Peppermint Creeps is a glam metal act from Hollywood, California formed in 1997 the band has gone through the many stages most bands tend to go through.... Stage 1 being the formation of the band and stage 2 record label deals stage 3 tours and promotion and stage 4 the fame and glory and last but least stage 5 the changes. A wide range of bands have dealt with these stages from time to time from the first day of forming together and making a commitment to being a band until the very end. Peppermint Creeps was indeed one of those bands and have not looked back since.... well since the tragic death of Traci Michaelz who was the percussion and vocals who ruptured the band to stardom. The rest of his band mates have fallen through continuing their determination to remain as a whole. Vocalist and guitarist Macy Malone spoke to me about Traci's death (R.I.P.) along with the past, present and future details on what is to become of the almighty Peppermint Creeps! The true formation of Hollywood metal!
1. The name of the band Peppermint Creeps is interesting to say the least and sounds as if there is a story behind it. Where did the name come from and what is the story?
Traci Michaelz was looking for that balance of good and bad and came up with the good being “Peppermint” and the bad being “Creeps”. The name existed long before the band did!
2. Can you briefly summarize how the band formed and what you do in Peppermint Creeps?
We formed after Traci heard about me (Macy) and Kari in The Lollipop Bitches. He met Kari in Hollywood and later came up to Canada to recruit me. We came back to Hollywood and the rest was history… for those of you that don’t know, I play guitar and sing!
3. Your lyrics are infused with heavy detail and raw emotion. What is it that normally gives you inspiration when writing lyrics and is there a concept behind the music you create?
Anywhere from real life experiences to day time talk shows!
4. Your new album “In Hell,” is coming out how has the reactions been thus far? What can fans expect when they listen to your music?
Amazing, people have been very positive and excited! They can expect to escape and learn to not take life too seriously.
5. Does the whole album creating process simply get more difficult as time goes on? Have you ever felt pressure to top yourselves?
No, we just write what we write.
6. That being said, was there an intention to create an album which was a reaction to “In Hell,”?
Not really… the album is about life here in L.A. Sometimes it’s like “Hell” on earth, but everyone has their own “Hell” on earth.
7. Its funny how we're talking about all the tools we have at our disposal now, when bands in the 70s would've thought it ludicrous for an album to not sound like actual people were making the noises!
Agreed!
8. What kind of steps does "In Hell,” take in comparison? How do you view the leaps of growth Peppermint Creeps took between "Animatron X," onto "We R The Weirdoz," then "Cover Up," and from that to "In Hell"?
The writing has never changed; in fact some of the songs on “In Hell” were written during “AnimatronX” but were left off because they didn’t fit the record. We’ve just become better performers!
9. How do you think your music has affected the music scene you are part of? What are your thoughts on the growing popularity in it as well?
It hasn’t affected the music scene but it has affected the kids and the popularity.
10. You have a handful of music videos floating on the net, your first music video "Lesbian," then "Stupid," was unleashed along with the covers video of Vapors tune "Turning Japanese." Now you've done another tribute video, capturing the memory of Traci Michaelz entitled "Memories R.I.P." Going down memory lane for all these creations, what are the thoughts running through your head, whenever you watch or think about one of those videos?
Well the Traci video was created for the funeral service it wasn’t a Creeps music video. I just think of how much fun we had filming them!
11. Both songs/videos are so hard and intense that I am sure they translate well into a live setting taking on a whole new life in front of a live audience. How does it make you feel when the emotion and power that you envisioned in the recording studio, come to life while playing in front of a crowd?
It’s awesome when we are playing it live. There are no fans in the studio to feed off of!
12. Sorry for the loss of Traci Michaelz that occurred in 2008, how awkward was it to have him pass on the most dreaded day of the year, “Friday the 13th” and what is to become of the Peppermint Creeps?
It doesn’t matter what day it was, we lost him…
We are not sure what is happening as of now we are just going with the flow.
13. At this point in your career, how much do you care about reactions? Do you still feel you can break in new people, or are you playing to an established choir of Peppermint Creeps fans?
We still don’t care about negative reactions! There’s new fans everyday!
14. Peppermint Creeps is at the point, and has been at the point, where you affect a lot of people, and the chance lives with the new release your music brings. How do you feel about being labeled as torch carriers for heavy metal in the somewhat mainstream zone? Do you think Peppermint Creeps could be a gateway drug for kids into heavy metal, sort of how Pantera was in the 90s?
We have never been called “Heavy Metal”. We have carried the “Glam” torch for over a decade! Pantera gateway? Pantera is the greatest “Metal” band ever!
15. What's left at this point? Are there still things left to challenge Peppermint Creeps?
Always!
16. What are the biggest and smallest crowds you've played in front of?
The biggest – The Keyclub in Hollywood, CA
The smallest – Jaxx in Virginia (bad booking!)
17. How has MYSPACE and the internet impacted your band and do you think downloading helps or hinders the artists?
It helps the artist get exposure, but it’s not making us millionaires!
18. What is the toughest lesson you ever learned in the studio and on the stage?
Make sure you’re in tune!
19. What bands would you like to tour with and who has been your favorite to tour with this far?
Motley Crue, Poison, Green Day, Marilyn Manson would be a trip.
20. Every band has its musical influences. What are some of the other bands and artists that have greatly influenced you guys and your music?
J-Rock (all), Glamour Punks, Motley Crue, Hanoi Rocks, Tiger Tailz, Sex Pistols, KISS, there are too many more to mention!
21. What's your reaction when/if a fan told you a very meaningful statement such as "Your music changed my life?" Has this ever happened to you?
Yes, it has and it just means that somebody got what we were saying.
22. What's it like when you're not out on the road, does it feel awkward?
The road is a hard place to be so it’s nice to be back home!
23. What's the craziest thing you've ever done?
Joined this band!
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