Interview Gwen Bartolini Grigori 3

Lineup: Gwen Bartolini – vocals Ray R. Wise – guitars Mike Lindsay – drums Mark Christopher - bass

1/2/07 Interviewer: Karma E. Omowale Live Photos: Erika Kristen Watt

"I have learned that everyone has something inside of them, that drives them daily..."

Gwen Bartolini, lead singer of Chicago's Grigori 3 joins us as the first installment of the New Year in our Brutal Beauties series. This gothic metal songstress shares her views on Women in the Industry, the band's new album Exile, who she admires and what drives her...

Karma: Gwen thanks for taking the time out during the busy holiday to talk with us! It seemed like it was yesterday when you opened for Sonata Arctica back in January. Speaking of the holidays, the New Year rapidly approaches, what are you most looking forward to in the upcoming year?

Gwen: Great to talk to you... yes that was a while ago-- I remember the show at the HOUSE OF BLUES-- yes, that was a memorable night. What am I looking forward to in the upcoming year? Well, the release of the videos “Silently Breeding” and “Think Me Wicked” collaboration with Michael Stadther  (A TREASURES TROVE) and with Resurrection M. Pictures.

Will you make any resolutions for the New Year?

Resolutions....hmmmm no they are bad luck ;)

For those that are not familiar with the band, please explain the origin of the bands’ name (which is utterly fascinating however I am sure you can explain it better than I can). ;^)

Well I am not sure about that--- as I recall you an expert of sorts on angels yourself--Well, the name relates to a race of angels- the GRIGORI (like the seraphim, cherubim etc) are found throughout celestial history. The GRIGORI were sent to watch over mankind but ended up corrupting it by their own selfish needs. The three --- felt like it had to be, since it relates with so many things one being the number of completion.

Define the sound of Grigori 3 in a statement.

The sound--- Goth industrial metal  --- (Mostly Harmonic minor harmonies with thick heavy guitar tones and danaceble beats-fronted by strong female vocals that are accosting at times and haunting at others).

I know that you were settling in with lineup changes, hoping those issues been resolved and the unit has solidified.

Well, this band has had it share of line up changes -yes. One thing that remained constant--is the sound. That won't change. Ray and I started this band together with a drum machine and an acoustic guitar and we have let the sound mold itself.

Over the years, what have you learned about yourself and bandmates?

I have learned that everyone has something inside of them, that drives them daily...for some its a love for business, art, success, money or a love for music. Mine is the latter - some of our members have had to do their own thing - some had to find their own thing--but through it all I have found that my some of my bandmates may change but the glue that holds this band together is strong.

What’s your take on how the media/press/fans place such a heavy focus of being a woman, does it bother you or is it something that you've gotten used to, come to embrace?

Since bands like Evanescence, Collide and Lacuna Coil have already began hurdling those barriers they have opened doors to the media and public for like minded bands to squeeze through.

What is one thing you would say you have in common with your female contemporaries or do you feel you have anything in common with them at all?

Well, I suppose if we didn't all have the same love for music I don't think any of us would be doing this--- since don't all musicians start out starving? I believe women like Johnette Napolitano (Concrete Blonde), Siouxsie and Monica Richards (Faith And the Muse) have inspired so many of us. Female artists like Amy Lee, Cristina Scabbia (Lacuna Coil), Liv Kristine, Heather Thompson (Tapping The Vein), Angela Gossow (Arch Enemy), Karyn Crisis, Candace Kucsulain (Walls of Jericho), Otep Shamaya and Lacey Mosley continue to surprise audiences and the industry with strong distinctive female vocals.

What’s a common misconception that surrounds you that you'd like to dispel or debunk?

That we have a curse--- maybe a few ghosts maybe a few skeletons -but no curse.

What’s the best thing about the scene and what’s one thing you which you could change about it?

As far as the Chicago scene-- I would change a lot I would take away the stigma that makes goth industrial music is taboo to venues-- so many venues were afraid of the term industrial---and have always been afraid to really embrace this audience-- I think if they realized the strong following in the scene they might look at things differently.

Hows’ life on Dark Star Records?

Things are going well, Dark Star has been great- we are beginning the radio campaigns in the New Year and moving forward on the videos. Dark Star and SGL are about to release GOTHICFEST 2005 DVD-so we are excited about that and even more, we are definitely looking forward to October (12,13) for GOTHICFEST 2007 with Android Lust and a great lineup.

Now on to the new album, Exile, which is such a solid, catchy, & infectious release! If you had to do it all over again, would you change a thing?

Maybe a few production tweaks volume wise---but that is because I am too anal about things--overall I thought MIKE BREZEN did a great job. I am very proud of the job we did.

How did Jewell [Deconstruct] become involved with the project to do vocals on “Visions”?

Well, Jewell is a talented vocalist from the Chicago scene and we have had the fortune of sharing the stage with him (and his then band NDX) many times. I just felt he would be perfect for this track and he wholeheartedly agreed. It was a great experience.

Your lyrics are very cerebral and thought provoking, especially considering “Exile” and “Defende” contain Latin. A rarity in music these days; what made you incorporate that into your songs? Did you ever study the language?

Thank you for the compliment--Well, I studied Latin on my own over the years--growing up Roman Catholic-- I developed a romance for the language itself and the vowel sounds. My formal education was Spanish, which is derived from Latin so it just clicked for me.

Going a little further with the lyrics, they seem very personal with elements of magic. Were there any outstanding or particular events that sparked the creation?

One particular song--"Awakening", yes it was sparked by a what some might call revelation for me through my own supernatural experience of sorts.

Please explain what significance the (NSV) holds in “Feast”?

--- Actually quick answer ---NSV-not sampled version-----The song started out as more of a soundtrack type song. But it grew into more of a "live" dance type song. When they band performs it live we have often used samples from the Disney movie "SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES" throughout it's performance.

Did any of your musical influences impact the way the songs were written?

Not really sure some of the songs kind of create themselves.

Which song was your favorite to create off the album and why?

"Think Me Wicked"--- maybe because it was created in the studio off the cuff over a few days.-- Again it just felt like it had to be.

Which song is the most powerful and speaks to you the most?

“Defende” or “Silently Breeding”.

Who are you jonesing to work with in the future?

So many great influences, but I am a huge fan of Tim Burton, Danny Elfman, Ben Moody, Joss Whedon, Fear Factory, Lacuna Coil, Collide, Tenacious D and the creator-Neurotically Yours (Jonathan Ian Mathers) -  FOAMY!

What would you like the music community to remember about Grigori 3?

Talented musicians that have continued to make good music.

Now it is time for some more Speed Round Questions…ready?! Christmas wish list.

An new inner ear monitor system.

Spiritual or religious?

Guess. My vote is religious with a lot of spirituality.

What’s a little known fact about you that you would not mind sharing with our audience?

Lets see... I love martial arts (I studied Thai Chi mainly for the breathing) and hmmm--oh our guitarist Ray R. Wise is also an author and he has been working on "MEGOTHOLIS" the novel and our band's publishing company OKT 31 Media plans on releasing it later this year.

If not music then what? What do you think the rest of your bandmates would do if it were not for Grigori 3?

Well, for sure Lindsay (drums) would be an engineer and Ray would be in the CIA or a vigilante or maybe even a super villain? Depends on the day:)

Who has caught your musical ear this past year?

Well so many Female artists like Angela Gossow (Arch Enemy), Karyn Crisis, Candace Kucsulain (Walls of Jericho), Otep Shamaya, Lacey Mosley (Fly Leaf) and Tenacious D and Celldweller, Ascension of the Watchers (Burton C. Bell's project)---oh so many.

Which album do you think was the best in 2006?

Couldn't really say.

Name a CD that you have played until it disintegrated.

Evanescence's Fallen--(it is my vocal warm up) Also I listen to  one of my old musical projects -Dishwater a lot- My sister Sherrie Lynn sang in the band with me and I love to hear her sweet voice.

Is there a Grigori 3 song that sums up your life in a nutshell?

“Think Me Wicked”.

Name a song that gives you a chill up your spine to this very day.

“Wicked Game”.

Last experience with déjà vu?

Talking to Ray on the phone from St Louis---we have the connection-and with him we know when the other one is going to call or is in trouble. (Spidey senses?)

If you won the lottery, what would you do with your newfound windfall?

Charity---ok some, but I would first get this band business aspects running strong --and let us work for our own fortune. Then I think I would take care of my friends and family and I would invest into a friends wolf ranch and another friends specialized 49 groups---and with what's left maybe buy a cottage in Ireland and travel.

If Grigori 3 were a cocktail, what kind of drink would you be?

A good stiff shot goes down smooth and kicks your ass just when you think you are safe! 

Role reversals: If you could commission a band to do a Grigori 3 cover, who would do it and which song would it be?

Fear Factory—“MEGOTHOLIS” or Lacuna Coil — “Silently Breeding”.

If you could interview any band/artist live or dead, who would you love to talk to and what would be the one burning question you’d love to have answered.

Dead...LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN --how did you do it? And living... Johnette Napalitano--THANK YOU FOR THE INSPIRATION.

Last question on the role reversal tip, do you have any questions for me?

Not quite sure.

Peering into the crystal ball, what does the future hold for Grigori 3?

Touring, more videos and new music and upgrade in our stage experience.

Do you have any last comments or special messages for our fans?

This new year looks promising---I'm sure it will have it's own ups and downs, but we will continue to work on new music and upgrade our stage show.

Thanks for the interview Gwen & Happy Holidays, all the best to you and yours in 2007; we look forward to seeing you play in the New Year!

Related Links

o   Click here for album review of Exile

o   Here for photos of the band from the N. American Crusade Tour with Sonata Arctica