was in a band and decided to put together one of his own. When Venessa finally decided to try to play bass, she was so good that she convinced Joe to give her a shot and get rid of the band’s existing bass player.
From there on, Deconstruct was complete with Joe on guitar, Skitz on Vocals, and Frost on drums. Since then, this band has gained national status playing with heavyweights such as Korn, Nickelback, and most recently Machine head. Venessa said there’s no exciting gossip to tell; just that they were all some kick ass bands to hang with. Not only did they get to tour with some of metal’s finest acts like the aforementioned, but they also got the chance to be part of Sharon Osbourne’s own version of “American Idol”, The Battle For Ozzfest on MTV in which they got quite far before being eliminated towards the end. “I wasn’t willing to do any of that stupid stuff they were doing anyway.” she says, but she agrees it would’ve been great to be on the Ozzfest bill.
In music, it is hard for a band to break in without a quote unquote “help from a major label” and since they do not have any serious interest in going that route, Deconstruct has put together their own label, Apocalypse. “We would still like a major to help us out, you can’t really make it without one; the cost of glitter is expensive!” She is actually speaking of her costume that she wears on stage, usually one that is very extravagant, full of glitter, and shows the nice body she has. Of course, this gains the band attention, which is a good thing for an unsigned band that needs publicity. She is ok with the fact that people take notice of her, as long as they do not get out of control.
When asked about how her family feels about her choice of profession, she said, “Mom in particular was concerned that she would not be able to support herself. My mom said I should go to college just so I’d have something to fall back on.” She was worried about Venessa, who is one of the eldest of her eight children. She considers her mom as her hero, and says that all her family supports her decision to be a rock star.
No doubt, Venessa and Deconstruct will be well on their way to a long career in music. Right now, they are embarking on a full-length stint across small clubs in the U.S. If they come to your town, go see them. I’m sure you won’t regret what you heard and maybe you might just become a fan! |
