BUTCHER BABIES: Why We Ditched The Nipple-Tape Look

Artisan News recently spoke to Carla Harvey and Heidi Shepherd of BUTCHER BABIES about their decision to ditch the nipple-tape look during their live performances.

"A lot of people ask why we stopped," Heidi said. "We got tired of it. We did it for about five or six years.

"A lot of people didn't know where it came from.

"The band started, and is still, an ode to Wendy O. Williams and THE PLASMATICS.

"Wendy O. Williams was the first female in heavy metal. She had that single, 'Butcher Baby', hence the name BUTCHER BABIES, and she was the first female to just really go balls out. She didn't care what anyone told her. We were both hugely influenced by her, and that's where the attire came from, too.

"The attire, with the old nipple tape and all that crap, it's been a long time since we've done that."

Asked if they were concerned about the nipple tape overshadowing BUTCHER BABIES' music, Carla said: "[The] nipples were sore. We wanted to evolve. And like you said before about overshadowing the music, unfortunately, America is kind of… people are kind of closed-minded sometimes. We didn't want our look to hinder people going to buy the album, or going to hear our music. 'Cause we have a new album out, and it's pretty great. We want people to go buy it, so…"

Added Heidi: "And I have Mormon brothers, and so I wanted them to be able to see me play some day. [laughs] Which they're coming to see us in Chicago, so I'm really excited. That'll be the first time they get to see us."

Carla and Heidi also spoke about the fact that performing with nothing by nipple tape on during the summer was actually more unpleasant for them than covering up their bodies with t-shirts.

"We played a show called 48 Hours festival in the blazing sun in Las Vegas," Carla explained. "I have a sun allergy, and I had red Xs across my nipples for a month after; I had to get special cream and everything for those puppies. So it's not fun. So I'm glad they're covered up [now]. [laughs]"

Added Heidi: "Yeah, it's much easier now. Just wash the bra. [laughs]"

BUTCHER BABIES' debut album, "Goliath", sold around 3,300 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 107 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD came out on July 9 via Century Media Records.

The Los Angeles-based band — frontwomen Carla Harvey and Heidi Shepherd, guitarist Henry Flury, bassist Jason Klein and drummer Chris Warner — wrapped its tour with MARILYN MANSON in late February and went straight into the studio with producer Josh Wilbur (GOJIRA, LAMB OF GOD, HATEBREED).

Artisan News interview:

Performance footage (July 17 in Bangor, Maine):