More than unique plants, animals, and breathtaking landscapes, the continent of Australia also has a very strong Rock/Metal scene. Dating back many years when bands like Little River Band and AC/DC put Australia on the Rock-n-Roll map, the torch was carried by the likes of INXS, Crowded House, and in present times, bands like Parkway Drive. Therefore, it should come as no surprise to hear of a Hard Rock band out of Melbourne making noise on the scene by the name of Bellusira. Taking their own country by storm, the band made the bold decision to move themselves out to Los Angeles, California in hopes of reaching a more international audience. Signed on with Pavement Records, in 2015 they released their new album, The Healing, which is quickly grabbing more and more attention. Recently we caught up with the band’s frontwoman, Crystal Ignite, for a closer look at their relocating, what it is like to be a woman in Rock, plans for the future, and more.
CrypticRock.com – Bellusira has been working hard for some time, and it appears all the hard work is paying off. How would you describes the band’s journey thus far?
Crystal Ignite – It’s been hard work, but an amazing experience. Now we are getting to see the world because of your music, and for that, we are truly blessed.
CrypticRock.com – Yes, it is a great experience to be able to see the world doing something you love. It seems the term female fronted Rock band is used often when it comes to a Rock-n-Roll with a female vocalist. This is a rather absurd categorization because we do not say male fronted Rock band. How do you feel about this generalization?
Crystal Ignite – I guess it gets said because it is rarer to find female fronted music than male fronted. Females are really starting to come forward now as musicians, which was a lot more of a rare thing once upon a time. I don’t really care what they call it, I don’t think it effects our equality, though I totally get why some people could take offense to it too. I’m all about equal rights, and for me, a much bigger issue is the sexualization of women in music, advertising, magazines, etc.
CrypticRock.com – That is a good way to see it. Following up to the previous question, the reason why the categorization of female fronted Rock band is silly is because every band has variations, regardless of gender. With that said, how would you describe Bellusira’s style?
Crystal Ignite – I hear what you are saying for sure and I see your point of view. At the same time, I do call us female fronted heavy Rock. I don’t have a problem with it, it’s actually an advantage to say you are female fronted in my opinion because there hasn’t been as many territories covered in music with women. Don’t get me wrong here, as I said, I am a very passionate equalist and I believe in equal rights for all. There are some serious issues out there we need to address. Sometimes we can do ourselves damage by being overly politically correct, and therefore, when we go to preach about the big issues, we tend to get grouped into being overly politically correct and so forth. It’s a fine line we walk…. but we are female fronted and that for me is an advantage to say that because it gives us part of a point of difference to the other 95% or so of bands that are male fronted.
CrypticRock.com – Agreed, it still is a drawing point to a band. Originally the band was based in Melbourne, Australia and released a successful and charting album entitled The Healing in 2015. Nevertheless, you decided to relocate the band to Los Angeles. What was the motivation, and was it a difficult move for the band to leave home?
Crystal Ignite – It was definitely a tough thing to do, to leave your home country and go over the other side of the world, but it was an easy decision to make. We were very much ready to take things to the next level. I definitely have no regrets – about any decision I have ever made, in my whole life for that matter. You learn so much by taking big risks and following your heart. The move has definitely been a worthwhile one and I am very excited to see how 2016 plays out.
CrypticRock.com – That is exciting to look forward to. How are you enjoying your time in the USA, particularly Los Angeles? Do you see the band’s stay in the USA long-term?
Crystal Ignite – I definitely see us staying here long term, and I have had an amazing and life-changing experience here so far (smiles).
CrypticRock.com – That is good to hear. Your move to America was assisted by Evanescence drummer Will Hunt. How did you connect with Will and has he helped the band adjust after the relocation?
Crystal Ignite – Will was a great help for the time we worked with him, he is a lovely guy, lots of fun and an amazing drummer, so it was definitely an awesome experience for us to be part of.
CrypticRock.com – That is good that is was a positive experience. As stated, The Healing was released in 2015. It is really a strong record from start to finish. What was the writing and recording process like for the record?
Crystal Ignite – Well, Mark, the bass player, and I came up with all but one of the song ideas together, the exception being “Redemption Queen,” which we came up with with Ulrich Wild in the studio together. The album was written over a twelve month period, and as time went on, it changed and evolved into what it is now. It was an intense but beautiful experience, and we touch on some important topics such as healing from abuse and all kinds of things. Despite that, it is a very positive message that we are all very proud of.
- Pavement
CrypticRock.com – That is awesome, and very organic. You had worked with original Static-X guitarist Koichi Fukuda for the recording of The Healing. Will you be working with him in the future, and what was the experience like working with him?
Crystal Ignite – Koichi was a very kind and polite man, we had fun with him. He is a bit older than us so he is in different stage of his life with more responsibilities and won’t be a permanent member with us. We actually found the perfect guy in September of last year, his name is Jeremiah Bennett, and for the first time, we have four band members with the same goals and drive. It is really cool to be a part of it!
CrypticRock.com – It is great you found a good fit for the band. The Healing also features a very strong staff of well-known producers such as Dan Whittemore and Ulrich Wild. What did they bring to the table, and what did you take away from working with them?
Crystal Ignite – We had a great experience with both producers. You always take away new perspectives on songwriting, they are both very talented and we were very blessed to get the opportunity to work with them both.
CrypticRock.com – Agreed. Rounding out a great 2015, you toured your home country as support of Halestorm. What was it like going back home like that and supporting Halestorm?
Crystal Ignite – It was an amazing tour. Halestorm is an inspiring band, and it was great to tour around our home country with them. We already love Halestorm, not only as musicians, but as people, and so we feel very blessed to have been given that opportunity (smiles).
CrypticRock.com – Yes, they are a great band. Our last question for you is pertaining to movies. CrypticRock.com covers music and Horror/Sci-Fi films. If you are a fan of the Horror/Sci-Fi genre, do you have any favorite films? If so, what are they and why?
Crystal Ignite – Horror is not my thing, but I like some Sci-Fi for sure. I dug The Fifth Element (1997). I’m also really into Ancient Aliens, the series, although some would say that it’s not fiction (laughs)! I am about to watch Stargate (1994) too. I love stuff about other worlds, and ET’s are a huge passion of mine to study!
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Columbia Pictures
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