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KILL MY COQUETTE: "self-titled EP"

KILL MY COQUETTE-  Natalie Denise Sperl is the front woman of Los Angeles-based quartet Kill My Coquette whose self-titled debut EP just came out on January 20th. Armed with attitude and boasting vital rock & punk with a twist of designer blues, Kill My Coquette is influenced by game-changing artists like Jack White, Lou Reed, Joan Jett and the New York Dolls, but they have a sound all their own. Written and arranged by Natalie, the 5-song EP was recorded at Evelyn Martin Recordings in Los Angeles with producer Danny McGough (Tom Waits, Social Distortion). She's been appearing alongside Jackie Chan in Around the World in 80 Days,playing the titular character in the cult horror flick Succubus Hell Bent, co-starring on hit TV shows like Two and a Half Men, How I Met Your Mother, and CSI: Miami, and gracing the cover of Esquire. Blimey. Not just the actress or model or musician for that matter. She's all three of them. Here's:  NATALIE DENISE SPERL

How has the reaction to your EP been so far?

Shock, horror, and disgust. Kidding! Actually, we've had stellar reviews so far from highly respected people in the music business. Particularly noting that the sound reminds them of a time in the past circa the 60's/70's New York days when rock and roll had swagger and wasn't over produced. They've said its raw and melodic. They've praised the skills of the band as well including David Stucken on lead guitar, Mike Evans on bass and Kelly Hagerman on drums. Non music business people really like the melodies. They tell me they can relate to the songs. I'm very happy about that.

What kind of 'sound', production wise, did you have in the back of your mind prior to recording?

I was thinking a kinda Detroit garage rock sound mixed with a New York edge. A bit harsh, rough around the edges, but with pretty melodies and heavy guitars. Lots of distortion.

What kind of input did the producer have during the recording process?

Danny McGough toured with Social Distortion as their keyboard player and has worked with Tom Waits among many others, so I knew he'd be the right guy to add that sound to the tracks. He got the direction I wanted to go right off the bat. Not too produced but still big sounding songs. Danny is a musical genius. He can play so many instruments. He added touches of his magic throughout the whole EP. He's also fun to work with. A total pro.

And are you pleased with the final outcome? (sound - production wise)

Yes! I'm amazed how big the songs sound. I wrote these from my bedroom. To hear them finished, it blows me away. That's a testament to the talented musicians who worked on this and the mixing mastery of Peter Malick.

Did you or the producer use any experimental recording techniques?

We played around with lots of instruments. Danny's studio is a funhouse of toys. I'm surprised we got anything done, haha! I'm not sure which instruments made it on the EP but we definitely experimented. As far as vocal technique, we tried a few different mics. I'm not sure on the rest, my head was in the songs.

Please inform us about your favourite songs and lyrical moments off the album.

I loved recording "Sweet Baby Blooze" because we added so many guitar tracks to that song. In the end we stripped it down but it was fun to play around. "3rd & Bonnie Brae" has a whole different feel after we added the backing vocals to it with the guys. I think it gives it a whole different feel.

What's the story behind your moniker?

It started as "Kill My Ex" but I think that was already taken. Coquette is a good word. A Sixties term. Pronounced "Ko-kett.” It's French for “flirt."

Any overall theme of mood that you're trying to capture while writing songs?

I didn't try to create a mood, I just wrote what I wrote. I wrote about what I wanted to sing about. I think it has a sorta dark, melodic tone to it. There’re definitely some pop elements too.

Would you say that rock criticism today is sexist?

I don't really pay attention.

Any crazy behind the scenes anecdotes from acting and modeling that you can share?

If I shared them with you I'd have to kill you and I'm too lazy to get up right now.

Have you been dismissed patronizingly for being an actress/model gone musician?

Not yet.

How would you describe your CD to any potential new fan?

Shot of pretty punk followed by a shot of bluesy rock. Chase with Champagne.

Who are your influences and heroes/heroins?? (music-wise)

Lou Reed, Jack White, Brody Dalle, New York Dolls, Social Distortion, Rolling Stones, Hole, Joan Jett… I have so many.

If there's anything you'd like to add, say, please do

Support music by paying for it if you enjoy it. Go see that same band live too and tell your friends. It's tough out there for musicians today. Keep music alive and thriving by supporting it. Check out our website for all the latest news and tour dates. Thanks so much!
NATALIE DENISE SPERL

Interview by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom,
Photos from the band's websites  www.killmycoquette.com 
facebook page 

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