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The Kathy Valentine Interview
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Flashback to 1989: I interviewed Kathy Valentine along with Kelly Johnson when the two musicians joined forces in a band called World's Cutest Killers. It was a sort of hard rock pop band, with both women playing guitar. I got that interview by kind of stalking Kelly Johnson at a few shows in Northern California. Now, don't get all freaked out. It wasn't a scary experience. I basically just kept introducing myself to her at each venue, and reminding her she promised to do an interview before World's Cutest Killers left town. Y'all know Kathy Valentine as a member of the GoGos, but she has been tearing up Hollywood in other bands through out the 1990s. There was an all chick band called Blue Bonnets from '92 to '94. And also The Delphines, a band she actually recorded with. Amongst her busy schedule in the last decade Kathy has even produced one or two bands.
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Fast forward to 2001: I got this interview with Kathy simply because of my charismatic personality...or maybe it was just luck. I don't know how it all happened. Anyhow, you're about to be reacquainted with someone whom you're familiar. But I think you'll also be introduced to a whole other side to this chick. In a word, I found Kathy Valentine forthcoming. She spoke her mind freely but surprisingly was somewhat modest when I asked if she had anything to say to her fans. Her answer: "Just that I'm happy if I have any...thanks!") So here she is, the coolest chick in L.A...
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How did you like the final edit of 'The GoGos: Behind The Music' on VH1?
KV: There were things I liked and didn't like. I liked the fact that anyone who has ever been in a band or known someone in a band could see our story and identify with it. Our problems are, and were, fairly universal and common to bands - money, drugs, ego, songwriting, credit, blablabla. I don't see any point in whining about what I didn't like.
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Does VH1 consult with the artists before they present the final cut to the world?
KV: If you have the right deal beforehand you can have it just about how you want it. It's all about manager clout. We didn't get a good deal. We saw it for the first time when it aired! Unheard of.
Do you have any favorite 'Behind The Music' episodes of other bands?
KV: I can't remember. I've liked lots of them. Badfinger's story is tragic and epic. I also liked the Motley Crue one. But (VH1) is getting pretty bottom of the barrel nowadays.
By the way, was there ever any hesitation about doing the 'Behind The Music' show?
KV: Yeah, we were a bit divided over the decision. I was all for it. But, in retrospect I wish we'd waited.
How was the last GoGos tour?
KV: Summer 2000 with the B-52s is the one I assume you are referring to. It was fun and successful. A good combo in my book any old day.
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And the touring The GoGos did in previous years...
KV: I think our tours since we broke up have been fairly well received, which is why we keep doing it. We didn't make any money 'til the 1999 tour - this (info) is for all the people who think we hate eachother and just do it to clean up. We have a new record coming out in May 2001, and we will promote it extensively over the next 18 months with tours, interviews, TV appearances, etc.
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Kathy Valentine & Kelly Johnson
World's Cutest Killers |
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So, The GoGos are still together?
KV: Here's the definitive timeline: We broke up in 1985. Regrouped for a benefit in 1989, which went well. We did a small tour to publicize our Greatest Hits CD in 1990. This was never meant to be nor was it promoted as getting back together. It was a one-off. In 1995 our former record company decided to put out yet another compilation. We wanted to add to it, make it more special for the fans that already had a lot of this material - twice. So, we recorded 3 songs and toured in support of that - the "retrospective" 'Return to the Valley of the GoGos' CD. Char was preggers at that time and Vicki Peterson of the Bangles played guitar on the tour. As usual, everyone but us made money. And we didn't enjoy ourselves too much. End of story.
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Then, in late 1998, some movie people approached Belinda about our story being a feature film. We started hanging out, taking meetings, and discussing the venture. It led to some hatchets being buried and another short tour in 1999 - this was a good one. Response was great. Young girls and kids were way into it. We decided it was a perfect time
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to try to do more as a group - make a new record so that we didn't become a complete nostalgia act. We started writing for the record, found a great new manager, and the rest is going to be history...and the future. Or something like that.
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I know you've been involved with other L.A. bands through out all this time though.
Like, how did you hook up with Kelly Johnson?
KV: Kelly was one of my first girl guitar heroes. We were a great team. She had been the chick in the metal band who loved pop, and I had been the chick in the pop band who loved rock. So, things worked out for awhile. But ultimately, the band had no magic. That is the part that just happens. It can't be manufactured no matter how cool the ingredients are...We recorded some stuff with Mike Chapman, believe it or not. One day I'll put it out on a career accomplishment CD that I'm sure about 10 people will be interested in!
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Kelly's back in Girlschool. I saw them in '95 backstage when I was in the UK playing.
And what about other projects you've had?
KV: I am slowly writing and recording my own record. I have a few tracks recorded with great musician pals playing on it, including Clem Burke. And Ace Frehely from KISS!, I occasionally play guitar in other projects like Motorbaby. Check it out: www.motorbaby.com But my main thing I do when I'm not earning a living in The GoGos is play guitar with the Delphines.
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Yeah, the Delphines is one of the bands I know of and heard a lot about. Do you want to talk more about that band? Like, is it a band you're committed to at all?
KV: That is a funny question to me! I LOVE the Delphines. It is my absolute favorite thing to do. And, in fact, the happiest I've ever been in my life was when all I was doing was going to college in '97-'99 and playing
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with the Dels. We have a CD recorded. It was released on a small label in 1996, and a new one coming out in May on Conspiracy Music. The first one can be found on the Internet. The next one will be in stores and online. I hope more than anything that one day we can earn a living as a band. Check out: www.delphines.com One of these days the site will be fully functional and updated.
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Since we were talking about Kelly Johnson, tell me about your early connection with her and Girlschool.
KV: I was 16, went on one of many trips to the UK with my mom who is English. Took my guitar this time - I had been playing a couple of years in bands
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in Texas. I answered an ad in Melody Maker and met the girls. We were pretty much at the same level and hit it off. They taught me songs by Tom Petty, AC/DC and Thin Lizzy. I taught them ZZ Top songs! There was no original material. We played in a pub - all cover songs. There were some other bookings. (But) I got ill - some sort of stomach ailment. They needed a replacement fast. When I showed up to rehearsal a week later I heard them slamming out Led Zepplin's "Rock & Roll", and I knew they had found someone way better than me. it was Kelly Johnson. They were sorry, but I understood. She was awesome. I was crushed though! We parted ways amicably and stayed pals over the years. The good part was, by the time I left England, I had seen the Clash, Boomtown Rats, and some other bands. And my whole take on music was affected. I went back to Texas and started the Violators. We did originals, and covers by Iggy and The Sex Pistols, etc etc. This was all in 1977.
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When did you arrive in LA from Texas? Tell me about the music you found in California, and all of that.
KV: I got to LA in 1978. I started a band called the Textones with my friend Carla Olsen who moved here with me. By 1979 the scene was a mix of new wave, punk and rockabilly. I liked all of these styles but not all of the bands. I quit the Textones in 1980 and was asked to sub for the GoGos bass player for three shows. I learned to play bass in 4 days. I liked the songs and the band. And I decided I had to stay, that I would do everything in my power to be better than the girl I was filling in for in hopes that they would want me to stay. The chemistry clicked and about eight months later we got signed to IRS Records, and began recording in NYC. It was my dream come true.
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What band did you hear as a kid that made you want to be in a band of your own?
KV: I am a very typical ambitious Capricorn and always wanted to excel and succeed at something. I was musical from a young age, played violin and some piano. But when I picked up guitar, this was the instrument I felt was mine. I saw Suzi Quatro on TV in England in 1975, (and) it was a life-changing moment. It had never occurred to me that a chick could be a rock star. I thought they were all singer/songwriters mainly. I left England determined to make it as a musician. I thought I was the only girl in the world who wanted to be
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like Keith Richards. When I got back to the US I caught wind of The Runaways and thought 'oh, so there are other girls out there doing this too...'
And as you got older what bands blew you away?
KV: The bands I recall blowing my mind as being truly revolutionary were Blondie, the Pistols, and the Ramones. They all had great catchy songs.
Hey! Next time you see Debbie Harry give her my email address, okay?!
KV: Sure! If I happen to have it on me!
Okay, anyway, is there a musician that you've not yet collaborated with?
KV: I'd like to play guitar in the Chili Peppers. I would have been a good addition to Luscious Jackson. I'd like to see how Lisa Marie Presley sings, and be in a band with her. I'd like to work with Chrissie Hynde. And I'd also like to collaborate with one of my favorite singers ever - my pal Christina Amphlett from the Divinyls. That's all I can think of off the top of my head!
How 'bout this, is there a musician hero of yours that you haven't yet met?
KV: The only hero who I haven't met that isn't dead is Jeff Beck. I'd like to go to the drag races with him.
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Is L.A. still a place where aspiring bands/musicians should plant themselves?
KV: Absolutely. But, it's not necessary. It's the land of opportunity. Loads of clubs and chances to be seen by other artists, filmmakers, producers, ad people, industry types. If you have talent
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and are persistent in your attempts to present it someone will notice eventually. That doesn't mean you'll be huge - famous and rich - but someone will notice!
It seems living in L.A. almost lends itself to an acting job eventually especially if you're in the band. Have you ever done an acting stuff?
KV: No, I've never been in a movie. I would love to. But, I would be terrified. And I hate looking at myself on camera....
What hobbies or interests do you have that maybe aren't music-related?
KV: I like writing: poetry, essays, songs. I'm working on a screenplay. I am academically inclined and a history nut: Russian and French revolutions, Republic era Rome, and Ancient Egyptians are among my favorite areas. I love badass cars: hotrods, punky beaters or shiny expensive works of art. Going to car shows. I'm also into fitness and health. Massages. I read a lot: classical literature and historical stuff mainly. I see lots of movies: mainstream, foreign, artsy. I go alone to escape or decompress. I like computers and have learned some cool Photoshop tricks. I am trying to learn ProTools for recording now.
Have you ever considered getting on the other side of the recording board?
KV: I produced a band called GrabBag. They were young, all girls. Very good songs. They had potential. But they couldn't hold it together. They now know first hand how hard it is to keep a band going! Anyway, I like producing a lot and would love to do it more. Fabulous Disaster was interested in having me work with them. But, they gave up on me. I guess I was too non-committal and too slow to respond due to my other activities. Everything the Delphines have done - and that I've done on my own - I've co-produced. I have an ear for hooks, sounds, arrangements. These are my best qualifications to produce. I need a great engineer to record with though.
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What do you yourself look for in a producer when recording your music?
KV: Someone talented, like-minded. Enthusiastic and fun.
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Kathy Valentine & Kelly Johnson
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I don't know of that many female music producers, do you? I mean, other than those who are musicians themselves.
KV: There will be more. It is up and coming.
Why do you think there are so few women behind the board?
KV: Maybe 'cause there are more guy bands and guys don't like to be bossed around by a woman! Hell, I don't know. Sylvia Massey is cool, but I think she has retired. She did heavy stuff like Tool. My friend Carla from the Textones is producing lots now.
Do you go out to clubs much?
KV: I am first and foremost a musician and have never stopped playing in bands - from the time the GoGos split up in 1985. I have put band after band together and am constantly in the clubs. I see a lot of groups because of how much I play and how many friends I have that are musicians.
When you're out watching a band do people bug you and try to talk all the time?
KV: Nobody bugs me. I think I am very approachable and personable, but usually I'm not into chitchat and small talk. So, unless you are a friend the conversation will be short!
Are there any bands playing clubs right now that you dig and want to plug?
KV: No, only mine! Well, I like Autolux who play around locally. And Chromosapien. Two very interesting and original bands.
What song makes you want to kick your radio when ever it comes on?
KV: I don't really listen to the radio. Ever. Really. Maybe sometimes the soul hits from the Sixties and Seventies stations. 'Souldies'!
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Since you're from Texas when was the first time you experienced an earthquake?
KV: The first time I thought it was the couple downstairs fighting - a bad fight. I thought earthquakes were kind of exciting 'til I was thrown out of my bed during the
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Kathy Valentine & Kelly Johnson
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big one (the southern California one centered in Northridge, 1993). Now the slightest tremor gives me a horrible adrenaline rush.
Do you have any pet-peeves?
KV: Lately, it's begun to annoy me that everyone starts saying these little phrases all of a sudden. "My bad" "It's all good" "Right on" - that sort of thing.
Is there a book or author you want to recommend to the world?
KV: I think I've read so much that I would agonize over this question a long time. I am currently on a Thomas Mann binge. Start with 'Death in Venice'.
Does life without the Internet scare you at all?
KV: Life without anything doesn't scare me! I would get by in any circumstances. But, oh, you're asking about the Internet. I use it. I am into information - useless and useful. It's most convenient and great for keeping in touch with people.
Though it seems you've revealed a lot during the VH1 show, is there a funny road story that is really sordid and embarrassing that you didn't tell VH1 but that you want to tell my readers?
KV: We actually revealed very little to VH1. We were very conscious of that when we did the show.
How come?
KV: We are saving it for our movie. Lot's of sordid debauchery. We were young and wild. Now I'm domesticated! I lay around like a cat - feed me, water me. I sound like a plant!
What are some of the coolest experiences you've had as an artist thus far?
KV: Lots of experiences. I like it all. The shallow and deep. I like being completely in the moment, playing without a thought in the world. I like luxury - hotels, nice sheets. Having someone say that I made a difference to them or inspired them. Traveling, meeting cool people. Being part of history. I feel extremely blessed and lucky to have led the life I have!
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