My MALICE IN WONDERLAND interview
I interviewed Chris Wicked (Malice in Wonderland) last year, but I have time to share it with you now. The hungarian translation can be read at Underground Magazin's website.
Please tell me something about how the band started and what kind of musical influences you have!
I started the band back in '97, but a lot of thing has happened since that time. We were a much darker gothic rock kind of band those days and I was the synth player. In 2001 I took over as the vocalist and also new members were picked and the musical direction changed. Our influences are very varied, but of course the LA rock scene in the 80's has been important to us.
When did you start making music? Did you play in a band before forming Malice in Wonderland?
No, I can't say that. I started playing with some friends in '96 and in '97 we came up with the name Malice in Wonderland and it has just continued from there.
Could you describe yourself and your band mates in a few words?
We are all easy going rock n' rollers, with a lust for life and with a lot of passion and drive for our music. Other than that we are all pretty different as people actually, but with the same sense of humour though ;-)
What kind of responses did you get to your debut album? How did the fans and the critics like it?
We're really happy about the response and for being a debut album it was received very well! Our fan base is growing everyday, they are so amazing, and most of the critics hailed the album and believe that Malice in Wonderland is here to stay, and they're right about that!
How long did it take to write and record the songs? Which studio did you use for the recordings?
That differs a lot from song to song. Sometimes a song is made really quick, when it kind of write it self, you know, other times it can be more of a struggle. The same goes for the recordings. Some songs are easy to make sound good in the studio, other times it takes a lot of time and effort before we get the sound we're looking for.
We used 3 different studios. The drums and rhythm guitar was done in one studio, the rest in Andy Valentine's studio and the mixing was done in a third studio.
You have toured in several European countries… what are your future tour plans?
To tour the whole world! But that is a bit in the distant at the moment he, he. There are no concrete plans as for now, but we want to play everywhere and after our next record hit the streets we intend to do just that!
In another interview you said that if you could make a soundtrack for a movie, it would be a film by David Lynch. Are you a fan of his work? What is your favourite movie directed by him?
Yes, I am a fan of his work, especially the TV series Twin Peaks. My favourite movie is Mulholland Drive.
On the official Malice in Wonderland MySpace profile you said the band is back in the studio working on the new songs. What can we expect from the new album? How much did you change musically since the first album?
You can expect one hell of an album! We have changed some, or developed I will say. The songs are a bit more rock n' roll oriented now. I would say the album will be a mix between hard driven dirty guitar rock and more melodic stuff, but always catchy and with lots of feelings. There will be some pretty heavy stuff, but also ballads and stuff. I think it will surprise a lot of people!
Do you know when it is going to be released?
That is hard to say at the moment, I'm afraid. We need to get all deals done and so on also before we can set a date and we're still working in the studio as well as writing more songs. I won't promise to much so all I will say as for now, is that it will be released in 2008.
You have a very dedicated fan base, called The Decadence Brigade. How do you keep in touch with them? Do you go out after the shows to meet them?
We keep in touch through internet and such and we also always try to meet them after shows, at least as often as we can. We are really lucky to have such a great fan base!
Thank you so much for answering my questions! All the best for Malice in Wonderland for the future!
Thank you so much for this interview!
Have a great Holiday!
Cheers and all the best
Chris Wicked/ Malice in Wonderland
