Being on the Internet for the WORLD to read, All Access Magazine.com is simply amazing in itself. Our 1.8M average online readership both nationally and internationally gives AAM the opportunity to reach more readers of all ages – worldwide! But one of the most exciting things is that we have the opportunity to constantly find NEW artists, from indie to national and everything in between.
Lipstick Magazine will be performing at ROCKLAHOMA Saturday, July 12th
That is the case with the subject of this month’s cover story, Reneri Entertainment Group recording artist Lipstick Magazine. As the band’s bio says, “Their signature ‘in your face’ style and attack clearly separate this band from the rest of the pack. This band does not disappoint if you’re into visuals. Lead singer Toni [Loyas] has been dubbed ‘Mrs. David Lee Roth’ and guitarists Damon Marks and Nat Gardiner create a unique experience with electrifying harmonies and riffs. Keyboardist David Loyas creates unforgettable melodies that have an integral part in the band’s unique sound. Combined, these four are the writing core of Lipstick Magazine. The search to complete the band’s sound was found with the addition of Marc Rabin on bass and the thunderous drum style of Russell K.”
And Lipstick Magazine does come with a warning: “Hold onto your seat and prepare to be excited.”
When All Access Magazine found out Lipstick Magazine will be opening for Winger, DangerDanger, Jani Lane (Warrant), and UFO this spring, we made it a point to interview this exciting new band for our February issue.
AAM: When was the band formed, and where?
Lipstick Magazine: The band is actually a combination of 2 bands. Damon and David played in one and Nat and Toni played in another. The two bands often jammed together. The 4 members all lived in Essex County in New Jersey, home of “The Sopranos,” in a town called Belleville.
AAM: How did all of you hook up?
LM: Lipstick Magazine formed in 2007 after the original 4 musicians had spent years apart. David and Toni were in a blues project and Nat and Damon went to a gig and expressed a desire to reform and record the originals. In fact, Nat and Damon stole them away from their current project. Marc and Russ had played with Nat in a Queensryche cover project and were the perfect complement to the driving sound the original 4 were looking for.
AAM: I see Toni and David share the same last name; any relation there?
LM: Family.
AAM: How do you best describe your music?
LM: The closest description would be Daughtry in a female version that turns it up like Tina Turner or Janis Joplin. We never get compared to other artists’ sounds.
AAM: Who are some of your musical influences?
LM: KISS, Heart, Hendrix, Stevie Ray, Queen, Bon Jovi, Pearl Jam, Guns and Roses, Elton John, Daughtry and Aerosmith. Truth is, we’re all very different with one common love of rock and roll. We go from classical to metal in our influences. There are 4 writers in this band who are all very different, which keeps the sound fresh and deep.
AAM: The lovely Toni Loyas can be found on lead vocals. Does having a female-fronted band make a big difference?
LM: Absolutely. Although Toni is one of the boys, she’s still definitely a chick. The name “Lipstick Magazine” was inspired because of the femininity of “lipstick” and the machismo of a “magazine of a gun.” She is a chick who’s not afraid to rock you and get you wet at the same time. In fact, that’s her goal.
AAM: Although the band is fairly new, what has been one of your best live shows so far?
LM: Dexter’s Entertainment in Riverdale, New Jersey. We did a Halloween Bash for WDHA 105.5FM, “The Rock of NJ,” to a sold out 500-person crowd. The band just rocked that night. Toni was exceptionally pumped. The vibe was just in a great place, and the audience and band just fed off each other. That night we knew this was the band and these were the members to present the tunes.
AAM: I see that on March 6th Lipstick Magazine is listed as the main support band for Jani Lane of Warrant. What can your fans expect at this show? Any surprises?
LM: Toni jumping off drum risers and trying to keep her clothes in one piece or not ripping clothes off of other band members. Oh yeah, and lots of participation from female fans. There’s a large following of Brazilian dancers and with everybody in the band being wireless the entire club is going to be our stage.
AAM: Your live CD, due to be released soon, has been in constant rotation on many FM stations throughout the East Coast. Congrats! How did this all come about?
LM: Through some serious hard work, major networking… and determination.
AAM: Will you be touring in support of your live album, or wait for a studio release?
LM: The band has a major show schedule coming up over the next 6 months in support of our live album, starting on February 17th as the main support for Winger [in Allentown, Pennsylvania]. Check out upcoming shows at www.lipstickmagazine.net or www.myspace.com/lipstickmagazine. That’s also the best way to keep up with all of our news.
AAM: Are you hoping to be picked up by a label, or, like many artists these days, stay indie and shop for distribution?
LM: The whole band shares the same views on what direction they would like the band to go. Record label, distribution, and being indie have their own benefits and what they can provide to the band and its fan base. We will approach it and get the most from it however it comes to us.
AAM: Do you think today’s technology, things like MySpace, iTunes, free downloads of all kinds, helps the artist? Does it have a positive or negative impact?
LM: Technology is an amazing thing. A band’s MySpace page is basically an electronic press kit, and most management companies and record companies ask for your MySpace link before they ask you to mail them a press kit. So I would say modern technology is positive in that aspect. The only negative aspect of technology is piracy of music, which is not a good thing…
AAM: Where do you see Lipstick Magazine heading in the near future?
LM: We all would like to do music and nothing else. I think we are closing in on our dream. Lipstick Magazine is just in a slow burn right now, ready to combust. I know we love what we do, so the future is large crowds, large rooms, old friends, new friends, and sharing the fire and passion of our music with all who listen.
AAM thanks Lipstick Magazine for the interview, and our staff is looking forward to some Southern California shows (hint, hint). For now, you can listen to them on L.A.’s own Indie 104 (www.iRADIOLA.com). Check out their music and ringtones at www.lipstickmagazine.net and www.myspace.com/lipstickmagazine. There’s also a new street team page for fans at myspace.com/lipstickmagazineteam4fans.
Catch Lipstick Magazine on March 23rd @ The Highline Ballroom in Manhattan, NY opening for Doro Pesch.
