The long awaited "I Believe In Fairy Tales" is here!

Click the pic to get it...

Howdy campers! Around two years ago, I interviewed Xenia, the band-leader, rhythm guitarist, and vocalist for the New York based band "Sky Salt". Somehow, I not only managed to not scare her off, but we kept in touch. The benefit of this to YOU, dear reader, is that I've been blessed to get another interview with her...just in time for their big CD release! So, grab a beverage, a snack, sit back, and read on...

Sithspit: So, when last we spoke nearly two years ago, you had just released your first CD, an EP....how do you compare that experience then to now?
Xenia: We definitely got to spend a lot more time on this record. It is more thought-through compared to Off The Ground.
S: Thought through? I seem to recall that you wrote songs very quickly...how is this different?
X: Actually, not any more.
S: How so?
X: I am very critical about my songwriting these days and don't write much.
X: I only write when I cannot NOT write, so to speak. *smiles*
S: So those times it's something that drives you; like an obsession or a compulsion?
X: Very much so. I don't sit myself down or have "writing sessions" any more. Just kinda prefer to let it flow naturally
S: Has that worked better for you or is it just easier?
X: Er, it's never been easy. Writing is always a pain in the butt! *smiles*
X: But I'm happy when I write
S: That seems odd to hear...many of the songs have a dark, twisted fairy tale feel.
X: Haha, yeah it's true. I just really enjoy the process I guess.
S: A notable exception is "2 of a Kind". It's about your sister, Kat, yes?
X: 2 of a kind is about my sister, yes.
X: The title "I Believe In Fairy Tales" is somewhat mocking...
S: Oh?
S: Explain?
X: ...seeing how most of the songs are quite depressing and sad
S: Exactly!
X: (They are) Tales of a lost girl.
S: Does that lost girl have a name or a voice? *winks*
X: But in the end, there is something that does make me believe in fairy tales, there is light - which is represented by my sister.
X: Well, the girl is me of course.
S: I suspected as much...
X: That's why the intro theme is played in a major key in the end. So that's the concept behind the record.
S: I actually liked the minor key the best....but it does make the concept play and sound better start to finish like you did it.
X: Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. *smiles*
S: For this album's writing process, since it was slower, did the lyrics follow the music? For Off the Ground, the music came first. Did this change too?
X: No, my songwriting method hasn't changed much, except now I write on piano a lot...I got tired of guitar.
S: That is surprising...as we talk, I'm referring to our first interview, and that was something I was going to ask you about.
S: I noticed there was a lot more piano on this album...all you?
X: Absolutely. *smiles*
S: The flute?
X: The flute was synthesized, as were the strings.
S: That answers my next question as well: Who did the strings.
S: Between Off the Ground and "Fairy Tales" you had some line-up changes...can you expand on those changes?
X: Dennis, our producer (who also did all the drum and bass tracks) on the record. Dennis joined the band a year ago, and actually the way it happened was kinda funny. He came in to audition on bass. We had this other dude come in the same day, also a bassist. For whatever reason, we decided to go with the other dude at first, but Dennis kinda mentioned he also played drums, so we ended up asking him if he'd like to come in a second time and audition on drums. He did and was amazing! The other dude ended up leaving in a matter of weeks, but Dennis stayed. *smiles*
S: ...and ended up also producing, yes?
X: Oh yeah. That's what he does for a living - produces stuff. He's actually worked with some famous acts; he produced a score for American Psycho.
S: Ok, so Dennis produces and is handling the skins, and bass for recording...who do you have live?
X: Live we usually invite people.
X: Nathan You is one of them - we *heart* Nathan :)
X: He played the CD release show with us in April!
S: I remember reading about that.
S: But that's surprising...isn't that kind of dangerous for a live performance?
X: No, we usually get professionals who learn stuff quickly and don't mess up.
S: I may be going on dangerous ground here, but has anyone made any parallels between you and Evanescence with their own line-up changes, and how they have band members live that aren't "band members"?
X: I know it seems kinda weird, but the bottom line is that the core of the band has always been me and Mark.
S: Exactly!
S: Thus my question.
X: Yes, comparisons have been made indeed...
S: What do you have to say about that?
X: ...but I'm not worried about that. Evanescence (and many other "bands" put together by someone else - usually a label) always try to project that whole "BAND" image, while in reality it is not so.
X: With Sky Salt, we don't do that.
X: Sky Salt is Mark and I. We do all the writing, we entertain the crowd. That's not to say we don't love or appreciate our bassist and drummer, but we create no illusions that we're a 4-piece.
S: Kind of like the Allman brothers...there's a whole band, but the core is the Allman brothers themselves?
X: Exactly. I think being honest with people and especially yourself is essential. *smiles*
S: Good rule to live by.
X: *Grins*
S: Have your musical tastes changed in the last year or two?
X: They are always changing... rather, expanding.
X: One of my favorite records is the new Avril Lavigne CD.
S: *arches an eyebrow* That seems odd.
X: But then again, Metallica is still in my CD player on a daily basis; we are actually thinking of covering one of their tunes... But don't tell anyone just yet! *winks*
S: Oh really...ok, back to the past....: I recall at one point you said you didn't do many cover tunes...I believe Nirvana's "Heart-shaped Box" was an exception. Did anything change, or is this un-named tune another exception?
X: Well, we didn't include any covers on the record, no. But we do include a couple in our live performances; last time we did Ozzy's "I Just Want You" and the Beach Boys' "In My Room".
S: Wow, what a difference in the two!
S: What is it about those two that caused you to choose them?
X: Ozzy was my teenage idol, and "I Just Want You" was one of my favorite songs.
X: Beach Boys, the guys just dug the way my voice sounded on it - all eerie and stuff.
S: *blinks* I didn't consider that angle, but you're right...that would sound eerie.
X: We ended up doing it as the last number, without much instrumentation, just my bare voice supported by pre-recorded and triggered harmonies.
X: Well, actually Mark played acoustic guitar on it, too. But that's it
S: How different! As a show ender?  That's kind of an uncommon way to END a rock show.
X: Uh huh. Mike Love's cousin was in the audience too - loved it.
S: Oh, cool!
S: Since I wasn't there, for my own curiosity, can you recall the song list/lineup for that night? What did you open with?
X: We opened with Paper Angels, and closed with The Long Way. The Beach Boys cover was the encore.
S: So, just like the album beginning?
X: Yeah, we actually triggered the music box intro, too. *smiles*
X: It played while the stage was still empty
S: Sweet.
S: Did you perform in the outfit you wore for the fashion show?
X: Nope, I changed. *smiles*  The only part of my fashion outfit that stayed was the red petticoat...for the stage, I wore a white doll-like dress.
S: How about Mark? His outfit for the show was...unique.
X: Yeah, I made both our costumes; it has always been a part of our image, me making the costumes.  *smiles*
S: Which reminds me, you have your own budding fashion empire....and you sell from http://www.limecrime.net ?
X: Yes, that and eBay.
S: How did all of that start? I don't recall any mention about your line of fashions before.
X: It's a relatively new line. But making weird clothes is what I do for a living.
S: Based on the various outfits I've seen you in, it must be quite an impression on the unsuspecting.
X: I do dress like that in real life...
S: I've noticed.
X: I don't really think about it... but I guess so?
S: What inspires you for your designs?
X: Tim Burton, Alice In Wonderland... my own weirdness.  I'm obsessed with stripes and colors; red and lime green...
S: *drily* I hadn't noticed....
X: Naturally, it all transcends into the band's look.
S: As I look through the photos from the show, I see one of you and Kat...the girl is growing. I've also noticed her in some outfits of yours. Is she one of your models, or just helping big sis out?
X: Actually, I don't think we wore any of my stuff for that show.
X: She did backing vocals at the CD release performance.
X: I did help her put that outfit together though. *smiles*
S: No, I'm referring to the picture series I found of her in a pale pink dress...
S: Is that one of your designs as well?
X: Oh no, it's just a vintage dress from my collection. I did the photography though.
S: Doesn't she often do photography work for you?
X: Yeah, she used to shoot the band all the time.  Not so much any more though; now it's all pro and stuff.
X: Not that she isn't pro!
S: In recent pics, I've noticed you behind the lens a few times...is this just something you've been doing lately?
S: I ask because you seem to have branched out in the last year or so...fashion, acting, etc.
X: Oh yeah, I do photography a lot in my spare time, but it's more like a hobby; I also do acting now.  My first film should be coming out sometime in the fall.
S: That I would LOVE to see...a speaking role?
X: Yep...with a somewhat sexual scene, too. *laughs*
S: No...that seems so out of character for you!
S: I have to ask...how clothed are you in this scene?
X: (continuing) It's an awesome film, written by my friend Jennifer Drue. It's called "The Coat: The Fabric of Seduction" and is about a girl who is seduced by a coat.
S: Interesting concept.
X: I'm not sure yet how clothed I'm going to be... but I'm doing costume design for this film as well, so not to worry...
S: Sounds like you could get "Wrapped up" in it.
X: *Laughs*
S: Ok, let's go on a tangent now...:  Mist!
S: Tell me about Mist.
X: Mist?! Mist is my guinea pig.  She is 4 years old; pretty old for a piggy, and rather fat.  I love her to bits (bites?)  At one point I was thinking of making her part of the band...She auditioned on backing vocals, but the producer said her voice sounded too... squeaky.
S: *Laughs* That's too funny!
S: You look cute sleeping together...I found that pic of you both that Mark took...
S: Is she your only pet besides Mark?
X: Mark is not a pet, although sometimes I wish he was.  *smiles* But Mist is enough.
S: At the risk of getting too personal, are you and Mark still seeing each other?
X: Oh yeah. We see each other on a daily basis, we're in the same band, you know. *grins*
S: *smiles* Ah yes, the standard Xenia "I answered the question without answering the question" type answer....
X: *Laughs more*
S: Touring...any plans?
X: Possibly yes, as soon as we are done with the Night of 1000 Rocker Chicks event we are putting on in July.
S: I've not heard about that...tell me about it.
X: It's a "women in rock" festival, which we will be headlining.
X: It's an annual event in NYC.
S: Sort of Lilith Fair for the Grrrrlz?
X: Yeah, exactly!
S: Gotcha.
S: And you'll be headlining
S: Impressive.
S: Will there be video from the show?
X: Yep, there is definitely going to be a video from Night of 1000 Rocker Chicks. There will also be a music video for one of our new songs, Beautiful.
S: Ah, yes, the single from the CD. Tell me...I know Beautiful is the first single, but is it the song you're most proud of as a composer? Or is it just the best song for the radio? Your thoughts?
X: I do think it is the best song on this record. It is also the song that everyone in the band likes!
X: I think it showcases what Sky Salt is about at this point quite well.
S: It happens to be my favorite as well...it's catchy.
X: It's actually one of the first songs I've ever written.
S: Unlike Off the Ground, I like virtually all of the songs on "I Believe...". However, I've noticed every single song has been redone, and not just re-recorded...they're DIFFERENT. Why?
X: Because we feel different.
X: I felt like changing things, so I did; lyrics, melodies, arrangements...
S: I'm smiling...do you know why I'm smiling?
X: Yes, I know exactly why you are smiling.
S: Tell me then.
X: Because you like a woman in control. "Oh man, she felt like changing things, so she went and changed them". Right? *grins, then laughs*
S: Close...but no clove cigar. I'm smiling because so many artists would give this lengthy explanation about the aspects of change, etc....but you? " I felt like changing things, so I did".  Straight to the chase, no beating around.
X: That's how things should be.
S: Is the world ready for someone of your personality and attitude Ms. Xenia?
X: Of course not! But the best thing is, I don't care!
X: Weirdos like me make the world fun
S: Yes, we do make it fun. *winks*
S: What does Xenia care about?
X: I care about self expression and love.
X: I fall in love easily and often.
S: Do you fall out again as easily?
X: Depending on a person, I usually do fall out of love easily too.
X: One would have to keep me entertained to keep me interested
S: I asked this question last time...I wonder if the answer is the same this time:
S: You're in the top ten; a Grammy winner...Playboy approaches you for a nude layout. You're an attractive redhead...would you do it?
X: Not on the first album, but most likely on the second. I love my body and would love to do a Playboy shoot! Uhh... what did I answer last time??
S: Do you really want to know?  *smiles*
X: Nah...I probably said something stupid.  *laughs*
S: *laughs*
S: What changed your mind about acting? I recall you said you'd only do horror films, and that actors should act, and musicians should stick to music...not mix the two. What changed?
X: I never really considered acting seriously before because it kind of never came up. And then, a friend of 2 months wrote a script and based the main character, "Xenia", on me. I sort of freaked out at first but now am cool with it.
X: Needless to say I wanted the role. Now I have to audition for it! How absurd is that?
S: Wow, same name and all, hm?  How ironic!
X: Yeah, not that it matters. It's still a role.
S: What has changed the most for you since Off the Ground, and what has changed the least?
X: I became more daring. Usually as people grow older, they calm down... with me it seems it's the opposite. Nothing can hold me down these days. The band has grown to new heights, too. We don't have to play shitty bars any more. We have fans. It's beautiful and I'm a happier person. *smiles* What hasn't changed? My attitude and desire to succeed and experience new things.
S: Yes, you do have fans. I received an email from a teen in Great Britain last week...she somehow found my LiveJournal, found links to your site, listened to downloads, and is hooked now.
X: Aw, that's so sweet! *smiles hugely* Tell her to send me an email or something.  Perhaps she would be interested in joining the street team and receiving some free stuff?
S: You can find her info from my live journal...I don't think I have her email anymore.
X: Oh! You know what we could do to wrap up?
S: A duet? *winks*
X: You can throw random words (or a choice of 2 words) at me, and I'll tell you the first thing that comes to my mind.
S: hm, word association straight from the mind of Xenia...ok.
S: Shadow
X: Vampire
S: Hamster
X: Cuteness
X: *Laughs*  I'm a cheese ball!
S: Satisfaction
X: Rolling Stones and sex.
S: Heh
X: Better yet, sex with Rolling Stones.
S: Misery
X: Michelle Branch.
S: *Laughing LOUDLY*
S: Hey, she's hot.
X: What? She has a song called Sweet Misery!
X: *Laughs*
S: Oh, ok...
S: E minor
X: Uhh... piano.
S: Hunger
X: Sushi!
S: Public parks
X: Peter Steele from Type O Negative; he works for the department of parks...
S: ?!
X: AND I have a huge crush on him.
S: Oh, ok....
S: Still?
S: Or you just have those Playgirl pics?
X: Yeah, it's one of those that never cease.
X: Oh, those... wait, I'm not allowed to tell you about that!
X: *Laughs*
S: Uh HUH....
S: Masturbation
X: Um, my vibrator...
S: Morality
X: Kindness
S: Politicians
X: TV!
X: (Something I don't have and don't watch...)
S: Viggo Mortenson
X: Sounds familiar... who is that??
S: Played in Lord of the Rings...Maybe I should've said Orlando Bloom.
X: Oh!
X: Orlando Bloom? Ugh...not attractive to me at all
S: *smiles* Not surprising...he looks nothing like Mark.
X: What does that have to do with anything? *winks*
X: *laughs*
S: Bisexual
X: Bisexual? Pretty girls...
S: Are you open about your preferences, or is that a private thing?
X: I just consider myself 'confused'. *laughs*
S: Fair enough...
S: Kat
X: Bond
S: New York
X: Grey, dark...
S: Death
X: Black hole
S: Jesus Christ
X: Se-xay!
S: Ok, THAT hasn't changed....
X: *Laughs*!!
S: What, if anything, would you like your fans to know about you most?
X: That I love them!!  The band loves their fans; each one is like a hero to us. Seriously!
S: Is there anything else you'd like to add before we part company this evening, Xen?
X: Buy the album. It would mean so much to me! *smiles* Oh, and include a note telling about yourself; we're curious about people who buy the album.
S: Xenia, thanx so much for taking the time to chat with me this evening.
X: My pleasure, James! As always. *smiles*
S: It's nearly 1 AM (her time) ...go to bed!
X: Oh shit!
X: Alright, talk to you soon!
X: Bye :)
S: G'night!

And there you have it campers.  Lots has changed from the first interview, as you might have noticed if you've read it.  If not, take a gander at it.  Until next time, Keep your nose clean and your mind dirty!

You can read more about the band and Xenia at http://www.skysalt.com/.  You can also find some sample .mp3s to listen to!  I suggest you do!