interview with Amy - guitar and vocal

November 3, 2001

NB
Please introduce the band!
A
Hi this is Amy from the Gore Gore Girls, a three-piece RNB/Punk band from Detroit, MI.

NB
How and when did you start?
A
Gore Gore Girls originated in Detroit about 6 years ago, here's a quick family tree:
*1st line-up: Jeff Klein-drums, Paula Regalado-Bass/voc, Amy Surdu-guitar/voc
*2nd: Deb Agolli-drums/voc, Deanne Iovan-Bass/voc, Amy Surdu-guitar/voc
*3rd: Deanne Iovan-drums/voc Melody Baetens-bass/vocs Amy Surdu-guitar/voc
*4th: Monica Breen-drums/voc, Melody Baetens-bass/voc, Amy Surdu-guitar/voc
NB
Does your name come from the movie "Gore Gore Girls"? I didn't see the movie, but it's about some guy killing strippers or something like that.
A
The name is from the fabulous H.G. Lewis film of the same title, The Gore Gore Girls. Lewis did She Devils on Wheels, Just for the Hell of It and 2000 Maniacs as well. The book "The Taste of Blood: The Films of H.G. Lewis" chronicles his incredible B movie career. Lewis wrote, directed, and produced all his own films, even writing and signing music for them!
NB
Did you play in any other bands before Gore Gore Girls and do you have any side projects now?
A
I don't have any other music side projects worth speaking of at the moment!!
NB
Your LP is one of the greatest records I heard lately. Do you have more releases?
A
Our 1st 45 is on Charles Records out of Dearborn Hts, MI. Mama in the Movies b/w Hit You Hard. Our 2nd full length album is due out on Get Hip Recordings in January.

NB
Which bands influenced you the most?
A
I can't speak for the other gals, but my biggest influences are probably the Kinks, Dead Moon, Bo Diddley and Jim Beam.
NB
Garage punk is not really very popular kind of music - can you live from your music or you have a regular job?
A
Live off garage music?? I have no mansion yet!! You'll have to ask Mick Collins about that one. I am a farrier ( horseshoer ) and part time waitress. The other gals on this record have day jobs as well, Monica (drummer) is a graphic/web artist for the Detroit News and Melody (bassist) is a writer for the same paper.
NB
What do you like to do in your free time?
A
My free time: I don't have much! I love shoeing/blacksmith work, my motorcycle and lately watching old West movies.
NB
What do you think about riot girls, websites on internet where only girl bands are presented...? Do you think stuff like that is necessary?
A
The Girl Thing Question: Any creative thing people do I believe is neccesarry, for them and others. I don't believe women are misrepresented in music at this time as much as in the past. There have been gal musicians around forever, more now than ever. Martha Copeland, Bessie Brown (1920s) are a few that come to mind that wrote blues songs that were down on men and very pro on having a good time. The Grrl Only thing comes into play when a lack of a VENUE for female talent arises. In this way its definitely a good thing. Girls should make sure of their ability, though. Grrl Only bullshit might get you in the door, but you have to know how to play!
NB
Are you going to tour Europe soon?
A
Europe- No solid plans right now. . .
NB
When can we expect your new album?
A
The release date for our 2nd album , Up All Night, is slated for Jan 02.