Interview with Chantal Claret of Morningwood
Chantal Claret, lead singer of pop-punk band Morningwood, was able to answer a few questions recently as she and fellow band member Pedro Yanowitz prepare for their tour with Papa Roach and Jet this Fall. I also got a sneak preview of their new album, Diamonds and Studs, due to be released on October 27. It is a great album and definitely worth the wait! Claret, who is known for her wild on-stage antics, (she frequently encourages members of the band’s audience to jump on stage and strip) is very excited for the release of the new album. It brings in a new, broader sound into the mix, and is getting pre-release buzz from various outlets, including VH1, which has selected Morningwood as their band you outta know for the month of October. Read the short interview after the jump.
I’ve listened to your new album, Diamonds and Studs, and I’m really impressed– it’s quite awesome! What was the writing process for the album? How long did it take you to complete it? Were there any specific influences from other bands/musicians that helped you and Pedro along with the album?
“Thanks! I am so happy you like it! The writing process for the record was intense, some bands have their whole lives to write their first record, we had our whole lives to write our second one. We wrote about 2 and a half records worth of songs, before finally picking these lucky 13 to be on the masters. Since Pedro and I live on opposite sides of the country we had to force ourselves to write and record at least one song every time we were together for a day or two, so it was very focused.
We were definitely more inspired by our vast musical influences this time more than on the last record. The last record seems more straight ahead where as this one is very eclectic, which I absolutely love, we have so many tastes and opinions and personalities between the two of us, Diamonds & Studs begins to scratch the surface of a few of them.”
Morningwood was chosen as VH1′s you oughta know band for the month of October, which is a great honor. How did you react when you found out?
“I was very happy when I found out, but to be honest, at this point I am a little wary when I get good news, because so much of it ends up falling through, so until it is airing on TV, I try not to get too excited, that way I don’t get disappointed.”
How does it feel to be opening up for Papa Roach and Jet? Are you nervous at all?
“I am not really nervous at all, more interested to see how their fans will react to us and also excited to go back out on tour and shake my shit.”
You are known to ask/tell fans to strip during Morningwood’s live set, many of times while you are playing the song “Take Off Your Clothes”. Are you ever surprised at the amount of fans who easily give in to your request?
“At this point I am not really surprised. There are a lot of exhibitionists in the world, and a lot of them come to our shows. I love it.”
If you had to pick one band as your favorite band to tour with, who would it be and why?
“We would tour with Beyonce, because she is absolutely amazing and I just want to see her perform.”
What’s playing on your iPod/mp3 player?
“I just uploaded our record onto my iPod Shuffle, I love listening to it at the gym, and I also got a song called “Little Star” by Push Kings, that were this awesome band that I loved in the 90′s and I have been looking for that song for years. I was dancing around my house in my jammies today cuz I was sick, and lip syncing to my husband [Jimmy Urine of Mindless Self Indulgence].”
Within the past year, Morningwood has had two songs featured in a very popular movie and TV show. How does it feel to hear “New York Girls” in the Sex and The City Movie and “Best Of Me” in VH1′s Daisy Of Love?
“I love hearing our songs in movies and on TV. It always takes me a minute to realize it is us, the first 10 seconds is always me thinking “I know this song, why do I know this song?” and then the next reaction is “OH, THAT’S ME SINGING!!”. But I consider it all a great honor and super fun!”
