CJ Sleez
Could you describe your music for the people that have never heard you before?
I think that CJ a band, we are really able to discover who we are musically. A lot of bands out there aren’t too sincere about their sound, but the way we approach our writing we try to put ourselves out there and I think the fans truly understand that.
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What should people expect when they pick up your latest album and drop it into there CD player? Expect to be blown away. Our writing isn’t dictated by mainstream music, we have full creative control and the result is like nothing you’ve heard before. It’s new, it’s raw, and it’s real. We’ve taken Rock N’ Roll to the next level with nothing but our blood, sweat and tears to get us there. |
How has your sound changed from when you first started playing music to now?
I’ve written with many different members over the years so it’s evolved naturally. Compared to my first album “Rock Action”, the new “Back from the Brink” EP has more melodic vocals and leans more towards hard rock style rather than punk.
How did you get started in the music industry?
I started my first band at the age of fourteen. I’ve never once had a music lesson, and instead I learned on-the-job through basic trial and error. I’ve always been a hands-on learner. In my opinion it took about six years to get really good, (or at least good enough for people to pay to come see). I still get by solely on natural ability and talent. If I want something, I just jump right in and worry about the details later.
What bands helped influence your style?
I have had a wide range of influences such as, Guns N’ Roses, Hole, Iggy Pop, Grace Slick, MC5, L7, The Dead Kennedy’s, Janis Joplin, The Sex Pistols, Led Zeppelin, KISS, The New York Dolls, Alice Cooper, The Hives, Marilyn Manson and Iron Maiden to name but a few.
How has the Canadian music scene treated your band?
The Canadian scene has treated me famously. It took a long time for me to pay my dues and earn a loyal fan base, but people have always gotten excited about the band, even from the beginning. I’ve had lots of encouragement along the way.
When I first moved to Toronto the music scene was known for its pretentiousness. People were afraid to get up front and dance, to participate and become a part of the show. Crowds were always jaded, sterile and difficult to shake up. Fortunately, this is no longer the case and I like to think that I had a lot to do with that. I’ve always hated that too-cool-for-school attitude and breaking it was a real challenge. People need to let loose and have fun, that’s what music is all about to me.
How would you describe your personal style?
I have a very original style. I’ve always dressed differently and as an artist I feel the need to put my own personal spin on everything. I guess my style could best be described as trash with class. I love contradictions. I’m covered in colorful tattoos, yet have worn nothing but black for fifteen years.
On stage you’re a very outgoing personally, is this a stage persona or are you naturally this outgoing and in your face?
I don’t believe in stage personas, I only believe in the truth. The best that I can ever do is to be myself. I rip myself open for people and have never been afraid of expressing my true feelings. Singing is one of the ways that I can release myself and just let it all out.
When creating music, is it a group effort or is there one member that really takes the reigns and writes most of the music?
It’s important to me that every band member has an equal say in everything, including writing. I have always written the lyrics but the music is a group effort. People need to feel personally invested in a project if you want them to give their all and in my band, anything less than your best is unacceptable. I’m all about pushing the envelope, even on a personal level and I feel that everybody has something to contribute. It’s a team effort.
Have there ever been any events throughout your musical career that have permanently marked you either for good or bad?
The only bar that we’ve ever been banned from playing is Lee’s Palace and it was because I set the stage on fire. It was totally worth it.
When you’re not rocking and rolling how do you fill your spare time?
Running the band is more than a full-time job for me. It’s a lot of work. Remaining relevant in today’s music industry requires constant effort and energy. I still take care of everything from management and club bookings to CJ Sleez merchandise. Thankfully, Spinerazor Records now helps to spread the Sleez and has recently hired a publicist to assist me, although I’m still a very busy woman. Despite all the work, it’s a job that I love and I can’t imagine doing anything else.
When I do manage to find some free time, some of the things that I enjoy are tattooing friends and family, sewing my own stage clothes, shopping, watching horror movies and reading and writing. In fact, I have recently had my first book published which is an autobiography entitled “Poor Little Bitch Girl”. The book took me three years to finish and is currently available at major bookstores throughout North America.
I also have a very active social life. There’s never a dull moment. As I’ve always said, Only boring people get bored.
What are some things you would tell a struggling person trying to break into the music industry?
Don’t give up! The most important thing is determination. I firmly believe that you can do or be anything you set your mind to. We shape our own lives and with a little passion and a lot of hard work, you’ll find that you can accomplish almost anything. Learn from your own mistakes, pick yourself up when someone pushes you down and try not to get discouraged. Stay strong because there will be many times that you’ll have to fight for what you want. The most important thing is to believe in yourself, because if you don’t, no one else will.
If you would like to find out more about CJ-Sleeze please cheak out their offical website at: http://www.cjsleez.com/.
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