Less Searching, More Destroying: Q&A with Valeze’s Tiffany Randol by Darren Paltrowitz Valeze, an energetic five-piece led by Tiffany Randol, aims to bring glamour, pop, and punk to the stage. Yes, “glamour, pop, and punk” exactly, as that’s to be found on their website’s banner. Having played the NYC scene for only two years, Valeze has already seen its fair share of rave reviews from area outlets like The Village Voice and New York Press. While there hasn’t been much in the way of recording for Tiffany and crew, there has been gigging around the country and some interesting sponsorships thrown into the mix. More details are available at www.valeze.net.

Wanting to know more about how the band has managed to stay self-sufficient while independent – its debut full-length will finally be out in the coming months – I did some Q&A with Tiffany, whose fun but direct personality shone, even through the filter of e-mail.

Cityzen: TR Randol, what do you wish more people knew about you?

Tiffany Randol: I’m a painter. I love animals. A loner at heart. I love climbing trees, talking to myself and magical creatures. ;)

CZ: Being such a catty scene, what's the worst rumor you've ever heard about yourself?

TR: There was a rumor that I was in Playboy once. I was like – um…. my tits aint that big boys ;) Rumors are funny -- I don’t mind them that much; in fact, it’s usually better to go along with them. People that are boring love to spread them, and hey – if you have nothing better to do with your time…

CZ: Do you feel that there are any misconceptions about being the singer in a rock & roll band? TR: In many ways, but I try to dispel them at every opportunity. If you are constantly surprising people, you’re doing your job. CZ: What's the best part about what you do as a performer? TR: I love everything about performing, but the best feeling I get is when I’m on stage and I see people in the audience singing along. Relating to people that way is incredibly powerful…

CZ: What made you want to become a musician in the first place?

TR: I’ve always been creative – music, art, theater, but it wasn’t ‘til I came to NYC for classical voice that it all came together. I realized I wanted to be a songwriter and lost myself in learning music. Now there’s no turning back ;) Nothing could satisfy me more in life than writing and performing my own songs.

CZ: As scheduled to be released in early 2006, what's to be expected from your forthcoming album? TR: We have a lot of interesting things in the works, so we’ll see as it gets closer to 2006, but I will tell you that we’re so proud of this album. The songs have a lot of life and the arrangements are great. The guys are all such amazingly creative people and watching everything come together with a sound of its own has been an unbelievable experience.

CZ: Looking to release your album independently, how would you recommend an artist to go about promoting themselves independently? Are there any keys that new artists often overlook?

TR: Not sure if we are going to release independently or not – it’s something we’ve been discussing, researching, etc – we’ll keep you up to date on that though ;) It all depends on the artist – there’s plenty of music lovers out there for every type of music; and they’re easier to find on the net. If you have the money to do it independently, I say “rock it.” If you can get backing and hire business people to put your vision into action – go for it; you’ll probably make more money. Really, everyone has a different strategy – everyone thinks their way is THE way. It’s all bullshit. The hardest step is figuring out what you’re all about, getting your vision straight. Second hardest step is realizing you can’t do everything yourself and that you might have to give up some control in order to realize your vision (it’s worth it!). Once you’ve got that down, on the promotion end you have to figure out what your strongest points are. Do you have a ton of friends that can help you go crazy with flyers, posters, stickers? Or are you an internet junkie? Pick one, put it into action and then attack the other. Take one step at a time. Read a ton of books, get advice from everyone you can, stay focused on your vision and do it ‘til you die.

CZ: Otherwise, if a band were asking you for advice as to what they shouldn't do within their first few years of existence, what would you advise? TR: Don’t just focus on trying to get a deal or trying to be “the next big thing”… Focus on creating amazing music and focus on becoming a great live band. Realize that even though you see the potential of your band and picture yourself as a success – it takes time; yes it sucks, but we no one’s born in 24 hours… I see so many bands say “Why is this taking so long? Why aren’t we signed already?” Well, ask yourself instead why you need someone else’s approval. Do you love what you do? Are you willing to be broke for the rest of your life just so you can be a musician if that’s what it takes? Iif you’re in this for the fame and fortune, I really don’t have any advice for you other than “Get a job.” ;) Don’t wait around for someone else to see your potential. Make it happen yourself, develop yourself, do it right no matter how long it takes. Eventually, if you don’t give up, someone will come along that believes in you. CZ: At what point should a band feel it to be necessary to have management?

TR: I say if you can find someone fabulous and business savvy, like a relative or friend who’d reliable from the get-go, take it! Don’t sign exclusive contracts until you’ve seen what someone can do though. If you’ve got potential, you’ll get a bunch of these greasy business-types approaching you with “I’m gonna make you a star, baby” talk. Walk away. You want good trustworthy people who are willing to get their hands dirty and work hard for you. Fuck this “shopping” manager business. That’s not a manager; that’s a shopper. Very different and no matter how tempting their bait, trust your gut. The best managers are your fans. Look there first for someone who will be devoted and care about what’s best for you.

CZ: Seeming to be an a regular association for Valeze, how did you get involved with "Circus The Party?" And how would you describe it to someone who hasn't yet attended?

TR: Circus is kind of a trashy, unpretentious, artsy-er version of Studio 54 ;) But it’s got a nice personal touch to it that also gives it more of an intimate vibe as well. We’re involved w/it b/c we throw it ;) We thought “the scene” was pretty boring and wanted to play events with a variety of artists, so we created this huge wild party called Circus. I love going to see bands at music venues, but at the same time it’s so much more fun to watch bands at a party. And with Circus, the idea is to create a full experience for people – it’s not just about watching a band; it’s a party and I think a lot of our audience loves the fact that on top of bands we bring amazing variety acts that are unusual… Like The Great Nippulini, who lifts weights with his nipples ;), or Keith from The Bindlestiffs, doing his sword swallowing act, burlesque, etc. It’s about 50 times the amount of work as a regular band show, but it’s completely worth it. We just threw one at Don Hill’s for Halloween and it was amazing! We had over 400 people there, the stage got stormed at the end of our set, people were dancing, partying – it was really a ball. I think we’re thinking of New Years next…

CZ: Do you think that the New York music scene is as great as people say that is?

TR: A lot of music comes out of NYC – it’s one of the largest cities in the world and people move here to be part of “the scene.” So yeah, naturally a ton of great music comes out of New York, but at the same time about 100 times more shit comes out ;) I think that’s common for anything though. Something great pops to the top and everyone follows the lead. Most of what follows is unimaginative, but a huge part of creating “the scene” if that makes any sense… ;)

CZ: Who are some local bands that readers of Cityzen ought to check out?

TR: Some friends bands that are fun are The Headset, Unisex Salon, Trick & The Heartstrings are cute… The 22’s are pretty cool as well, oh, and check out Moi? Very David Bowie…

CZ: When not functioning as a musician, what do you like to do with yourself?

TR: I pretty much do music full-time, do some acting and painting as well. But it’s very cool at this point – able to pay rent with music ;) not much more than rent, but it’s a start.

CZ: If all were to go according to plan, where would you hope to be a year from now?

TR: Touring, & recording a new album!

CZ: Finally, TR, any last words for the kids?

TR: Don’t listen to your parents.