Vamp is what rock ‘n’ roll is all about. Their hard-hitting style is proving to be a big hit with the ladies and with the release of their new 7 inch single, the girls are set to take the rest of Australia by storm. Currently touring the country, Vamp member Libby took time out to talk to Rachel Cook.

Libby, who is Vamp?

Harmonie, Corie and myself. We are a three-piece all female rock band, based in Newcastle, NSW.

How would you describe your sound?

Our sound is Harmonie’s vocals spilling out, drenching you in pure attitude, with rough and ready guitar like it’s a part of her, Corie, groovin’ out and rockin’ loud on the bass and Libby, at home on the drums, playing with an instinctive power and animalistic ferocity unlike any female player around – this is taken from our bio, it's hard to describe yourself! We aspire to be the female version of Nirvana. A no-holds-barred rockin’ outfit that feels we can rock as hard if not harder than all the guys out there in other rock bands. We are not afraid to give our all on stage, even if some people may think we are not lady-like enough! We like to think we don't take ourselves too seriously.

How did the band start?

All three girls had been playing in various bands over the years. Harmonie has sung on some Tumbleweed albums, myself and Corie have been in a plethora of successful Newcastle bands. The band rose from the ashes of a previous outfit that both Libby and Corie were part of. Also, Harmonie and myself were jamming to form an 80s cover band that just never quite got off the ground because we couldn't help but jam on our own songs.

Who are your influences?

Any musician who doesn't follow a trend and plays from the heart. Harmonie: Lunachicks, Hole, Babes In Toyland. Libby: PJ Harvey, Nirvana, Dave Grohl. Corie: Everything and anything and partial to Kanye West!

Top three PJ Harvey tunes?

One: ‘Rid Of Me’, Vamp sometimes covers this in our live shows. Two: ‘Dress’ – can't go past any songs on PJ’s debut, Dry. Three: ‘Big Exit’ – from Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea.

Best thing about being in a rock band?

Being able to let loose on stage, unleash our energy and passion and frustration at times. All three of us are very creative at heart and Vamp is a great outlet for that to shine through. Also the fact that we can pretend we are comedians on stage.

Worst thing?

Lugging gear! We like it when we have some male friends at gigs so they can carry it – not that we're weak or anything! Also, sometimes in the music industry, with the way that things are today, it feels like you go to extreme lengths and efforts for not much return financially. It is pretty hard to get people to come and pay to see you play and buy your CD. Not that we are in it for the money, we do it because we love music and playing, but we think that most musos would agree that it's a bit of a bummer sometimes.

myspace.com/vamptheband or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Pictured: Libby (drums) and Harmonie. Photo: Ange Maloney

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