Marino, what is the history behind Vicious Kitty and how did you all come up with such a wicked name?

Vicious Kitty is the result of 11 years worth of different projects. We played together in New York City as the Costellos and in a band in Florida called THIS which included ex-Puya drummer, Joshyn Rodriguez and ultimately together now as Vicious Kitty. Lisa and I were both dog walkers and came across an abandoned kitten who was only about 4 days old. Lisa hand raised her and she is quite the vicious one, but, as you guessed, she's our kitty. Lisa and I thought that would be a good name.

What instruments do you play and how were you trained in those instruments?

I play guitar, a little bass, drum programming, midi sequencing, and all that crazy stuff, but yeah, guitar is my main instrument. Classical guitar for a while including the music conservatory, but session playing was really it for me.

Do you find special challenges in recording together?

At times. We are both very creative so we both feel strongly about our creative expression, so at times we stop and revisit. But we actually do pretty well!

Who are your major musical influences?

Wow! That is a big question, there are so many, but I can tell you that I know there is a hint of Sabbath in my sound. But I'm all about good music, from funk to metal, so really I don't have a specific answer. Hey, I even liked the Bee Gees. I remember wanting to play funk guitar like they had in their vinyls. I do want to say that my musical direction changed when I bought Diary of a Madman.

I understand you are involved in an autism research project. Can you talk a little bit about how you got involved in that and what your hopes are for this project?

Hmm. Well actually it is not a research project. Lisa works with autistic children as a speech pathologist, so the condition is fairly discussed in our house. We thought maybe we could give a bit of our talent to bring awareness and fund some of the groups that autistic people. In some of those support groups, research foundations have been mentioned.

What are some of the other projects you are involved in?

Well the autism project is the main project for Lisa and I. That project will hopefully start taking shape soon. I've been writing like crazy and trying to work my production skills to deliver a good quality product. The plan is that 20% of the gross generate of all sales will be donated.
Some other musical projects include WORKS with Rocky Larsen (Broham) as we are trying to sort out a future band for ourselves. He's about 4 hours away so we think it is logistically possible to work out a musical relationship that is beneficial to both of us. I also work in three other projects; one is a Spanish rock band with my friend Jerry Rivera, The Marino Experiment which is my personal project, and with my friend Thomas (Minds at Play) who I collaborate with in the more technical aspects of electronic music.

What hardware/software do you use to record?

I use Cubase, Fruity Loops, and Adobe Audition. I use Cubase for some midi and audition for sample editing and pre mastering and Fruity Loops for sequencing, most midi and drums. My soundcard is the Maudio card. I also use a guitar rig and an RP200. My mic is an Octava mic.

Do you all play live as well as record? What is the musical scene like where you live?

At the moment we don't have the musicians to put this music together live, but we have the musicians we need if something big came up. We are interested in gigging, but most of the energy goes into our production. It's no hassle though and I do miss gigging lots!

Do you play music exclusively or do you all also have "day jobs"?

I'm a painter and carpenter at UAMS and Lisa works at Easter Seals as a speech pathologist.

What are your future musical plans?

To keep making music, but nothing as far as a specific plan as I'm pretty loaded at the moment. We'll see what doors become open further down the road.

Do you have any advice for musicians who are just starting out?

Practice as much as you can, but have fun too. I was also told by an old friend to practice what you are going to use. There's no sense in practicing a technique that's no good for what you want to achieve. I'm still trying to sort that out! LOL. So keep what works for you and enjoy the ride!

Is your music an expression of themes in your life or do you write specifically for the listener?

I write what comes out but I try to mix and produce for the listener. As I see it that's two different things. I will always play what I hear in my head but when I produce I try to make it listenable while trying to retain the musical integrity or idea.

How has being at Dmusic affected the way in which you produce or deliver your music?

Well, Dmusic, I think always gives me a place to share with fellow musicians. I get to listen and learn. You see by listening to these great musicians I see where I'm at and where I want to go. Dmusic is also a great source of inspiration for crazy guys like me. LOL. I always shoot the shit (so to speak) so it's always a pleasure to be in there. I think there are some real talented people including your husband who's a great guitarist!

Finally, if we were hanging out at a BBQ, what would you be eating and drinking?

Soy burgers and water if it's a good day and in a bad day, Cheeseburgers and soda!

Thanks to Lisa and Marino for being my first!

Very cool.

I had a good time during my visit to Lisa and Anthony's house a few weeks ago. The one thing that stands out to me is Anthony's passion for music. He really really loves it. And it shows. It will be interesting to see what the future brings reagarding him and I working together. There are so many things we can learn from each other and we both touch on many different styles. He has a sence of power and I have a sense of color that could be very dynamic in the future. He kind of makes me feel guilty that I don't practice my instruments like I once did. Life kinda happened.....But I am a fan of Anthony and Lisa and if we continue working together...the sky's the limit! He will be creating some magic either way! Rock on Broham!!!

Awesome interview Crystal

Vicious Kitty one of our favorites you guys rock!

Great Read VK!!!

And Great Job Crystal

Soy Burgers eh? I keep trying to grill those but they get so dry!!

well I'll make you a 100% veggie with nice sauces and fruit blended in, if you ever happen across my BBQ's
water I drink that too, but it taste burning

Nice work! Keep them coming!

Very cool to read & great to see them back!

Excellent interview! Good job, Crystal and good job Vicious Kitty!

DMusic has a thing where you can be alerted by artists/bands who you like when they have a new song online...

The prolific-ness of Vicious Kitty BROKE that feature.

I swear I never ever though I'd say this:

Vicious Kitty, PULL BACK A BIT

(let the rest of us catch up!)

WOW!

Nice story! and a wonderful musicians
and people VK

lose the a

Nicely done all involved. Always a pleasure to discover more about the site's musicians.

I'm a fan and enjoyed this interview very much ! Great work Crystal and Marino.

Nice interview, Vicious Kitty makes some of DMusic's best music, but Crystal! You forgot the most important question-- or ?? Inquiring minds want to know!

Coke!!!!

Kewl......... Well Done

Thank you all - great interview!
A real insight into the creativity & the people behind the music.
All the best with the album - I'll have one f'sure!

great interview and stories. i loved the story about your name and the kitten you saved. good luck with the cd.
i need to stop by and give a listen soon.

i really get into these interviews because dmusic is about the whole musician - and that's it's charm. these interviews are the perfect addition to an already great site/home.

Cheers, I enjoyed the read. I should have gotten off my arse and asked a question though