METAL MAIDEN OF THE MONTH
APRIL 2010
VENA KAVA
The Metal Pit's "MAIDEN" of the month for April 2010 :
Vena Kava : vocalist for the band "Killing Moon"
Name : Vena Kava
Home : New England, Massachusetts USA
Band Myspace: www.myspace.com/killingmoonband
Personal Myspace: www.myspace.com/vena_kava
Vena Kava : vocalist for the band "Killing Moon"
Name : Vena Kava
Home : New England, Massachusetts USA
Band Myspace: www.myspace.com/killingmoonband
Personal Myspace: www.myspace.com/vena_kava
Metal Pit : Hello Vena, welcome to the Metal Pit.
Vena Kava: Hi, it’s a pleasure for me to do this interview.
Metal Pit : You are the lead vocalist for the band "Killing Moon" (formerly known as Whipkraft), why did you feel it was necessary to change the band's name?
I’m really glad you have asked me this question, as the last few months there has been a lot of confusion about the change. Honestly, WhipKraft and Killing Moon are two separate entities. Initially I thought I could just change the name and move on, but now I realize this is not working. WhipKraft originated in San Francisco as an industrial goth metal band and utilized the synthesizer quite a bit. WhipKraft released a full length album "Welcome to the Chapel Perilous" and a single "We Must Die." When I moved to Boston in 2008, the musicians changed and the style shifted to traditional metal, the music was completely different. With the Single "Twilight Holocaust, this is when "Killing Moon" was born, the name fits the energy of what we are doing much better.
Metal Pit : Can you tell us a little about your bandmates?
I am very psyched about working with Darren O’Brien, my newest lead guitarist. He is helping to realize the band’s potential by bringing forth the heaviest and most gruesome riffs I have ever worked with, taking" Killing Moon" further down into the abyss of hell! His last band, "The Genocide of All’, was thrash metal, but we were both ready to go in a heavier direction.
Metal Pit : How would you describe your music to potential new fans?
If you asked me this question last year I would have said something slightly different, but musical evolution happens, and that’s a great thing! Our combined influences are along the roots of Vader, Behemoth, Cannibal Corpse, Dying Fetus, Immortal, Nevermore, Megadeth, Morbid Angel, Arch Enemy, and Absu. A definite mix of both American and European style metal. However, we are sticking to traditional roots, a lot of influences from from these bands very first albums, this is death metal straight from the deepest, darkest realms of our soul.
Metal Pit : Where can fans buy your music and is it still possible to get music from Whipkraft?
WhipKraft’s full length album has been sold out for many years, but it can be still found sometimes randomly on the internet, I saw a copy once for $40, I guess it is a collector’s item now. The single "We Must Die" can be found on most mp3 sites like iTunes. I plan on releasing the Whipkraft album as a digital download sometime in the future. For the band Killing Moon, our last two track album release "Twilight Holocaust" can still be found online both as a physical album and as mp3s.
Metal Pit : I just love your vid for the song
"Twilight Holocaust", chosing to shoot it in black and white kinda gives a very
nasty apocalyptic feel to it and if I must say so I thought you were amazing in
the vid as well.Where did the idea for this video come from and were you all
happy with the final outcome?
Thank you so much! The idea for the video came from visions I have when I listen to the song "Twilight Holocaust." It’s these dark apocalyptic, end of times images that I tried to incorporate in the video. I went to the San Francisco Art institute for experimental filmmaking, so I ended up shooting, directing, and editing the video myself. When I first started working on it, I honestly was not sure what the final outcome would be, but we are pretty happy with!! I certainly plan on making another video soon.
Metal Pit : Is video something you enjoy doing or is it a neccessary evil today?
It can be a fun creative process, but it can be overwhelming at times. I love shooting film and video, but when it comes to editing, this is where after many days, weeks and months it can become a burden if you are doing all the editing yourself. There are always technical issues you must overcome, but when the final product is done, it was usually worth the effort. I think video is very necessary; it helps solidify the artist’s vision of a song, where it is no longer just an auditory experience.
Metal Pit : Some of my fav tunes from your band are "We must Die" and "Seven Angels, Seven Plagues", can you tell us about the meaning of those songs and what some of your personal favs are?
I worked with both of my brothers on "We Must Die," so I can’t take too much credit on that one. It was a time in our lives when we listened to a lot of industrial like bands, such as Rammstein, Ministry and Skinny Puppy, we had a lot of fun making that song. On the other hand "Seven angels, Seven Plagues" is a very different type of song, based on the concept of the "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" a biblical depiction about the end of the world. When the four seals break, revealing the four horsemen: the black, red, white, and pale bringing upon war, bloodshed, plaques, famine, and death. All three of the songs are about this concept. I really have such a hard time choosing my favorite songs, but I think "Seven Angels, Seven Plaques" and "Twilight Holocaust" are my favorites.
Metal Pit : Do you write all the
lyrics for the band?
I write all the lyrics that I sing or growl on, but on a few songs we have a guest vocalist and he wrote his parts, and then we just put it all together.
Metal Pit : You have some Badass tats, which one if your favorite?
I have a few tattoos, I have two nautical stars -old school style on my both my forearms and a few small random ones I got done when I was underage.
Metal Pit : Any plans on getting more?
My boyfriend Eric De L’Etoile is an award winning tattoo artist and if I am going to get more work done I would certainly consider him first. We actually have a deal going that at the end of this year he gets a portrait tattoo of me on his forearm arm and then I will allow him to tattoo me. It’s just more fair that way.
Metal Pit : How did you get started in Metal and who were some of the musicians or bands that inspired you?
My first introduction to metal was when I was on the high school all male wrestling team, we used to play a lot of Metallica to get pumpped up for matches. But it did not really kick in till I met my ex-boyfriend, Dr. Metal RIP; he unfortunately died in that awful Great White show fire. However he opened up the true doors of metal too me! He played metal at midnight for a radio station 94 HJY and we stayed up to the wee hours of the morning at the station, head banging and listening to Slayer, Megadeth, Rammstein, Dimmu Borgir, Dio, and Dream Theatre. Those are definitely some bands that are at the root of my foundations.
Metal Pit : Who are some current bands you are listening to at the moment?
The last few months I have been really into Pagan/Celtic/Viking/Folk kind of metal. Some bands I have gotten really into are KorpiKaani, Folkearth, Primordial, Storm, The Bourbon Knights, Skiltron, Slough Feg, Folkodia, and Equilibrium.
Metal Pit : As a vocalist you sing both clean and growling vox, which one in your opinion is harder for you to do?
For me it is still harder to growl. I always have to remember to concentrate on my air flow and use my diaphragm to avoid straining my throat, if I don’t after a few days of recording growls all day, I can be hoarse for a few days after. Singing on the other hand comes very naturally to me.
Metal Pit : Along with your band, you are also a very accomplished artist and photographer, where does your inspiration come from?
Thank you! My inspiration comes from all around me: places, people, animals, music, and life in general. I am a very spiritual person and when I feel connected to the universe, this is when I am best able to create. There is a lot of evil, violence, hate, injustice, and war in the world we live in, I don’t like to hide myself away from these facts and just because this is not happening directly in my life, it does not mean it does not affect me. I like to bring these issues to the forefront in my music.
Metal Pit : Would having your artwork displayed in a gallery someday be something that would interest you?
Yes, I have certainly thought about it. But honestly right now I feel the internet is the best gallery there is. You can have thousands of people a day see your work from all over the world, at any time of the day, it really does not get any better than that. Galleries often have polices, guidelines, and deadlines that you as an artist have to deal with and which can even end up compromising your art.
Metal Pit : Sounds like you have a pretty full plate most days but when you do get spare time what kind of things do you enjoy doing?
Nothing makes me more happy than to visit the mountains, I really like the outdoors in general, I love camping, hiking, biking, body boarding, running, and hanging out with my dog. I’m really more like a hippie deep down inside. When I’m in a mellow mood I like watching movies at home.
Metal Pit : I read somewhere you are into ghost hunting, is that true?
Haha…it is. I guess all those years of watching TAPS has really influenced me. But I live in the New England region, one of the most haunted places in the United States, so it’s hard to resist to temptation to explore this territory. So now I’m part of a ghost hunting organization called PRONE, Paranormal Researchers of New England.
Metal Pit : Have you ever come across any really creepy stuff that makes the hair on your arms stand up?
Oh Yes, several. First it was The Hag, you wake up from sleeping but you are fully paralyzed and can’t move and you feel and hear a dark evil presence creeping upon you. Science claims it’s your brain that has not yet fully woken up from sleep, they call it the Old Hag Syndrome. But after speaking to many people about this phenomena and having my own experiences with it, I don’t believe it for a second. Science always has an answer to everything and they are wrong much of the time. They claim that when people have life after death experiences that is brain chemicals at work as well, but I am very certain they are wrong. Right now in the paranormal research group I am involved with, we are investigating a possible demon haunting of a house from the 1800s which has been abandoned. We are getting some very impressive EVPs from there. There is intense activity going on in the basement where things have flown out of my pocket and the all of a sudden there was fog coming out of my mouth when I spoke indicating a sudden temperature drop. This stuff fascinates me, I can talk for hours on end about it.
Metal Pit: Ok, now the hair on my arms is standing
on end......Yikes! What is your opinion on women in Heavy
Metal today?
Times are changing, women are now a powerful force in metal, while impressive female fronted bands are emerging and coming to the forefront all the time.
Metal Pit : What advice would you give to young women who may want to follow in your footsteps?
I would tell this to anybody male or female, I think it is important to know yourself well, to develop a strong foundation, and then to fight for what you believe in. You should never compromise yourself, or your art. I feel very fortunate to have had great opportunities in my life but it also came from hard work. Remember, Sometimes the aura's right in the universe and the stars align and things go well, but sometimes you have to make things align. Do what you believe is right in your heart and stay true to yourself.
Metal Pit : So,what is on the horizon for yourself and the band, any new music, videos or tours coming up?
You can certainly expect a lot from us this upcoming year, we are working on our album, getting ready to play shows with the new lineup, and will also have a new video probably by the end of this year; and of course touring is in the stars.
Metal Pit : Is there anything at all you would like to add to this interview?
METAL FOREVER MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS!!!!!
Metal Pit :What does it mean to you to be selected as the Metal Pit's Maiden of the month?
I’m very excited about the opportunity, I love the site, and I have truly enjoyed reading the other interviews!
Metal Pit : Vena, it was very cool chatting with you, on behalf of myself and the Metal Pit we want to thank you for making time for us today. You are an extremely talented lady and we wish yourself and the band the best of luck in your future?
Thank you very much Nick and Blake, I had a lot of fun doing this interview with you. I have a lot of respect for your contribution and hard work in helping develop such a kick-ass site as Metal Pit. May our paths cross again soon!!!
Vena Kava: Hi, it’s a pleasure for me to do this interview.
Metal Pit : You are the lead vocalist for the band "Killing Moon" (formerly known as Whipkraft), why did you feel it was necessary to change the band's name?
I’m really glad you have asked me this question, as the last few months there has been a lot of confusion about the change. Honestly, WhipKraft and Killing Moon are two separate entities. Initially I thought I could just change the name and move on, but now I realize this is not working. WhipKraft originated in San Francisco as an industrial goth metal band and utilized the synthesizer quite a bit. WhipKraft released a full length album "Welcome to the Chapel Perilous" and a single "We Must Die." When I moved to Boston in 2008, the musicians changed and the style shifted to traditional metal, the music was completely different. With the Single "Twilight Holocaust, this is when "Killing Moon" was born, the name fits the energy of what we are doing much better.
Metal Pit : Can you tell us a little about your bandmates?
I am very psyched about working with Darren O’Brien, my newest lead guitarist. He is helping to realize the band’s potential by bringing forth the heaviest and most gruesome riffs I have ever worked with, taking" Killing Moon" further down into the abyss of hell! His last band, "The Genocide of All’, was thrash metal, but we were both ready to go in a heavier direction.
Metal Pit : How would you describe your music to potential new fans?
If you asked me this question last year I would have said something slightly different, but musical evolution happens, and that’s a great thing! Our combined influences are along the roots of Vader, Behemoth, Cannibal Corpse, Dying Fetus, Immortal, Nevermore, Megadeth, Morbid Angel, Arch Enemy, and Absu. A definite mix of both American and European style metal. However, we are sticking to traditional roots, a lot of influences from from these bands very first albums, this is death metal straight from the deepest, darkest realms of our soul.
Metal Pit : Where can fans buy your music and is it still possible to get music from Whipkraft?
WhipKraft’s full length album has been sold out for many years, but it can be still found sometimes randomly on the internet, I saw a copy once for $40, I guess it is a collector’s item now. The single "We Must Die" can be found on most mp3 sites like iTunes. I plan on releasing the Whipkraft album as a digital download sometime in the future. For the band Killing Moon, our last two track album release "Twilight Holocaust" can still be found online both as a physical album and as mp3s.
Metal Pit : I just love your vid for the song
"Twilight Holocaust", chosing to shoot it in black and white kinda gives a very
nasty apocalyptic feel to it and if I must say so I thought you were amazing in
the vid as well.Where did the idea for this video come from and were you all
happy with the final outcome?Thank you so much! The idea for the video came from visions I have when I listen to the song "Twilight Holocaust." It’s these dark apocalyptic, end of times images that I tried to incorporate in the video. I went to the San Francisco Art institute for experimental filmmaking, so I ended up shooting, directing, and editing the video myself. When I first started working on it, I honestly was not sure what the final outcome would be, but we are pretty happy with!! I certainly plan on making another video soon.
Metal Pit : Is video something you enjoy doing or is it a neccessary evil today?
It can be a fun creative process, but it can be overwhelming at times. I love shooting film and video, but when it comes to editing, this is where after many days, weeks and months it can become a burden if you are doing all the editing yourself. There are always technical issues you must overcome, but when the final product is done, it was usually worth the effort. I think video is very necessary; it helps solidify the artist’s vision of a song, where it is no longer just an auditory experience.
Metal Pit : Some of my fav tunes from your band are "We must Die" and "Seven Angels, Seven Plagues", can you tell us about the meaning of those songs and what some of your personal favs are?
I worked with both of my brothers on "We Must Die," so I can’t take too much credit on that one. It was a time in our lives when we listened to a lot of industrial like bands, such as Rammstein, Ministry and Skinny Puppy, we had a lot of fun making that song. On the other hand "Seven angels, Seven Plagues" is a very different type of song, based on the concept of the "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" a biblical depiction about the end of the world. When the four seals break, revealing the four horsemen: the black, red, white, and pale bringing upon war, bloodshed, plaques, famine, and death. All three of the songs are about this concept. I really have such a hard time choosing my favorite songs, but I think "Seven Angels, Seven Plaques" and "Twilight Holocaust" are my favorites.
Metal Pit : Do you write all the
lyrics for the band?I write all the lyrics that I sing or growl on, but on a few songs we have a guest vocalist and he wrote his parts, and then we just put it all together.
Metal Pit : You have some Badass tats, which one if your favorite?
I have a few tattoos, I have two nautical stars -old school style on my both my forearms and a few small random ones I got done when I was underage.
Metal Pit : Any plans on getting more?
My boyfriend Eric De L’Etoile is an award winning tattoo artist and if I am going to get more work done I would certainly consider him first. We actually have a deal going that at the end of this year he gets a portrait tattoo of me on his forearm arm and then I will allow him to tattoo me. It’s just more fair that way.
Metal Pit : How did you get started in Metal and who were some of the musicians or bands that inspired you?
My first introduction to metal was when I was on the high school all male wrestling team, we used to play a lot of Metallica to get pumpped up for matches. But it did not really kick in till I met my ex-boyfriend, Dr. Metal RIP; he unfortunately died in that awful Great White show fire. However he opened up the true doors of metal too me! He played metal at midnight for a radio station 94 HJY and we stayed up to the wee hours of the morning at the station, head banging and listening to Slayer, Megadeth, Rammstein, Dimmu Borgir, Dio, and Dream Theatre. Those are definitely some bands that are at the root of my foundations.
Metal Pit : Who are some current bands you are listening to at the moment?
The last few months I have been really into Pagan/Celtic/Viking/Folk kind of metal. Some bands I have gotten really into are KorpiKaani, Folkearth, Primordial, Storm, The Bourbon Knights, Skiltron, Slough Feg, Folkodia, and Equilibrium.
Metal Pit : As a vocalist you sing both clean and growling vox, which one in your opinion is harder for you to do?
For me it is still harder to growl. I always have to remember to concentrate on my air flow and use my diaphragm to avoid straining my throat, if I don’t after a few days of recording growls all day, I can be hoarse for a few days after. Singing on the other hand comes very naturally to me.
Metal Pit : Along with your band, you are also a very accomplished artist and photographer, where does your inspiration come from?
Thank you! My inspiration comes from all around me: places, people, animals, music, and life in general. I am a very spiritual person and when I feel connected to the universe, this is when I am best able to create. There is a lot of evil, violence, hate, injustice, and war in the world we live in, I don’t like to hide myself away from these facts and just because this is not happening directly in my life, it does not mean it does not affect me. I like to bring these issues to the forefront in my music.
Metal Pit : Would having your artwork displayed in a gallery someday be something that would interest you?
Yes, I have certainly thought about it. But honestly right now I feel the internet is the best gallery there is. You can have thousands of people a day see your work from all over the world, at any time of the day, it really does not get any better than that. Galleries often have polices, guidelines, and deadlines that you as an artist have to deal with and which can even end up compromising your art.
Metal Pit : Sounds like you have a pretty full plate most days but when you do get spare time what kind of things do you enjoy doing?
Nothing makes me more happy than to visit the mountains, I really like the outdoors in general, I love camping, hiking, biking, body boarding, running, and hanging out with my dog. I’m really more like a hippie deep down inside. When I’m in a mellow mood I like watching movies at home.
Metal Pit : I read somewhere you are into ghost hunting, is that true?
Haha…it is. I guess all those years of watching TAPS has really influenced me. But I live in the New England region, one of the most haunted places in the United States, so it’s hard to resist to temptation to explore this territory. So now I’m part of a ghost hunting organization called PRONE, Paranormal Researchers of New England.
Metal Pit : Have you ever come across any really creepy stuff that makes the hair on your arms stand up?
Oh Yes, several. First it was The Hag, you wake up from sleeping but you are fully paralyzed and can’t move and you feel and hear a dark evil presence creeping upon you. Science claims it’s your brain that has not yet fully woken up from sleep, they call it the Old Hag Syndrome. But after speaking to many people about this phenomena and having my own experiences with it, I don’t believe it for a second. Science always has an answer to everything and they are wrong much of the time. They claim that when people have life after death experiences that is brain chemicals at work as well, but I am very certain they are wrong. Right now in the paranormal research group I am involved with, we are investigating a possible demon haunting of a house from the 1800s which has been abandoned. We are getting some very impressive EVPs from there. There is intense activity going on in the basement where things have flown out of my pocket and the all of a sudden there was fog coming out of my mouth when I spoke indicating a sudden temperature drop. This stuff fascinates me, I can talk for hours on end about it.
Metal Pit: Ok, now the hair on my arms is standing
on end......Yikes! What is your opinion on women in Heavy
Metal today?Times are changing, women are now a powerful force in metal, while impressive female fronted bands are emerging and coming to the forefront all the time.
Metal Pit : What advice would you give to young women who may want to follow in your footsteps?
I would tell this to anybody male or female, I think it is important to know yourself well, to develop a strong foundation, and then to fight for what you believe in. You should never compromise yourself, or your art. I feel very fortunate to have had great opportunities in my life but it also came from hard work. Remember, Sometimes the aura's right in the universe and the stars align and things go well, but sometimes you have to make things align. Do what you believe is right in your heart and stay true to yourself.
Metal Pit : So,what is on the horizon for yourself and the band, any new music, videos or tours coming up?
You can certainly expect a lot from us this upcoming year, we are working on our album, getting ready to play shows with the new lineup, and will also have a new video probably by the end of this year; and of course touring is in the stars.
Metal Pit : Is there anything at all you would like to add to this interview?
METAL FOREVER MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS!!!!!
Metal Pit :What does it mean to you to be selected as the Metal Pit's Maiden of the month?
I’m very excited about the opportunity, I love the site, and I have truly enjoyed reading the other interviews!
Metal Pit : Vena, it was very cool chatting with you, on behalf of myself and the Metal Pit we want to thank you for making time for us today. You are an extremely talented lady and we wish yourself and the band the best of luck in your future?
Thank you very much Nick and Blake, I had a lot of fun doing this interview with you. I have a lot of respect for your contribution and hard work in helping develop such a kick-ass site as Metal Pit. May our paths cross again soon!!!
Horns up brothers and sisters.....
Nick
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