HALESTORM Singer: 'A Lot Of People Don't Realize The Guts It Takes To Be A Woman In Rock'

Valerie Bastien of RockSource360.com recently conducted an interview with HALESTORM singer Lzzy Hale. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

RockSource360.com: "The Strange Case Of..." came out [in April]. That's very exciting. What comes to mind when you think back on the writing and recording of this album? What has been the fans' response for far?

Lzzy: Well, not to sound redundant , but it was very strange! Haha! It was very challenging and freeing at the same time to work on this record. I discovered a lot about myself while writing it, and I'm so proud of the final product. The fans response has been amazing thus far!

RockSource360.com: Lzzy, I love the girl with an attitude vibe in the song "Love Bites (So Do I)". What is the biggest misconception about women in heavy metal and who is your favorite female role model?

Lzzy: I think a lot of people don't realize the guts it takes to be a woman in rock... We have to carve out our own path, and make our own rules, because there are none. We have to go against everything society has told us we should be, embrace our power.... AND still hold on to our femininity somehow! By far my favorite role model is Pat Benatar.

RockSource360.com: I love the lyrics in "Beautiful With You". Tell us about how this song relates to image problems and low self-esteem so many girls deal with, How does self-love and acceptance impact your life and why is it so important?

Lzzy: Believe me, I don’t always feel like a rock star, and there are times when I look in the mirror and scream. Especially emotionally. I used to hide a lot of my feelings of insecurity and powerlessness, and just wouldn't reach out to someone because I thought it meant that I was weak if I did. I wanted people to see that it's OK to need a shoulder sometimes, and to have those "ugly days" and to let down your guard. We're human and we're not perfect... don't let those thoughts in your head rule your life and prevent you from opening yourself up.

RockSource360.com: You're very pretty and feminine in a male-dominated environment. I like how you can let the girly side of you come out through your hair style and clothes for example. Where do you like to shop and how do you choose your concert outfits? What is the best part of being a woman?

Lzzy: Thank you! It was always important to me to be a fuckin woman on stage, not a girl trying to be a man. I make most of my own outfits, swipe them from video shoots, or I acquire them from strange shops around the world. The best part of being a woman is the power that comes with being able to play with the boys... but in stilettos.

Read the entire interview from RockSource360.com.