MANDY LION: 'A Great Song Does Not Need To Get Pumped Up By Production'

Vocalist Mandy Lion (WWIII, WICKED ALLIANCE) recently answered a few fan-submitted questions. The question-and-answer session follows below.

Q: I heard you have new music coming out soon.What is the new stuff like?

Mandy: The new songs are much more raw. Raw in the way they are recorded. Raw in the way they are mixed and raw in their message. Many of the songs are a bit more personal than the ones on "When God Turned Away" [2003]. It is a bit more RR and a lot more melodic without losing the heavy edge though. While the new stuff is decidedly heavy, it is definitely not WWIII material. WWIII is a pure metal band and always will be. Mandy Lion is balls-out hard rock and more song-oriented.

Q: Is there going to be a new video?

Mandy: In fact, right now we are trying to decide whether or not there will be a video for my new single, "The Ride". If there will be a video then the release of that song will be delayed a bit due to the time it takes to shoot the video. If we decide another song will be the first video for the new CD, then "The Ride" will be released within days. I will let you know as soon as I know.

Q: I saw you talking about overly produced music somewhere. How do you feel about bands that go all out as far as production goes?

Mandy: I believe that anyone should follow their heart when they are recording their music. I can only speak for myself and tell you that I would never want anything on my CD I could not reproduce 100 percent live on stage. I don't see why I would record 50 guitar tracks knowing that I will never be able to get that sound on stage unless I am using backing tapes and the likes. If you paint yourself in a corner where you have a CD with a million effects and overdubs, then you have only two choices. Either you play live and disappoint your audience by not sounding like the CD they have purchased or you have to cheat to re-create the sound. I don't like these choices so I decided that I will make REAL music on CD and live. I always hear from people that they like me better live than on my recordings. I cannot think of a greater compliment than that. On the new material I went as far as not even using any reverb on my vocals. It is completely stripped, raw and honest. Personally I believe that a great song does not need to get pumped up by production. A great song will sound great even if you strip it of all the fluff. If you really have a good song you could play it on an acoustic guitar and it will still rock. If the song doesn't rock without production and a million decibels, then it is fluff. Fluff that rocks to a point maybe, but fluff nonetheless.

Q: Who is in the band lineup?

Mandy: I am happy to say that Jimmy Bain (RAINBOW, DIO, WWIII) is taking care of the bass. I cannot think of anyone I like more than this gentleman. Not only is he the greatest bassist I have ever seen but he is also a spectacular human being and my dearest friend. James Kottak of the SCORPIONS will be doing some drumming as well. Let me say this: James was in WWIII for a short time many years ago and I still remember what a beast he was. I have no idea how the SCORPS are keeping him under control but let me say this, when James plays really heavy stuff, he becomes a monster. Absolutely breathtaking. The guitarist I have not decided on yet but as soon as I make up my mind I will announce it on my MySpace page.

Q: Will there be more WWIII albums in the future?

Mandy: Of course. WWIII has been my baby for most of my life and in fact there is another CD almost finished and waiting to be released. I just felt that the Mandy Lion stuff should come out first. A few months down the road I will think about finishing and putting out the next WWIII CD.

Lion recently collaborated with music producer Mickey James (of CRISS ANGEL fame) on some of his new material.

WWIII's first album in 12 years, "When God Turned Away", was released in 2003. The CD featured Lion, co-producer Joe Floyd on guitar, Geezer Montez on bass and Sledge on drums.