Hi Valentina, how are you doing?
Hi angels! Nice to be finally here with you! I will be happy to answer to all your questions ;-)
Since 2008 you are the female half of Anxiety Disorder, can you give a brief introduction to the band?
Sure guys. The project, born at the beginning of 2008, is a product of the collaboration between Alex from Portugal alias .:I.S.K:. and me, the italian half, .:V.P.G:.. This collaboration had its birthing point when Alex asked to me to write lyrics and record guest vocals for his band AktiveHate’s, on the song “Star Struck”, which ended up being selected for the renowned compilation Extreme Sündenfall 7. It was so great and so unespected! Then in January 2008 we won a contest with the song "Neurological Chronic Condition" in Italian Body Music compilation and some months later, our "Emergency SEX" was chosen for Extreme Women in the Dark Future compilation. At the end of 2008 we participated with "Empty Sou"l in the last C-Lekktor cd, The Silence Procession. I can't forget our first live debut on 11th December 2008, at the Dark Day in Milan with our great friends Nurzery [Rhymes], Dernière Volontée and Adam Kult. In April 2009 we played abroad for the first time: in Switzerland with a solo concert and France, Marseille at the sides of Arsch Dolls and Tamtrum until arrive to the big festival in Paris on 11 July 2009 with names like Suicide Commando, Agonoize and Diary of Dreams.. Well, all was so incredibly exciting! In only 1 year of existence we exploded into today's electro industrial scene. I can say we are proud.
Why the name Anxiety Disorder, is this something you can relate too on a personal level as well?
Eh eh good question! Well, we are all anxious no? find me a person that is not! Eh eh... Me, with Alex, we wanted to find a strong name that represented one of the biggest problem people has in this stressing life and express it on music. But yeah! I don't kill anybody! I'm not psycho like my artistic name says ;-)
The other half of the band is Alex, how did the 2 of you meet and why form a band together living so far apart?
I knew Alex here on myspace. He had a band I like, Psychotektrauma and we started to talk about music and our passion for that. So he put me under proof and we started to work togheter! At the beginning all started like a joke, to enjoy. We didn't care about the distance. But later we saw that things started to go better.. and that people were taking our project seriously. For sure is hard to work far away but with the modern technology all is possible.
Why the use of nickname, V.P.G.? What do the initials stand for?
VPG is for Valentina, my real name and Psycho Guapa, to make my name stronger and give an idea of beauty and obsession.
You call your music Porno Industrial, a provocative term, why call your music Porno Industrial and aren’t you afraid people expect a pornographic liveshow because of this?
Eh eh some people I think expect that but the word “porno” is pure provocation! We are sexy in our madness, that's the point, but not porno! Music is our orgasm, sensual voices and a strong impact music! What else? No naked stuffs! Let those to immagination but don't forget that we want only to PROVOKE!
What are the advantages and disadvantages of living so far apart, guess the internet is very important for the both of you?
For sure be far away gives only disadvantages but like I told you before internet is a big help!
How are the songs of Anxiety Disorder created?
Alex prepare the music, me the lyrics and then we decided togheter how to melt all and after some prooves we see what to delete or change. I record my voice at home and then Alex reworks it but all is decided by both of us. I give my ideas and him too.
You are responsible for the lyrics, what kind of things are of influence on this for you?
Sure I'm and well, I want to show that behind the madness there is a big will to expression. Society can't help us so we have to dream and be creative. Be mad, express yourself and don't stop dreaming! In my life lot of things happened that made me full of rage and I like to express it on the songs... What I want to say to our fans is to try to “read behind our texts”... all has a sense... deeper and deeper.
Anxiety Disorder did a few liveshows, how did they go, do you have any strange rituals before a show?
Can I say few but great! And we are proud of those! They all went good and to be honest I didn't expect a big partecipation from people. When u are unknowed is difficult to have people that come for you but well, I can say that we had lot of people during our concerts and that made me full of joy! And I will always thank our fans and supporters. Strange rituals? Ha ha no no... but who knows... the only thing I'm thinking now is that I talk too much before a concert, stressing my partner eh eh ;-) I always want to do my best.
How important is the visual aspect for Anxiety Disorder? Do you want to make a statement with this or just show you are a fan of harsh electronic music?
Music is important but to create a personal immagine is important as well. Is a way to enter in people minds! Nah no fans, we like the scene and we are involved in it but we are ourself.
You just released your debut album called Obsession, what are your own Obsessions?
Like I say in a song “I'm ill, obsessed to die”: all is connected to madness and illness.... when u are ill u become mad! Now my obsession is to make people smile also if they are ill! I'm obsessed to find a care for this world! What else????? Don't be scared to die but fight to be stronger and live day by day! Are u ill? Fight against it!! or worst.. people tell u are mad??? fuck off! Smile and say “I'm proud to be” ;-)
The album was supposed to be released on Rebco Records but now you released it yourself, what made you decide to do this?
I prefere don't talk about it. There are too many things to say... We were proud and happy but in this life and first of all in this scene all can happens. I'll be kind and honest like I'm, saying... “everybody is free to make is choises”...but “respect first!!!”...
Did you receive any comments or reviews already, what were they like?
For now only positive comment from fans but we are ready to receive all.. eh eh
The album is mastered by Racso Agroyam (Hocico), how did you get him to do this for you?
I can only say he's a very important person for me and a great worker I trust in and he helped us a lot. Is this an interview or a “gossip review????” hi hi
You also contributed to the C-Lekktor album, can we say there is a strong connection between Anxiety Disorder and the Mexican scene, how would you describe this connection?
Personally I like a lot the Mexican scene. It was a pleasure to work with C – Lekktor and first of all to work with Racso. I can say, but I'm sure that all thinks that, also if the scene is born in Germany, Mexico has a lot of bands to be PROUD of!!!!! So Viva Mexico ;-) It will be “la sangre caliente” that me and Alex, we have: Italy and Portugal, we are latin!
Your way of singing is really special, it’s almost like a spoken word, did you do this on purpose?
I'm very critical with myself. For sure is my way to sing in this scene. I try to “sing telling a story”. I want people understand well what I have to say and for sure I have to be sexy and ironic. Do u find me sexy? Eh eh :*
What are you most proud of now the album is out? Is there any favorite track for you?
I'm proud because all the work there is behind! Finally is out and ready to enter on people minds. I like Psychotic Depression most, strong text and good sound: that song make me crazy when I sing on stage!
Since it is the first album, you must have learned a lot, what are things you would do differently for the next release?
For sure I've lernt a lot! That will be a surprise... but for sure we are growed and we'll see for new experimental things that will make people crazy!
How can people purchase the album?
They can download our album at this site: http://anxietydisorder.bandcamp.com
Don't forget guys that if you download the complete album you will have a bonus track rmx from the french band Arsch Dolls, the album cover and booklet with artworks and lyrics. I'm sure you will like it!
Any last words for the readers?
Eih guys! Follow and support us! And for sure “find a quick cure!!!” much love and respect, keep in touch,
Valentina
www.myspace.com/anxietyd
Latest news: Valentina left Anxiety Disorder and will start a new band.