PAMELA MOORE

Pamela Moore, widely known as “Sister Mary”, released her personal album round a year ago, so I took the chance of asking her about it and, of course, about the experience of working with Queensryche again. Pamela talked about several things regarding her collaboration with the band, shared with us some moments and memories, and introduced us to “Stories from a blue room”. \r\n

\r\nMetalzone: Pamela, your last tour with Queensryche was pretty extensive, meaning you had to travel and play in a different city almost every day. How did you manage to handle stress in order to go on stage and perform as “Sister Mary”, which is a tragic character, under such conditions? \r\n

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\r\nBeing on the road is always very challenging so as an artist you really need to be careful. Try to get enough sleep, exercise (when possible) and eat right. Touring can be fun but isn’t like the “glamorous life” most people think it is. Sure there are benefits to it but if you get too caught up in the “scene” you can burn yourself out very fast! And that’s not good… My Sister Mary role was a challenge to bring to life but it wasn’t too difficult when you are working with the very best on stage! \r\n

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\r\nMetalzone: It’s been a long time since you were on tour with Queensryche again. Do you see any differences in the audience, for instance in their reactions? \r\n

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\r\nThe reactions are still loud and energizing! The venues might be a little smaller but the enthusiasm and packed out crowds hasn’t changed one bit! The only thing different I notice are younger people coming to the shows! Many of our die hard fans have children of their own coming to a Queensryche show and it’s such a treat to see them up in front singing at the tops of their lungs “Eye’s Of A Stranger” (Laughs) It’s awesome! \r\n

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\r\nMetalzone: Do you remember anything funny that happened during the tour, backstage or while on stage? \r\n

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\r\nFor those who were fortunate enough to see the Operation MindCrime 1 & 2 tour, (or watch the July 2007 release Live At The Moore DVD) then you know that there were a lot of very quick costume changes. Some that we barely had time to do! (laughs) Anyway, one particular night I was dancing in a scene for the song One Foot In Hell. (OMC2) I was a brunette hooker (laughs) dancing around a poll when all of the sudden a bracelet I was wearing got caught on the brunette wig and when I tried to move my hand to my side I could feel the wig starting to pull off my head!! (Which would have been a very embarrassing moment!) I’m not sure what happened but somehow the bracelet broke free, THANK GOD! Another time Geoff and I were performing Suite Sister Mary (OMC1) and by accident we both hit each other in the head! It was horrible…we both saw “stars” and I was afraid that Geoff might pass out because he got the worst of it. (The top of my Head hit his temple…not good) But…like a pro Geoff never missed a beat. He did have a big lump there for a day or so. We laugh at it now but it was a little scary when it happened! \r\n

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\r\nMetalzone: Tell us a few things about the experience of being in a tour bus or on a plane with Queensryche and travel along for weeks? \r\n

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\r\nThe members of Queensryche are complete professionals, a class act! They are smart, fun, funny and work very hard to make sure their fans are happy. Usually after our show we will meet the fans then head to the tour bus, which is basically our home for a couple months. We usually will talk about the night, have some wine, watch movies, listen to music or chat about anything and everything. Then go to bed! There’s not a whole lot of partying going on when you just finished performing a 3 hour show and you don’t have a day off for another 4 more days! \r\n

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\r\nMetalzone: What’s the best and what’s the worst thing that you remember out of all this experience? \r\n

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\r\nThe best part of touring is the beginning of the tour and the worst part is the last show! You really end up missing everyone you have been working with. They become like a second family.The best part for me was being the one chosen to perform the role of Sister Mary. It’s helped my career, brought me wonderful exposure, given me opportunities to travel to different countries and experience different cultures. I also have learned some valuable “hands on” knowledge about the business. …OH, and I can’t forget to mention meeting so many great people along the way. \r\n

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\r\nMetalzone: What was your first reaction when the guys asked you to work with them again? \r\n

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\r\nIt was very unexpected but very exciting for me. I had no idea we would be bringing back Sister Mary! I mean in Operation MindCrime 1 Mary kills herself! (laughs) So I was very interested to see what was going to happen with number 2. \r\n

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\r\nMetalzone: It’s quite risky when a band decides to do a sequel of a very successful album, as in the end things may not turn out to be as expected. How do you estimate the result from your point of view? \r\n

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\r\nIf you don’t take risks you don’t grow. I think the story was told very well musically and lyrically and for that matter visually. To set out and perform the 2 MindCrime stories in its entirety with actors, props, staging was very challenging but in the end I think it brought our fans something different to experience instead of the typical concerts you pay tickets for. This gave the audience a whole lot more to watch and experience. It was brilliant!I am very proud of what they put together and that I was asked to participate. It certainly sounds a little different than the OMC 1 but it still rocks! Besides, we are in the years of 2000 NOT 1989! Our fashions change, our music changes, we evolve. \r\n

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\r\nMetalzone: You recently released the album “Stories from a blue room”, which is in a different musical direction, with a more personal style I‘d say. Neil Kernon who did the mixing, Jeff Loomis, Mike Wilton on the guitars Brian Gordon on the drums, are well known names in the metal scene. How did you get in contact and decided to work together? \r\n

\r\nI wrote the record with my friend Benjamin Anderson (Rorschack Test) and we hired musicians to bring it to life. I have always been good friends with Jeff Loomis. Of course, I work with Michael Wilton and Terri Nunn (Berlin) is my cousin. The other players Jason “Killer Kowalski drummer (N17) Brain Gordon Bass Player (Ion Vein) were suggested to me by Neil! The combination of powerhouse players really added a lot to the personality of the record. The sound is a bit atmospheric with a blend of hard Rock and electronic influences. I like that it is unique. We’ve been getting great reviews too, which is very nice. \r\n

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\r\nMetalzone: Are you planning a tour? \r\n

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\r\nYes, I am hoping to tour next year. \r\n

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\r\nMetalzone: Will you have any of these names with you in the band? \r\n

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\r\nUnfortunately, most of the musicians that contributed to the record all have projects of their own so that won’t happen but don’t be surprised if you see a guest appearance one night! \r\n

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\r\nMetalzone: What is your opinion about the opera-like female vocals in heavy metal? \r\n

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\r\nI like it. I was asked this question in another interview and to be honest I think the feminine voice against the powerful, aggressive sound of metal is very refreshing to hear. A woman’s touch is always nice… as long as it’s done tastefully! \r\n

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\r\nMetalzone: What kind of music do you listen to? \r\n

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\r\nI like so many different styles of music from Hard Rock, Metal, Industrial to bass slapping Funk, classical symphonic and pop music. Basically if the music has passion, it will always draw me in! I have been really into Industrial Rock lately. The newest record I’ve been listening to is a band called Puscifer. It’s a new music project with Maynard (perfect circle) and a revolving door of very talented musician’s and artists. It’s very unique and I really like that. I like to see artists push the boundaries of what we normally hear but still make it very musical and intense. \r\n

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\r\nMetalzone: Would you like to give a message to your fans? \r\n

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\r\nI would like to thank MetalZone for this interview and to all my friends and fans for their continued support. May your New Year be blessed with many more wonderful adventures! I also want to invite everyone to come and check out my websites at: www.pamelamoore.net and www.myspace.com/pamelamoore .
\r\nWe just released my debut video CROSS MY HEART which you can see watch on myspace or YouTube. Thanks! \r\n

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\r\nwww.pamelamoore.net
\r\nhttp://www.myspace.com/pamelamoore \r\n

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\r\nNicoleta Sarantou \r\n

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\r\nPamela Moore: "Cross my Heart" \r\n

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