Queen V

LOS ANGELES, September 26, 2013 — QUEEN V is a rocker from New York with a set of lungs that would give any singer a run for their money. Her new album, Decade of Queen V, was released earlier in the summer on Royal Noise Records. Wells On Music recently sat down with Queen V at the Sunset Marquis Hotel before an intimate acoustic show. Queen V discusses first getting into guitar and rock n roll, as well as recording with Lemmy Kilmister from Motörhead and Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine.

Kevin Wells: How old were you when you first picked up a guitar?


Queen V: I was about 14.

KW: Did you know that you would be a musician then or at least that you wanted to be a musician?


V: I knew this was what I wanted to do, but I had been playing piano already at that point. I was just really tired of not being able to play all those rock songs I loved and I couldn’t jump around with a piano. So, I decided maybe I’ll just borrow my brother’s guitar and just kind of figured out some chords and kind of went from there. I always sang and always had a real passion for music, but once the rock n roll bug bites you, it kind of doesn’t let you go.


KW: How did you get into rock n roll?

V: I had older brothers who loved it and my sisters too. They just kind of schooled me on the virtues of what we know now as that first wave of classic rock, you know like that 60s and 70s stuff. Like I said it bit me early on and kind of stayed with me.

KW: Did you have musical parents?

V: My dad’s side is very musical, some on my mom’s. Yeah, everybody plays something in my house. [laughs] It’s mandatory.


KW: How did you get the name Queen V?

V: So, after I picked up a guitar, started forming bands and everything, I hooked up with a producer and we started to create the sound and vision of what is I wanted to do as more of a solo artist. I really had strong feelings about wanting to do something that would not be luke warm, that really went full on the full way through. The Queen V name started kind of as a joke, but it really became like a mantra for a state of mind of like you get out on stage, you leave your guts on stage and really about taking it to the top and taking it full tilt. So, Queen V was a way to challenge myself and deliver the message to people about self-empowerment and kicking ass. That’s a very long answer to a very short question. [laughs] That’s the whole story.

KW: You sing a song with Lemmy on your new album. How did that happen?

V: We were playing at the Viper Room several years back. Lemmy caught a show and liked it and we were introduced by mutual friends and kind of stayed in touch. When it came time to do some more recording and work on new stuff, I had this song I thought he would be perfect on. I just asked him and he said yeah. We ended up of course meeting at the Rainbow one night and drinking and going off on those soulless industry types and the song was born from there. [We] knocked it out in a few hours. He is amazing.


KW: Are the rumors true? Is Lemmy really god?

V: I would say he is definitely god-like. There is lots of god in him. [laughs]

KW: How did Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine end up on the new album?

V: Funnily enough, Tom was there that same night at the Viper Room, just also coincidence. Same, saw the show, stayed in touch, and of course I was a Rage fan so I knew all about his work and everything. The band and I had this one jam that we thought he’d be great for and, again, I just asked him and he obliged. So, yeah, it worked out.

KW: What kind of touring will you be doing to support A Decade of Queen V?

V: We’ve done a bit this summer. The album came out a couple months ago, New York, LA release parties, we’ve done a little bit in between. We’re gonna just keep getting out there. We have an acoustic show tonight, which we are playing some songs from that album. We are going to be in New York in a couple weeks. We’ll be back there playing as part of the CBGB’s festival and also doing another show opening up for Dizzy Reed of Guns n Roses. We’re just bringing it back to the people as much as we can.

KW: You have toured with a number of huge acts, which tour have you enjoyed the most?

V: Wow. I have to say I really enjoyed them all. There are certain moments from each tour that always stand out to me. Portland, which we were talking about before, is one of my favorite places to play. When we got the Billy Idol tour and we did the west coast with him, the second to last night of the tour we played the Roseland and it was one of those magical nights. I got up on stage with them and sang the Mony Mony finale, you know, the whole thing. Something just really clicked for me that night. It’s been really great playing out on the west coast. Being from New York, it sort of opens up your eyes to a whole other type of rock fan. I do love playing out here quite a bit, but of course opening for Bon Jovi at the Meado - Washington Times

LOS ANGELES, September 26, 2013 — QUEEN V is a rocker from New York with a set of lungs that would give any singer a run for their money. Her new album, Decade of Queen V, was released earlier in the summer on Royal Noise Records. Wells On Music recently sat down with Queen V at the Sunset Marquis Hotel before an intimate acoustic show. Queen V discusses first getting into guitar and rock n roll, as well as recording with Lemmy Kilmister from Motörhead and Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine.

Kevin Wells: How old were you when you first picked up a guitar?


Queen V: I was about 14.

KW: Did you know that you would be a musician then or at least that you wanted to be a musician?


V: I knew this was what I wanted to do, but I had been playing piano already at that point. I was just really tired of not being able to play all those rock songs I loved and I couldn’t jump around with a piano. So, I decided maybe I’ll just borrow my brother’s guitar and just kind of figured out some chords and kind of went from there. I always sang and always had a real passion for music, but once the rock n roll bug bites you, it kind of doesn’t let you go.


KW: How did you get into rock n roll?

V: I had older brothers who loved it and my sisters too. They just kind of schooled me on the virtues of what we know now as that first wave of classic rock, you know like that 60s and 70s stuff. Like I said it bit me early on and kind of stayed with me.

KW: Did you have musical parents?

V: My dad’s side is very musical, some on my mom’s. Yeah, everybody plays something in my house. [laughs] It’s mandatory.


KW: How did you get the name Queen V?

V: So, after I picked up a guitar, started forming bands and everything, I hooked up with a producer and we started to create the sound and vision of what is I wanted to do as more of a solo artist. I really had strong feelings about wanting to do something that would not be luke warm, that really went full on the full way through. The Queen V name started kind of as a joke, but it really became like a mantra for a state of mind of like you get out on stage, you leave your guts on stage and really about taking it to the top and taking it full tilt. So, Queen V was a way to challenge myself and deliver the message to people about self-empowerment and kicking ass. That’s a very long answer to a very short question. [laughs] That’s the whole story.

KW: You sing a song with Lemmy on your new album. How did that happen?

V: We were playing at the Viper Room several years back. Lemmy caught a show and liked it and we were introduced by mutual friends and kind of stayed in touch. When it came time to do some more recording and work on new stuff, I had this song I thought he would be perfect on. I just asked him and he said yeah. We ended up of course meeting at the Rainbow one night and drinking and going off on those soulless industry types and the song was born from there. [We] knocked it out in a few hours. He is amazing.


KW: Are the rumors true? Is Lemmy really god?

V: I would say he is definitely god-like. There is lots of god in him. [laughs]

KW: How did Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine end up on the new album?

V: Funnily enough, Tom was there that same night at the Viper Room, just also coincidence. Same, saw the show, stayed in touch, and of course I was a Rage fan so I knew all about his work and everything. The band and I had this one jam that we thought he’d be great for and, again, I just asked him and he obliged. So, yeah, it worked out.

KW: What kind of touring will you be doing to support A Decade of Queen V?

V: We’ve done a bit this summer. The album came out a couple months ago, New York, LA release parties, we’ve done a little bit in between. We’re gonna just keep getting out there. We have an acoustic show tonight, which we are playing some songs from that album. We are going to be in New York in a couple weeks. We’ll be back there playing as part of the CBGB’s festival and also doing another show opening up for Dizzy Reed of Guns n Roses. We’re just bringing it back to the people as much as we can.

KW: You have toured with a number of huge acts, which tour have you enjoyed the most?

V: Wow. I have to say I really enjoyed them all. There are certain moments from each tour that always stand out to me. Portland, which we were talking about before, is one of my favorite places to play. When we got the Billy Idol tour and we did the west coast with him, the second to last night of the tour we played the Roseland and it was one of those magical nights. I got up on stage with them and sang the Mony Mony finale, you know, the whole thing. Something just really clicked for me that night. It’s been really great playing out on the west coast. Being from New York, it sort of opens up your eyes to a whole other type of rock fan. I do love playing out here quite a bit, but of course opening for Bon Jovi at the Meado - Washington Times

Queen V, Star & Dagger, and The Bamboo Kids: 3 Bands You Should Know About But Don't
This is NOT where you will find American Idol or The Voice contestants. This post seeks to highlight some bands and artists that you should know about but don't, because mainstream radio refuses to play good music these days.

What is most tragic about radio these days is there IS great music out there - they just aren't playing it. And as a result, rock'n'roll fans like you and me don't know about it. Until today. I will periodically do a feature where I list some bands you should check out, and each of the bands I'm featuring today will have their own article written about them soon, with Q&A's right from the band members, so stay tuned.

In the meantime, being a teacher, I'm going to give you some fun homework to do. It's really easy - all you have to do is click on the links I give you below and listen. Enjoy. Rock'n'Roll is NOT dead if you don't want it to be. Click "Read More" below and be prepared to have your face melted with real rock'n'roll. Ready? Here we go....

Photo by Kathi Rabil


Queen V


Queen V is a New York based band that keeps it real with their hard hitting rock riffs. Tom Morello and Lemmy can't be wrong: both of the aforementioned heavyweights have recorded with Queen V. They are being featured in October's issue of Guitar World magazine, and have also won the voting battle for a spot on the Jones Beach stop of the Uproar tour, playing on the same bill as Jane's Addiction and Alice in Chains, this weekend (August 18, 2013). Queen V's voice is best described as kick-ass, but go listen for yourself. She's a combination of Joan Jett, Ann Wilson, Shirley Manson, and Blondie. V is also an awesome guitarist. Trust me. Go listen. Do it now. Click on the image above to go to the Queen V website, or on the link below to view the video for "America" from the latest album. Keep your eyes on the blog for a feature and Q&A with Queen V coming soon. - Playing With Chaos

Queen V, Star & Dagger, and The Bamboo Kids: 3 Bands You Should Know About But Don't
This is NOT where you will find American Idol or The Voice contestants. This post seeks to highlight some bands and artists that you should know about but don't, because mainstream radio refuses to play good music these days.

What is most tragic about radio these days is there IS great music out there - they just aren't playing it. And as a result, rock'n'roll fans like you and me don't know about it. Until today. I will periodically do a feature where I list some bands you should check out, and each of the bands I'm featuring today will have their own article written about them soon, with Q&A's right from the band members, so stay tuned.

In the meantime, being a teacher, I'm going to give you some fun homework to do. It's really easy - all you have to do is click on the links I give you below and listen. Enjoy. Rock'n'Roll is NOT dead if you don't want it to be. Click "Read More" below and be prepared to have your face melted with real rock'n'roll. Ready? Here we go....

Photo by Kathi Rabil


Queen V


Queen V is a New York based band that keeps it real with their hard hitting rock riffs. Tom Morello and Lemmy can't be wrong: both of the aforementioned heavyweights have recorded with Queen V. They are being featured in October's issue of Guitar World magazine, and have also won the voting battle for a spot on the Jones Beach stop of the Uproar tour, playing on the same bill as Jane's Addiction and Alice in Chains, this weekend (August 18, 2013). Queen V's voice is best described as kick-ass, but go listen for yourself. She's a combination of Joan Jett, Ann Wilson, Shirley Manson, and Blondie. V is also an awesome guitarist. Trust me. Go listen. Do it now. Click on the image above to go to the Queen V website, or on the link below to view the video for "America" from the latest album. Keep your eyes on the blog for a feature and Q&A with Queen V coming soon. - Playing With Chaos

Listen up! If you haven’t already heard of QUEEN V, then this is a band that should be on your radar! Led by fierce frontwoman V, the New York-based group formed in 1996 and hassince been working hard to build a strong local following while thoughtfully refining its sound and image, and readying for the next stage in the evolution of its career. In addition to gigging regularly in the Big Apple, QUEEN V has been performing in cities across the country, winning over new audiences, and generating an industry buzz. Of course, the Internet has also been key in helping to spread the word.

QUEEN V’s latest release, The Decade of QUEEN V, is a collection of catchy and powerful anthems rooted in classic rock that are sure to grab your attention. The first two tracks, "Revolution Baby" and ,i>"America", will instantly draw you in. The album’s new single, "Cry Your Eyes Out", has just hit the airwaves along with a video.

When we caught up with the Queen herself, she was hanging outbackstage at the Mayhem Festival in Pittsburgh, PA. V was scheduled to play her own gig in the Steel City the following day, so she was enjoying a fun day of rocking and relaxing with her comrades, and we were grateful to her for taking time to chat with KNAC.COM. V was anxious to fill us in on the details of her new release, tell us how the tracks were compiled, and give us a heads up on what we can look forward to hearing from QUEEN V.

KNAC.COM: Everyone at KNAC.COM who has heard the record is hooked! Tell us how you got started and when you became interested in playing music. What inspired you early on?

V: I started on piano when I was five and shortly after that I started singing in front of the mirror, like everybody else. I did some musical theater, but I didn’t pick up a guitar until I was 15. I borrowed my older brother’s guitar and I just wanted to jump around and play those great rock songs that I knew and loved. From there it was the usual story — I started a band, tried to find my voice, and developed my vision of what you see as QUEEN V.

Early on I was exposed to bands like QUEEN and THE WHO. I had older brothers who schooled me on the virtues of rock — what we know now as classic rock. But I also love Pat Benatar, Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett, Tom Petty, LED ZEPPELIN, and the list goes on and on. It’s those real rock bands that knew how to write a song — not only lyrics, but write music that had that power behind it. That left a mark on me and I’ve never really gotten over it.

KNAC.COM: Have your influences changed much over time?


Photo By Steve Prue
V: Well, I think those bands still mean to me what they did back then, but of course, there are other bands that have come along since then. I loved bands like NIRVANA, FOO FIGHTERS and PEARL JAM. Nowadays I have this crazy thing for Grace Potter, and FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS. So it’s definitely a diverse rock collection that I listen to. But there’s nothing like the classics that you grew up with.

KNAC.COM: Were those the same influences for both songwriting and guitar playing?

V: Not necessarily. If you listen to a band like LED ZEPPELIN, VAN HALEN or AC/DC, those are bands that give you examples of the riff — those great guitar riffs. I think that influenced me more than anything else guitar-wise, I always wanted to be like Malcolm Young. I always wanted to be the rhythm guitar player playing those cool rhythm riffs. I leave the lead playing to the other guys in the band or the musicians on my crazy pirate ship. As a lead vocalist I feel like I have enough to do. So I leave them with the other duties. But guitarists Jimmy Page and Eddie Van Halen just blew my mind, and I’m always looking for great guitar players to play with and learn from.

KNAC.COM: And you have had the opportunity to record and perform with some truly great guitar players as well! Tell us about some of them.

V: Tom Morello is on the album. He’s amazing! I’ve also worked with Vernon Reid, who is a tremendous voice in rock, and Steve Stevens, who is also an amazing player. It’s been quite an education! Recording-wise, that pretty much touches on some of the names that are more well known, but I can tell you that some of the guys that played on my album whom you might not know are second to none. Tristan Avakian played on the album and hands down, he is one of my favorite guitar players of all time! Tony Lewis also plays on my album and he’s an amazing rhythm player. The whole group of people assembled to make this album is amazing. If you read the liner notes, you’ll see that it’s quite a cast of characters.

KNAC.COM: I read an interview where you talked about your experience opening for TWISTED SISTER in New York. As New Yorkers ourselves, we both know how a tough New York audience can be — people stand in front of the stage with their arms crossed, waiting for you to prove that you’re worthy of their attention. And female musicians are often judg - KNAC

The rock world can now bow down to Queen V with the release of The Decade Of Queen V.

Filled with one blistering hard rocker after another, featuring the tough yet soulful, passionate and empowered vocals of Queen V, backed by an army of guitar slingers (including herself), The Decade Of Queen V encompasses her recorded output from 2005 to 2013.

“Calling myself Queen V was a way to challenge myself to really raise the game and try to hold my own with the people who I respect so much: bands like Queen, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, The Pretenders, Led Zeppelin, and David Bowie. And, of course, being a female rocker, there are inherent challenges as rock is a bit of a boy’s club…but I definitely like to hang out and hold my own with the fellas,” she says.

The album opens with “Revolution Baby” (2009) where Queen V snarls “if you think you own me, go to hell,” complete with a Led Zeppelin-styled blues-harp by Jon Paris, and ends with “Wasted” (2009), an anthem-for-the-ages co-written by Motorhead’s Lemmy who shares vocal duties with V.

Other highlights on the album include the brand new “Cry Your Eyes Out,” the gutsy “My Machine (2009), which features a burning lead guitar solo by Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), and the deeply moving “Right Or Wrong” (2005). The 11 tracks on The Decade Of Queen V show that V is not only a fierce Rock ‘N’ Roll siren, but also a nuanced and varied songwriter, able to traverse a diverse range of emotions.

This collection of songs spanning Queen V’s career are solid, strong, and powerful. “I’ve always believed that it’s about songwriting,” she says. “You can color and flavor music any way you want but it has to start with good songs.”

Thanks for taking time out for this, it’s great to catch up! How are things going?

Everything is great – just released a new album Decade Of Queen V. It covers a span of the past few years of this amazing journey I’ve been on and all the key stops along the way, represented by the songs. The band is doing great.

It’s cool to see a record that captures the songs and all the different emotions of your entire career.

It’s basically everything we’ve done – a crash course in the last ten years! (laughs)

Our very first interview was just over ten years ago. You had just done a few shows with Twisted Sister. I would imagine nothing could prepare you for a decade of rock n’ roll like playing for a Twisted Sister crowd!

That is correct! (laughs) That was my first opportunity to play in front of such a large crowd. To be such a huge Twisted Sister fan, that was amazing. It was a huge turning point. Not just for me but for the band and the whole direction of where we were going.

Not that you’ve ever lacked confidence, but playing to a crowd like that had to be a kick in the pants.

It definitely felt like your first day in high school, awkward and not really sure. The more you do it the more confident you become. The Twisted Sister fans have been great to us. Some still show up at our concerts. Those fans are very loyal and you can’t say enough good things about them.

Let’s jump back a little. Tell me about your work in musical theater and how that evolved into Queen V.

When I was a kid I started out on piano. I had older siblings who schooled me on the virtues of rock – bands like Queen, Led Zeppelin and The Who. Musical theater I fell into as a kid. I felt really comfortable there and I knew that was a place I wanted to be and spend my life working and performing. I learned quite a bit from that and years later playing with a band on stage some of that still has an influence but I’ve always been a great admirer of bands like Queen or someone like Freddie Mercury. He was an amazing musician but a hell of a performer, too.

Do you remember hearing a certain song or artist that made you realize music is what you wanted to pursue?

I remember seeing Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock & Roll” video. I was literally a little kid but I thought if she could do it so could I. It was like seeing Wonder Woman up there. Or seeing someone like Pat Benatar singing “Fire & Ice” or something like that. It was about being a woman and being strong but being a kickass musician as well.

As you grew into Queen V, it had to be inspirational to come up in New York and be surrounded by all those legendary clubs.

Being around New York, especially in the late 90s and early 2000s was a special time. There was some really seminal clubs that were still in existence – clubs like CBGBs, Don Hills, and places like Brownies, Coney Island High or Continental. It really gave you a sense of not only being a part of history but being a part of the scene there. There were so many places to play, so many bands. Now a lot of that has moved out to Williamsburg. The rock fans are still there and that gritty New York rock sound hasn’t really gone away.

Let’s talk about the new album. It covers your material from the beginning all the wa - Rock Confidential

New York City, when it comes to breeding metal acts, always has a tougher sound than the west coast glam and glitz; look at Twisted Sister, Dream Theater, Prong, Virgin Steel, Riot, etc…, these are bands that played louder and harder than any Sunset Strip act, not fooling around with any desperate poser imagery; even KISS, Ronnie James Dio, & Blue Oyster Cult started in the big apple; plus you can’t deny that The Ramones & Anthrax absorbed the city’s rough and tumble atmosphere and have always brought out the best of it in their music.

NYC has also given us Queen V, a rock goddess that doesn’t adhere to any dubstep bullshit or GaGa garbage; she peratins to the riff ripping guitar slinging rock and roll all around, tough as nails breeding an Alter Bridge-meets-Pat Benetar-meets-Airbourne sound while even paralleling new traditionalists Black Star Riders & Scorpion Child with her fiery vocals (similar to those of Scandal’s Patty Smyth) and piss & vinegar attitude to match. Songwriting is all over the place, shedding any mnotanous substance to giveth an abundance hook laden moments which engulf the record, running through straightforward rockers “Continental” & “Die For You,” with more emotion sung out on ballads “Cry for a Minute” & “Good Enough,” as the latter possesses a hallowed vibe all over the dark demeanor. With the energy that Queen V executes allover Decade…, you can hear that she is a long player that is here to stay. - Ytsejam.com

New York City, when it comes to breeding metal acts, always has a tougher sound than the west coast glam and glitz; look at Twisted Sister, Dream Theater, Prong, Virgin Steel, Riot, etc…, these are bands that played louder and harder than any Sunset Strip act, not fooling around with any desperate poser imagery; even KISS, Ronnie James Dio, & Blue Oyster Cult started in the big apple; plus you can’t deny that The Ramones & Anthrax absorbed the city’s rough and tumble atmosphere and have always brought out the best of it in their music.

NYC has also given us Queen V, a rock goddess that doesn’t adhere to any dubstep bullshit or GaGa garbage; she peratins to the riff ripping guitar slinging rock and roll all around, tough as nails breeding an Alter Bridge-meets-Pat Benetar-meets-Airbourne sound while even paralleling new traditionalists Black Star Riders & Scorpion Child with her fiery vocals (similar to those of Scandal’s Patty Smyth) and piss & vinegar attitude to match. Songwriting is all over the place, shedding any mnotanous substance to giveth an abundance hook laden moments which engulf the record, running through straightforward rockers “Continental” & “Die For You,” with more emotion sung out on ballads “Cry for a Minute” & “Good Enough,” as the latter possesses a hallowed vibe all over the dark demeanor. With the energy that Queen V executes allover Decade…, you can hear that she is a long player that is here to stay. - Ytsejam.com

It’s simply impossible to listen to everything or everyone that creates music. I didn’t discover Queen V until a few weeks ago when a publicist sent me the album. Queen V’s new album titled The Decade of arrived and I popped it for its inaugural spin.
2013 Royal Noise

2013 Royal Noise

What I heard was an in-your-face, no frills rock ‘n’ roll band that took me back to the early days of Joan Jett. While the comparison to Jett might not be completely fair to Queen V–let’s face it, Jett is a legend–still I feel like Queen V can live up to Jett’s reputation. She simply needs the break and the buzz will spread with songs like “Revolution Baby,” “Million to One,” “Die for You” and “Wasted,” which was not only co-penned with Lemmy Kilmister but features his vocals as well.

Can you imagine how floored I was when I realized that The Decade of is essentially a “best of” compilation with a couple new tunes along with the best of the best from Queen V’s back catalog? Well, I suppose I have to scour the internet for her past work but in the meantime if you’re a fan of catchy melodic, female fronted rock with huge choruses and loud, aggressive electric guitars, seek this album out. You will not be disappointed in the least. - Oregon Music News

A variety of NJ-born artists have poured out of the Garden State to achieve national success and win over the hearts of countless fans. Montclair native Queen V has done just that in her long tenure in the music industry and is now coming back to her home turf to perform at Dingbatz in Clifton on July 26 at 8 p.m. The brass knuckle punch of Queen V’s debut album, The Decade Of Queen V, is sure to turn heads and shatter eardrums, as the female-fronted ensemble take to the stage and remind us that good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll is alive and well. - The Aquarian Weekly

From the third-floor window in her house on North Mountain Avenue, young Veronica Stigeler could see the Manhattan skyline.

Every now and then, she and friends from Montclair High School - Class of 1990 - would skip school to soak up the energy at Canal Jeans in the Village. "The city was Mecca for me," said Stigeler.

Today that city is home to the fierce rocker called Queen V. She's opened for Metallica, as well as Billy Idol, Twisted Sister and Metallica, and Bon Jovi.

Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello and Motorhead's Lemmy (Ian Fraser "Lemmy" Kilmister) both appear on her retrospective CD "The Decade of Queen V," which came out in June. Lemmy co-wrote the 2009 song "Wasted."

Yet while appearing at New York clubs such as CBGB, Don Hill's, and The Palladium launched her career, the Jersey girl loves to play in her native state. Queen V plays QueenVatDingbatz, 620 Van Houten Ave., Clifton, tomorrow night, Friday, July 26, at 8.

"I'm really looking forward to the show," said Queen V. "I have friends from Montclair who will come out. The city is very intense, with a certain amount of grit. It's very exciting. In New Jersey, things are a little calmer, which is wonderful."

Make no mistake, Queen V doesn't create emo, waif songs about love and loss. Her songs are hard-driving, in-yer-face rock-and-roll that often has a political edge. Think AC/DC meets Pat Benatar. Queen V's sultry soprano seems to attack, alternately biting and caressing her lyrics, and her muscular guitar licks push the music into a combat zone.

BECOMING A ROCKER

Becoming a musician was something she wanted to do since she was very little, Queen V told The Montclair Times.

"One of the great things about growing up in Montclair was the school system and the arts program. I got to figure out that I enjoy being onstage and that I like performing," she said. In addition to taking piano lessons and singing in the school chorus, she performed in a revue of Broadway shows at Hillside Elementary School at age 8. Her four older siblings "schooled me on the virtues of rock-and-roll," she said. Led Zeppelin, The Who, Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac, and the Rolling Stones were all on her headphones.

And seeing her idols in person at the Meadowlands and at Madison Square Garden changed her life. "Seeing Metallica a couple of times at the end of my high school career left such an impression on me. How it felt to be listening to this music live ... I would just weep because I wanted to be onstage so bad. It was like a religious experience," she said.

At Drew University in Madison, where she studied sociology and women's studies, Queen V formed her first rock band, and scored a rock musical about a woman with ovarian cancer.

"It's not the usual subject matter," she said with a laugh. "For me, the personal is political. It's about how something affects me individually."

The name "Queen V," chosen in 1996, connected her with the rap world, and in the male-dominated realm of heavy metal, calling herself a queen was also a way for Queen V to announce herself to the world.

LOOKING BACK AND FORWARD

The 11 tracks on "The Decade of Queen V" span her career from 2005 to 2013. The album's title also refers to the decade to come, she said. The song "Cry Your Eyes Out" is brand new. Several of the older songs have been reimagined, she said.

For example, Queen V's 2003 song "America" was written as "a call to the people, to rock fans. Rock wasn't in vogue in that moment. It was to us, but in the music magazines it was a little out of favor." Then talk show host and political comedian Bill Maher picked it up for the teaser reel for the 10th anniversary of his HBO show "Real Time with Bill Maher" in 2011.

The 2005 song "Right or Wrong" also expanded its meaning over time. After it won a fan contest on XM Satellite radio in 2005, Queen V opened for Bon Jovi in the Meadowlands. Today the song connects to larger issues than the more personal ones that inspired it. In the autumn, Queen V will release a new video for the song, depicting a veteran coming home from war, and filmed at the Pennsylvania State Headquarters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Harrisburg, she said.

The video connects to Queen V's work with Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, a group she became attracted to because her father and brother are veterans, she said. IAVA provides a network of social support for veterans, and advocates for veterans' benefits, said Queen V.
One song that she said always gets a huge reaction is the quieter "Cry for a Minute." It reflects "the struggle about hanging in there, when things don't make sense, and you feel like you're damned if you do and damned - The Montclair Times

Ladies and gentleman, all hail her highness, Queen V. For those rock and roll purists that haven’t yet heard the music of this heroine of hard rock, the New York based artist and her band mates are sure to impress with the new release, The Decade of Queen V. This eleven track singles collection tracks the band’s now decade-long career together. With any luck, the release of this brand new compilation will generate enough interest in Queen V to see her previous releases including her debut EP, Critical. There is not one bad track on this compilation, which is a rare feat for a “hits” collection; this is especially rare considering that the band has flown just below the mainstream radar throughout the first ten years of its time together.

The first of the classic songs on this compilation, ‘Revolution Baby’ will instantly conjure thoughts of Joan Jett and Lita Ford with her gritty vocal style and hard driving music. Her defiance as she sings lines such as: “You’ve got yours and I want mine”, “I’ve got every reason/to waste me time/Revolution baby/If you think you own me/Go to hell” is the mark of a strong confident woman who could care less about the reputation of the rock industry being marked as a man’s world. The inclusion of this song as the compilation’s opener is simply put, a reminder of that confidence to first time listeners of her music. The musical backing is just as solid as Queen V’s own vocals. The bluesy harmonica backing wouldn’t seem to go with the harder guitars and drums. But somehow it all melds nicely together to make a perfect introduction for first timers and re-introduction for those that might have otherwise forgotten about her and her band mates.

The energy doesn’t let up at all on the compilation’s next song, ‘America.’ This is pure, guitar-driven hard rock at its absolute finest. The guitar solos are there. The energy is there from each one of the band’s members. And one can so easily close one’s eyes and imagine the band on stage, Queen V up front, fist in the air as she screams, “America/Can you hear me?” What is most intriguing and interesting about the song is not so much it’s lyrical content, but its slow boil style. It starts hard enough. But audiences will notice how the song seems to build, musically increasingly with each verse until it all explodes with a massive guitar solo at the song’s end with Queen V hitting some of the highest notes of any female rocker of any era. It’s like hearing Janis Joplin if she were a hard rocker, for lack of better comparison when she hits those high notes. No doubt, long-time fans will appreciate all of this. And first-time listeners will be just as impressed with the talents exhibited here by the entire band.

Not all of the songs on Queen V’s new compilation are older pieces. She also includes a newer piece in ‘My Machine’ that features none other than Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave, The Watchman, Street Sweeper Social Club). Morello sounds as strong as ever with his guitar wizardry. As bizarre as this may seem, but the way that Queen V intros the song, bring about thoughts of John Lee Hooker. It’s that familiar opening of “ha, ha, ha, ha.” John Lee Hooker fans will get the reference. It might not have been entirely purposeful. But it’s a nice touch to the song. And it only gets more intense from here. The intensity developed throughout the compilation’s sequence of songs is right here, too.

There is so much that could be written on Queen V. But suffice it to say that whether for the songs noted here, or the compilation’s others, including its closer—which was co-written by and features none other than Lemmy Kilmister (Motorhead) on vocals—or any of the album’s other outstanding works, this compilation is an absolute must have for any hard rock purist. Fans can catch the songs from this brand new release and even more of the band’s hits tonight when the band takes the stage at the Thunderbird Café in Pittsburgh, PA. The band will be in Clifton, New Jersey on July 26th. The Decade of Queen V is available now in stores and online. It can be ordered direct online from the Queen V website at http://www.queenv.com/web/?product=the-decade-of-queen-v-cd-pre-order or via iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-decade-of-queen-v/id662842188. Audiences can find out more about the band’s live schedule and all of the latest news and more from the band online at http://www.facebook.com/officialQueenV, http://www.queenv.com, http://twitter.com/theQueenV, and http://www.reverbnation.com/queenv. - Phil's Picks

Rock 'n' roll vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Queen V will unleash a blistering barrage of hard rock on Friday, May 10, at Dingbatz, 620 Van Houten Ave., with Big Hair Daze and Trailer Park Mafia at 11 p.m. Queen V, who is a denizen of New York's underground scene, has toured with such heavy hitters as Billy Idol, Twisted Sister, and Corey Taylor. Leading up to the June 2013 release of new album The Decade Of Queen V, the band will be hitting up a few East Coast clubs throughout the spring. The album is steeped in searing vocals, sizzling guitar work, and strong melodies. Rebellious and rugged while passionate and powerful, Queen V's sound can be summed up in the first line of Decade's opener: "Revolution, baby, that's my sound." - See more at: http://www.northjersey.com/arts_entertainment/music/206879861_Hard_rock_at_Dingbatz.html#sthash.7sB4ql7Y.dpuf - NorthJersey.com

Rock 'n' roll vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Queen V will unleash a blistering barrage of hard rock on Friday, May 10, at Dingbatz, 620 Van Houten Ave., with Big Hair Daze and Trailer Park Mafia at 11 p.m. Queen V, who is a denizen of New York's underground scene, has toured with such heavy hitters as Billy Idol, Twisted Sister, and Corey Taylor. Leading up to the June 2013 release of new album The Decade Of Queen V, the band will be hitting up a few East Coast clubs throughout the spring. The album is steeped in searing vocals, sizzling guitar work, and strong melodies. Rebellious and rugged while passionate and powerful, Queen V's sound can be summed up in the first line of Decade's opener: "Revolution, baby, that's my sound." - See more at: http://www.northjersey.com/arts_entertainment/music/206879861_Hard_rock_at_Dingbatz.html#sthash.7sB4ql7Y.dpuf - NorthJersey.com

As "The Decade of Queen V" comes marching in (quite literally the opening of "Revolution Baby" features, for lack of a better descriptive term, "battle drums") you can't help but find yourself caught up in the pageantry that is this career-spanning collection. Covering Queen V's career from 2005 to 2013 this compilation is jam-packed with track after track of blissful hard rock! Forget for a second (if one can) the stunning, soulful and sensual lead vocals of Queen V herself and just focus in on the music itself. You've got the brand new cut "Cry Your Eyes Out" which should be on every radio rock station from coast to coast here in the states to all over Europe and beyond. That would be if this was a just world. With guest musicians like Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine) lending lead guitar solos to tracks like "My Machine" (from 2009) and Lemmy himself stopping by to lend co-writing credits and vocals on "Wasted" (also from 2009) it's hard to find a weak moment within these 11-tracks. Whether it's the self-reflective rock of cuts like "Good Enough" and "Right or Wrong" (both of which find emotions running wild) or the blues-rock/hard rock crunch of "Continental" (which actually opens with a sample of what sounds like a Speak and Spell (I should know as we had one in our household!) this collection of career-defining moments is damn near perfect. There's plenty of tracks here for hard rock fanatics to sink their teeth into.There's the Guns N' Roses-styled "Million To One", the beefed-up AC/DC on steroids rocker "Die For You" and the Led Zeppelin-like "Revolution Baby" (which incidentally features blues-harp by legendary blues-rocker Jon Paris!). Things do slow down with "Cry For A Minute", but when you're treated to Queen V's softer side it's hard to find room to complain. "Cry For A Minute" shows off one of Queen V's influences as it's very much in vogue with something The Pretenders would release. Other influences such as David Bowie, Queen and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts do stop in for a quick drink, but overall Queen V puts her own stamp of originally on numbers like "My Machine" so nothing here ever sounds like a carbon-copy of other artists/bands. Given the fact that Queen V is also a talented guitarist it's hard to fathom why she's not more of a household name. Wouldn't it be nice if instead of being bombarded by the same old (supposedly empowered) women on the radio day after day (whether we're talking about Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Ke$ha or however) we could actually have a real strong women like Queen V represent? Yeah, it's a pipe-dream I know, but I'd rather see young women (my 15 year old daughter) latch on to someone like Queen V who is a real musician then some of the crap (Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga) that passes as "music" these days. Oh well and hell, it is what it is. My soapbox rant aside, this collection really is a near perfect 11-track affair and, while I've never considered doing this before, it might just end up on my best of 2013 list at the year's end! Yes, it's that fine of a collection and no, I'm not blinded by the fact that Lemmy appears of the last track. I'd actually still love this collection even if Motörhead's main-man didn't appear on one of the songs...it just might be a little less love is all LOL! - Heavy Metal Time Machine

As "The Decade of Queen V" comes marching in (quite literally the opening of "Revolution Baby" features, for lack of a better descriptive term, "battle drums") you can't help but find yourself caught up in the pageantry that is this career-spanning collection. Covering Queen V's career from 2005 to 2013 this compilation is jam-packed with track after track of blissful hard rock! Forget for a second (if one can) the stunning, soulful and sensual lead vocals of Queen V herself and just focus in on the music itself. You've got the brand new cut "Cry Your Eyes Out" which should be on every radio rock station from coast to coast here in the states to all over Europe and beyond. That would be if this was a just world. With guest musicians like Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine) lending lead guitar solos to tracks like "My Machine" (from 2009) and Lemmy himself stopping by to lend co-writing credits and vocals on "Wasted" (also from 2009) it's hard to find a weak moment within these 11-tracks. Whether it's the self-reflective rock of cuts like "Good Enough" and "Right or Wrong" (both of which find emotions running wild) or the blues-rock/hard rock crunch of "Continental" (which actually opens with a sample of what sounds like a Speak and Spell (I should know as we had one in our household!) this collection of career-defining moments is damn near perfect. There's plenty of tracks here for hard rock fanatics to sink their teeth into.There's the Guns N' Roses-styled "Million To One", the beefed-up AC/DC on steroids rocker "Die For You" and the Led Zeppelin-like "Revolution Baby" (which incidentally features blues-harp by legendary blues-rocker Jon Paris!). Things do slow down with "Cry For A Minute", but when you're treated to Queen V's softer side it's hard to find room to complain. "Cry For A Minute" shows off one of Queen V's influences as it's very much in vogue with something The Pretenders would release. Other influences such as David Bowie, Queen and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts do stop in for a quick drink, but overall Queen V puts her own stamp of originally on numbers like "My Machine" so nothing here ever sounds like a carbon-copy of other artists/bands. Given the fact that Queen V is also a talented guitarist it's hard to fathom why she's not more of a household name. Wouldn't it be nice if instead of being bombarded by the same old (supposedly empowered) women on the radio day after day (whether we're talking about Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Ke$ha or however) we could actually have a real strong women like Queen V represent? Yeah, it's a pipe-dream I know, but I'd rather see young women (my 15 year old daughter) latch on to someone like Queen V who is a real musician then some of the crap (Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga) that passes as "music" these days. Oh well and hell, it is what it is. My soapbox rant aside, this collection really is a near perfect 11-track affair and, while I've never considered doing this before, it might just end up on my best of 2013 list at the year's end! Yes, it's that fine of a collection and no, I'm not blinded by the fact that Lemmy appears of the last track. I'd actually still love this collection even if Motörhead's main-man didn't appear on one of the songs...it just might be a little less love is all LOL! - Heavy Metal Time Machine

CD REVIEW: THE DECADE OF QUEEN V by Queen V
(Royal Noise Records)

All hail the Queen! Queen V, that is. 'The Decade Of Queen V' the new release from feme fatal to rocker, Queen V. is loaded with enough rock and roll dynamite to level a city block ten times over. The songs span Queen V’s career with songs that are strong and rock solid! I kid you not, you can't play this album loud enough. The old saying "Don't judge a book by it's cover" definitely applies here. An unfortunate axiom in music history is that rock music has been and perhaps always will be a "All Boys Club" dominated scene. That's not to say there haven't been any notable females in the history of rock music, but few of them were ever fully embraced. I'm here to tell you that Queen V is the real rock and roll deal. What makes this recording a remarkable listen is that it manages to run the gamut of emotions through the course of only eleven songs. All you have to do is hit play and listen. From the opening note of the rocking, "Revolution Baby" Queen V will have your undivided attention. The same can be said about the next three tracks, the lead off single, "America", "Cry Your Eyes Out" and the guitar driven mover, "Good Enough". It just gets better from there with the ballsy “My Machine, which features Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine on guitar and the album closer, the party rock anthem, "Wasted", a song written by Lemmy from Motorhead, which he sings on along with Queen V. There’s a reason why rock royalty like Lemmy and Tom Morello wanted to lend their talents on this album. They recognized that this lady is an amazing talent and can deliver the rock and roll goods! Talk about getting a stamp of approval! I mentioned earlier that rock music may be considered an "All Boys Club", after listening to 'A Decade Of Queen V.', there is no doubt in my mind that Queen V. could give the gents a run for their money! If you don't have Queen V. in your collection of rock music you haven't even started one yet. - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser @The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine - Dedicated Rocker Society

Through the past 10 years, Queen V has demonstrated one thing consistently -- she rocks. In the male-dominated world of guitar-driven rock, Queen V has more than held her own, winning over tough audiences opening for the likes of Twisted Sister and Billy Idol. The best of her recorded work from the past decade makes up the new CD, Queen V -- The Decade of Queen V.

The CD opens with 2009's "Revolution Baby," which starts with a military march and showcases Queen V's gritty voice, which is not unlike Joan Jett's or her former Runaways band mate, Lita Ford's. Gang vocals make up the big arena rock chorus and the song includes some fine blues harp from Jon Paris.

On "Cry Your Eyes Out," a new song on this compilation, Queen V mixes a Police-inspired jangly guitar intro with power chords in the chorus. The song is more pop than some of the others, but still has an edge to it. "Good Enough" is a ballad that uses the loud-soft-loud technique found on so many modern recordings and showcases a fine vocal from Queen V.

Most of the tracks featured though are high-energy rockers. "Million To One" is a blistering track with ferocious lead guitar to match the vocals while "Die For You" mixes a nasty, wah-infused guitar intro over a strong riff. It's an aggressive rocker and one of the better tracks on the disc.

Special guests feature on two of the tracks. Rage Against The Machine's Tom Morello lends his unique guitar tones to 2009's "My Machine," a modern take on the ZZ Top boogie while Lemmy Kilmister co-wrote and shares vocal duties on the album closer, "Wasted," a song that sounds as much Motorhead as Queen V.

Queen V -- The Decade of Queen V is an excellent introduction to her high-octane brand of rock and roll. Not too many people rock like this anymore, but Queen V certainly brings it in this fine collection.
- Blinded By Sound

Through the past 10 years, Queen V has demonstrated one thing consistently -- she rocks. In the male-dominated world of guitar-driven rock, Queen V has more than held her own, winning over tough audiences opening for the likes of Twisted Sister and Billy Idol. The best of her recorded work from the past decade makes up the new CD, Queen V -- The Decade of Queen V.

The CD opens with 2009's "Revolution Baby," which starts with a military march and showcases Queen V's gritty voice, which is not unlike Joan Jett's or her former Runaways band mate, Lita Ford's. Gang vocals make up the big arena rock chorus and the song includes some fine blues harp from Jon Paris.

On "Cry Your Eyes Out," a new song on this compilation, Queen V mixes a Police-inspired jangly guitar intro with power chords in the chorus. The song is more pop than some of the others, but still has an edge to it. "Good Enough" is a ballad that uses the loud-soft-loud technique found on so many modern recordings and showcases a fine vocal from Queen V.

Most of the tracks featured though are high-energy rockers. "Million To One" is a blistering track with ferocious lead guitar to match the vocals while "Die For You" mixes a nasty, wah-infused guitar intro over a strong riff. It's an aggressive rocker and one of the better tracks on the disc.

Special guests feature on two of the tracks. Rage Against The Machine's Tom Morello lends his unique guitar tones to 2009's "My Machine," a modern take on the ZZ Top boogie while Lemmy Kilmister co-wrote and shares vocal duties on the album closer, "Wasted," a song that sounds as much Motorhead as Queen V.

Queen V -- The Decade of Queen V is an excellent introduction to her high-octane brand of rock and roll. Not too many people rock like this anymore, but Queen V certainly brings it in this fine collection.
- Blinded By Sound

Queen V at Tammany Hall
Born and bred in Montclair, New Jersey, the woman who calls herself Queen V began showcasing her songs at New York clubs including CBGBs, Don Hill’s and the Bitter End. With her band, which also became known as Queen V in 1996, she landed some challenging opportunities, opening for Twisted Sister on Long Island, Bon Jovi in New Jersey, and Billy Idol in New York and along the West Coast. Through gigs at the Viper Room in Los Angeles, she gained fans in Lemmy Kilmeister of Motorhead and Tom Morello of Rage against the Machine, both of whom contributed to her new album, The Decade of Queen V. Queen V celebrated the release of the new album with a performance party at Tammany Hall tonight.

At Tammany Hall tonight, Queen V rocked – and I mean really rocked. The band rocked so hard and so well that I wondered why I had never heard of Queen V before this gig. In an era where the spotlight on rock often is thrown to indie rockers and rappers, Queen V provided the antithesis – a classic rock sound performed masterfully. Each song was punctuated by strong and passionate vocals, frequently stinging guitar leads, a powerful rhythm section and lots of rock and roll swagger and attitude. Think of other female-fronted classic rock bands, like Heart, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and Pat Benatar, and know that Queen V rocks harder, on a level approaching newer bands like Paramore, Flyleaf and Hunter Valentine. Given the exposure, Queen V will stand the test and impress large rock audiences. - The Manhattan Beat

Queen V at Tammany Hall
Born and bred in Montclair, New Jersey, the woman who calls herself Queen V began showcasing her songs at New York clubs including CBGBs, Don Hill’s and the Bitter End. With her band, which also became known as Queen V in 1996, she landed some challenging opportunities, opening for Twisted Sister on Long Island, Bon Jovi in New Jersey, and Billy Idol in New York and along the West Coast. Through gigs at the Viper Room in Los Angeles, she gained fans in Lemmy Kilmeister of Motorhead and Tom Morello of Rage against the Machine, both of whom contributed to her new album, The Decade of Queen V. Queen V celebrated the release of the new album with a performance party at Tammany Hall tonight.

At Tammany Hall tonight, Queen V rocked – and I mean really rocked. The band rocked so hard and so well that I wondered why I had never heard of Queen V before this gig. In an era where the spotlight on rock often is thrown to indie rockers and rappers, Queen V provided the antithesis – a classic rock sound performed masterfully. Each song was punctuated by strong and passionate vocals, frequently stinging guitar leads, a powerful rhythm section and lots of rock and roll swagger and attitude. Think of other female-fronted classic rock bands, like Heart, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and Pat Benatar, and know that Queen V rocks harder, on a level approaching newer bands like Paramore, Flyleaf and Hunter Valentine. Given the exposure, Queen V will stand the test and impress large rock audiences. - The Manhattan Beat

ALL HAIL THE QUEEN!

On June 25, the rock world will bow down to Queen V, with the release of new album The Decade Of Queen V on Royal Noise Records. Fronted by powerhouse frontwoman Queen V, who is a denizen of New York's underground scene, the band churns out melodic rock infused with emotionally-charged songwriting and empowered, soulful-yet-tough vocals. The Decade Of Queen V boasts a diverse range of songs, from the burning gusto of "My Machine" (featuring Tom Morello), to the anthemic "Wasted" (with vocal assists by Lemmy), to the deep impassioned "Right Or Wrong." Rebellious and rugged while passionate and powerful, Queen V's sound can be summed up in the first line of Decade's opener: "Revolution, baby, that's my sound."

Check out this exclusive of Queen V's video "Cry Your Eyes Out." She and the band do rock. - HuffingtonPost.com

ALL HAIL THE QUEEN!

On June 25, the rock world will bow down to Queen V, with the release of new album The Decade Of Queen V on Royal Noise Records. Fronted by powerhouse frontwoman Queen V, who is a denizen of New York's underground scene, the band churns out melodic rock infused with emotionally-charged songwriting and empowered, soulful-yet-tough vocals. The Decade Of Queen V boasts a diverse range of songs, from the burning gusto of "My Machine" (featuring Tom Morello), to the anthemic "Wasted" (with vocal assists by Lemmy), to the deep impassioned "Right Or Wrong." Rebellious and rugged while passionate and powerful, Queen V's sound can be summed up in the first line of Decade's opener: "Revolution, baby, that's my sound."

Check out this exclusive of Queen V's video "Cry Your Eyes Out." She and the band do rock. - HuffingtonPost.com

Today, GuitarWorld.com presents the exclusive premiere of a new music video by New York City's Queen V.

The song, “Cry Your Eyes Out,” is featured on Queen V's new album, The Decade Of Queen V, which will be released Tuesday, June 25, through Royal Noise Records.

From “My Machine” (featuring Tom Morello), to “Wasted” (with vocal assists by Lemmy) to “Right Or Wrong,” this is a power-packed 11-song collection of passionate rock and roll.

Check out the video below and be sure to let us know what you think in the comments!

For more about Queen V, visit her official website and Facebook page. - GuitarWorld.com

Today, GuitarWorld.com presents the exclusive premiere of a new music video by New York City's Queen V.

The song, “Cry Your Eyes Out,” is featured on Queen V's new album, The Decade Of Queen V, which will be released Tuesday, June 25, through Royal Noise Records.

From “My Machine” (featuring Tom Morello), to “Wasted” (with vocal assists by Lemmy) to “Right Or Wrong,” this is a power-packed 11-song collection of passionate rock and roll.

Check out the video below and be sure to let us know what you think in the comments!

For more about Queen V, visit her official website and Facebook page. - GuitarWorld.com

MOTÖRHEAD, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE Members Featured On QUEEN V Compilation - "FREDDIE MERCURY, ROBERT PLANT Are Probably My Biggest All-Around, Go-To Singers"
Rock Hard
Posted on Friday, July 12, 2013 at 19:04:45 EST

By Martin Popoff

BraveWords recently caught up with QUEEN V who has put together a compilation of her music from over the years, out now on Royal Noise Records. Decade Of Queen V is a varied affair, belying the hard rock styles addressed by the disparate band formations showing up on the album. It’s complicated, so we’ll let her explain...

“I wanted to be able to hand someone a CD and say, ‘Here, this is what we’re all about. This is Queen V.’ Through the recordings, The Decade Of Queen V tells the story of this incredible ride I’ve been on, making stops at key points along the way. The Decade is just beginning though, so this album is also a benchmark signalling what’s to come.”

Asked to point out a few highlights, she figures, “Each track on this album is important for a specific reason. Certain songs do stand out because of how it feels to play them live. ‘Cry For A Minute,’ for example, takes on a life of its own with the band and is always a high point for me during the show. Songs like ‘America’ and ‘Die For You’ are always fun for me to listen to and perform, because of the energy and intensity. Those songs have also endured, taking on new, expanded meanings over time. I LOVE the recording of ‘Good Enough’… Ron Saint Germain did a brilliant job mixing that track. And of course, I love the new song ‘Cry Your Eyes Out.’ Making that video was so much fun, and that was partly because I am so happy with the track itself.”



The album also includes cameos by RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE's Tom Morello and MOTÖRHEAD's Lemmy Kilmister… “We were on tour for the NYC RNR Compilation,” explains Queen V, “and on this particular night, we were playing at the Viper Room opening for STEEL PANTHER (called Metal Shop, in those days). It was our first show ever in LA, so my band and I were already pretty amped up and ready to kick ass. Lemmy and Tom happened to be in the audience that night and caught our set. Afterwards, during the STEEL PANTHER set, I ended up singing ‘Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love’ with them. When Steel Panther singer Ralph comically demanded that I flash my upper lady parts to the audience, I guess my instincts took over and I gave him a really nasty look and just shook my head at him or something. Anyhow, I was introduced to Lemmy and Tom at the end of the night, and we became fast friends and stayed in touch. When it came time for me to do some recording again, I asked them to be part of it and fortunately they obliged. They have been very supportive of my efforts and I have a great deal of respect for them both.”

“FREDDIE MERCURY and ROBERT PLANT are probably my biggest all-around, go-to singers that I’ve dug into,” says Queen V, asked about biggest influences. “Not only did they write great melodies and lyrics, but their delivery is what astonishes me every time I hear them. I also love DAVID LEE ROTH’s showmanship and attitude, and JOAN JETT’s ‘Get out of my way,’ no-BS approach to vocals.”

As for transforming the career from independent and individual projects to more of a hard rock band situation, Queen V explains that, “The band Queen V started when I realized I wanted to be more than a solo artist. I wanted a gang! No, but seriously, the so-called ‘crazy pirate ship’ is filled with some of the most talented musicians on the planet. Whether for the studio or live or both, the “band” has come together over the course of many years, with people hand-picked for specific situations. So, my band is kind of like a baseball team… with a deep bench!”



Queen V closes with a favourite tour memory of the journey so far... “When we first opened for TWISTED SISTER in Long Island, it was by far the biggest show I had ever played and it really marked the beginning of that chapter for us. The entire Twisted camp was very kind, and let me tell you, their fans are loyal as the day is long. We managed to win a few of them over that first night, and they still turn up at our shows now, bragging to our other fans that they saw us back in the day with Twisted! Amazing. Funny thing is, a few years later we ended up winning the WDHA Home-Grown Spotlight Battle of the Bands. Our prize was to open for … (you guessed it) Twisted Sister, but the bonus was that the concert was at Yogi Berra Stadium in Montclair, NJ, where I grew up! It felt like one big happy reunion. I remember it was one of those searing hot days in July where the heat and sun beat down on you like a ton of bricks and EVERYTHING you touch feels like it’s going to singe your skin right off. By that time, my band had already played big outdoors venues, but never one so hot. We all just kept laughing and wondering, whose brilliant idea it was to wear leather? Actually, I opted against it but - Bravewords.com

MOTÖRHEAD, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE Members Featured On QUEEN V Compilation - "FREDDIE MERCURY, ROBERT PLANT Are Probably My Biggest All-Around, Go-To Singers"
Rock Hard
Posted on Friday, July 12, 2013 at 19:04:45 EST

By Martin Popoff

BraveWords recently caught up with QUEEN V who has put together a compilation of her music from over the years, out now on Royal Noise Records. Decade Of Queen V is a varied affair, belying the hard rock styles addressed by the disparate band formations showing up on the album. It’s complicated, so we’ll let her explain...

“I wanted to be able to hand someone a CD and say, ‘Here, this is what we’re all about. This is Queen V.’ Through the recordings, The Decade Of Queen V tells the story of this incredible ride I’ve been on, making stops at key points along the way. The Decade is just beginning though, so this album is also a benchmark signalling what’s to come.”

Asked to point out a few highlights, she figures, “Each track on this album is important for a specific reason. Certain songs do stand out because of how it feels to play them live. ‘Cry For A Minute,’ for example, takes on a life of its own with the band and is always a high point for me during the show. Songs like ‘America’ and ‘Die For You’ are always fun for me to listen to and perform, because of the energy and intensity. Those songs have also endured, taking on new, expanded meanings over time. I LOVE the recording of ‘Good Enough’… Ron Saint Germain did a brilliant job mixing that track. And of course, I love the new song ‘Cry Your Eyes Out.’ Making that video was so much fun, and that was partly because I am so happy with the track itself.”



The album also includes cameos by RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE's Tom Morello and MOTÖRHEAD's Lemmy Kilmister… “We were on tour for the NYC RNR Compilation,” explains Queen V, “and on this particular night, we were playing at the Viper Room opening for STEEL PANTHER (called Metal Shop, in those days). It was our first show ever in LA, so my band and I were already pretty amped up and ready to kick ass. Lemmy and Tom happened to be in the audience that night and caught our set. Afterwards, during the STEEL PANTHER set, I ended up singing ‘Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love’ with them. When Steel Panther singer Ralph comically demanded that I flash my upper lady parts to the audience, I guess my instincts took over and I gave him a really nasty look and just shook my head at him or something. Anyhow, I was introduced to Lemmy and Tom at the end of the night, and we became fast friends and stayed in touch. When it came time for me to do some recording again, I asked them to be part of it and fortunately they obliged. They have been very supportive of my efforts and I have a great deal of respect for them both.”

“FREDDIE MERCURY and ROBERT PLANT are probably my biggest all-around, go-to singers that I’ve dug into,” says Queen V, asked about biggest influences. “Not only did they write great melodies and lyrics, but their delivery is what astonishes me every time I hear them. I also love DAVID LEE ROTH’s showmanship and attitude, and JOAN JETT’s ‘Get out of my way,’ no-BS approach to vocals.”

As for transforming the career from independent and individual projects to more of a hard rock band situation, Queen V explains that, “The band Queen V started when I realized I wanted to be more than a solo artist. I wanted a gang! No, but seriously, the so-called ‘crazy pirate ship’ is filled with some of the most talented musicians on the planet. Whether for the studio or live or both, the “band” has come together over the course of many years, with people hand-picked for specific situations. So, my band is kind of like a baseball team… with a deep bench!”



Queen V closes with a favourite tour memory of the journey so far... “When we first opened for TWISTED SISTER in Long Island, it was by far the biggest show I had ever played and it really marked the beginning of that chapter for us. The entire Twisted camp was very kind, and let me tell you, their fans are loyal as the day is long. We managed to win a few of them over that first night, and they still turn up at our shows now, bragging to our other fans that they saw us back in the day with Twisted! Amazing. Funny thing is, a few years later we ended up winning the WDHA Home-Grown Spotlight Battle of the Bands. Our prize was to open for … (you guessed it) Twisted Sister, but the bonus was that the concert was at Yogi Berra Stadium in Montclair, NJ, where I grew up! It felt like one big happy reunion. I remember it was one of those searing hot days in July where the heat and sun beat down on you like a ton of bricks and EVERYTHING you touch feels like it’s going to singe your skin right off. By that time, my band had already played big outdoors venues, but never one so hot. We all just kept laughing and wondering, whose brilliant idea it was to wear leather? Actually, I opted against it but - Bravewords.com

"Death or Glory" ... is about little more (and nothing less) than overcoming the mundane with power chords and a sexy, sweet wail... you’ll find real beauty in the longing “Good Enough” and redemption in the lusty “My Machine.” - Eric Schumacher-Rasmussen, Harp Magazine

"Highlights include “Cry For A Minute” (a song V says is about needing to fall apart sometimes when you just can’t cope anymore”) and “My Machine” with Tom Morello (V’s “proud sexual woman in the face of all the guilt and shame women are supposed to feel” anthem)." - Metal Edge

"Highlights include “Cry For A Minute” (a song V says is about needing to fall apart sometimes when you just can’t cope anymore”) and “My Machine” with Tom Morello (V’s “proud sexual woman in the face of all the guilt and shame women are supposed to feel” anthem)." - Metal Edge

"Queen V has opened for Billy Idol and Bon Jovi and features Vernon Reid (Living Colour) and Tom Morello (Rage) on her new album. The endorsement of these legends should be enough to get you to believe that V is the real deal – an anti-establishment rock personality who can shred." - Boston Globe

"Queen V has opened for Billy Idol and Bon Jovi and features Vernon Reid (Living Colour) and Tom Morello (Rage) on her new album. The endorsement of these legends should be enough to get you to believe that V is the real deal – an anti-establishment rock personality who can shred." - Boston Globe

"Queen V has pipes that would make most singers blush with envy. Her latest release, "Death or Glory" is an awesome showcase of her talent, intellect and skills as a musician, proving to the music world that she is a force to be reckoned with." - Frantik Mag

"Queen V has pipes that would make most singers blush with envy. Her latest release, "Death or Glory" is an awesome showcase of her talent, intellect and skills as a musician, proving to the music world that she is a force to be reckoned with." - Frantik Mag

"Her driving T-Rex-meets-the-Sweet guitar tone and rough, no-bull voice are intense enough to melt your ears, eyes and nose right off of your face." - Madaline Goldstein, Guitar Player

"Queen V is the raunchy new Wendy O. Williams of rock ‘n’ roll. Just like WOW, this snarlin’ guttersnipe has primo Plasmatics attitude and, even better, she does her own duet with Lord Lemmy, aka King Kilmister. Bow down, bow down to the Queen. The Queen of Queens. There is only one." - Detroit Metro Times

"Queen V is the raunchy new Wendy O. Williams of rock ‘n’ roll. Just like WOW, this snarlin’ guttersnipe has primo Plasmatics attitude and, even better, she does her own duet with Lord Lemmy, aka King Kilmister. Bow down, bow down to the Queen. The Queen of Queens. There is only one." - Detroit Metro Times

"Counting the likes of Robert Plant, Freddie Mercury and David Lee Roth (as well as few prominent females, such as Janis Joplin and Joan Jett) as musical role models, Queen V has set out to bring rock ‘n roll back to its essence. Her plan is a simple one. “It’s taking those tried and true rock ‘n roll values that I was raised on and throwing it around with my own story and my own experiences of being a woman in music and also an artist coming up in New York City.”" - Adam Bernard, Skope Magazine

"[Acoustic Show review:] Queen V brings the '90s rock energy and sound to the stage, despite the lack of an amped-up rhythm section or distorted electric guitar. Her look and sound are both attractive and mean. The music is quality rock, without being too extreme, and contains all the elements that make powerful music fun to be around. Her voice alone is worth the price of admission." - Tim Reid Jr., Music Connection

"[Acoustic Show review:] Queen V brings the '90s rock energy and sound to the stage, despite the lack of an amped-up rhythm section or distorted electric guitar. Her look and sound are both attractive and mean. The music is quality rock, without being too extreme, and contains all the elements that make powerful music fun to be around. Her voice alone is worth the price of admission." - Tim Reid Jr., Music Connection

"Queen V has been nominated for a Visual Sound Award - January 10th, in the category of "Best Use of Indie Music in TV & Film" for - HBO & Queen V: "Real Time with Bill Maher" 2012 Season Promo, song "America" (Video by: Koivulan Filmi ja Video)" - Visual Sound Award

From NYC, Queen V is a singer with influences that range from 60’s rock pioneers such as Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix to the hard-edged vibe of heavy metal and elements of punk. Vocally, Queen V sounds like a potential cross between Lita Ford and especially a rougher Pink. “Die For You” is a straight-ahead no-nonsense rocker that highlights these particular elements as does the early Lita Ford influenced “Extasy”.

Queen V reaches into the Thin Lizzy catalog for a cover of “The Rocker” which fits the band’s gritty attitude extremely well. “Million To One” is another frantic rock track with a certain amount of heavy 70’s guitar feel to it.

Songs like “Six Feet Under”, “Little Woman” and “Memory” are simplistic enough while maintaining their grit to be instantly memorable. This is actually the strongest point of the disc, Queen V’s ability to come up with tough songs that actually stick in your mind after the first listen. This CD will have no problem finding a home in my CD case!

Attitude would be the best word to describe this release. Queen V has tons of it along with the potential to be a breakout artist in a world of fabricated rock if the labels did not have so much “artistic control.”
- Greg Uhrlich - 1heavymetal.com, April 2005

“We’re skeptical of anyone who refers to herself as a “rock goddess,” but so-labeled Queen V has the grinding hard-rock riffs, ‘80s fills and raspy vocals to pull it off.”
-- Time Out New York, April 7-13, 2005.
- Time Out New York

“The all-powerful QUEEN V is back with a vengeance. The new self-titled, self-released album has hit the streets at last! Her new material is guaranteed hard, fast and fierce. Full of fire, soul searching charismatic sweet tones of a voice forged in steel. This CD is made from the heat and pounding of her heart.”
-- New York Waste, Starr Tucker, April 2005.
- New York Waste

“Presently hot on the New York and New Jersey club circuit is Rock The Park opener Queen V, who recently toured with Twisted Sister and Billy Idol… Queen V seemed a musical match between old school metallic rockers and the newer generation who continue to care about the genre. ‘I was always moved to people who were fiercely individual, could empower themselves and had the guts to stand by what they believed,’ wrote Queen V lead singer Veronica via email. ‘Like the Billy Idol tour, the [shows] with Twisted Sister reaffirmed our belief that rock was not dead and in fact it had never died, and that there were tons of [rock] fans out there [who] needed to commune.’”
-- Daily Record, Ellen Wilkowe, August 19, 2005.
- Daily Record

“V, the guitar-yielding front-vixen for NYC hard-rock exports Queen V, is a bad-ass rock chick with a penchant for metal-edged riffs and caterwaul shouts whose downtown look walks a razor-thin line between sexy and scary.”
-- The Examiner (San Francisco), January 15, 2004.
- The Examiner

“Check out Queen V (that’s her name, bub), a dirty-sexy hard-rock belter with star power to burn and tunes that linger past the inevitable hangover.”
-- Salt Lake City Weekly, January 15, 2004.

- Salt Lake City Weekly

http://adserver1.harvestadsdepot.com/mordailyrecd/ss/050839/ - Daily Record, Panache Magazine