I got the chance to chat with Paul Quigley of the British band HellsBelles... Paul mentions how much he fancies Ginger Coyote’s band White Trash Debutantes! Check it out:

Can you tell us a bit about the bands roots? How you evolved from where you started to where you are now?

If you can take a look at this page, it covers all of that!
http://punkglobe.com/paulquigleyinterview0212.php

You have been in the industry for many years now, how do you feel about the changes? Now everything is digital, not all artists need to have talent to be recorded, etc.

"I feel ambivalent towards all of it, it is what it is, it was what is was, you just deal with it or you don't. I'm not 'nostalgic' about the good-old days of the music biz particularly, because 'plus ca change' applies. Sure, the talent quotient has always been an issue but as they say, never Underestimate the standards of the population. Some people are prepared to listen to whatever is served up in front of them."

What are some of the best things about being in the music industry?

"The best thing about being in the music industry is not being in it anymore. It's dead. It died years ago. What you see is a corpse on a financial transfusion drip in intensive care. The real talent and energy has moved on. Don't get fooled by the hype. It's all smoke and mirrors."

What are the effects of line up changes? Is it hard to continue being in sync or does the music still flow just as easy?

"Music still flows irrespective of personnel. Having musos around that "get it" and can do their job proficiently is all that is required. The personalities bullshit is just a sideshow that serves no purpose. The common purpose is the music at all times. The lyrics I write are the message. They continue unabated."

What artists in particular inspire you to always step up your game and be the best of your breed?

"White Trash Debutantes. Simply awesome. Few people "get" whazt they're trying to do. But we do. We love WTD. Aside from them, artists that you wouldn't expect us to admire, such as underground punk bands from England in 1977 that never made it big and were pretty crap players with obnoxious personalities. They were certainly an influence. Then there are bands of today that are really fkn awesome. Bands like 3Denied and other underground crossover metal/punk/core bands too numerous to mention. Then there's Buffy St Marie of course. She's awesome."

In your opinion, was there a particular era of music that shaped the industry and made music the powerful force it is today?

"Yeah, I think it was the mediaeval balladry era, 15th Century Europe, just post-Gutenburg, such a hotbed era of creativity and cultural spread across the world. Tapping into that broadsheet folk era is a real font of inspiration for us. That and Buffy St. Marie of course. She's really awesome."

What would your dream compilation tour be?

"Us, HellsBelles, Killswitch Engage, The Clash, Led Zeppelin, Stone Sour, White Trash Debutantes, Jimi Hendrix, Woody Guthrie, The Dead Kennedys. and Buffy. Of course."

To date, what has been your favorite live performance?

"The Marquee Club in London. Played there once in the original Wardour Street location before they moved it. Such a hot sweaty and small club but the energy was awesome. These big arenas suck. No proximity effect with the music lovers. Shit. Best to get real and get back to the roots. Small is beautiful remember."

Being dubbed the 'original British Heavy Metal Band' you must have some insane stories from shows! Care to share a few with readers of Punk Globe?

"Enough to make your hair curl. But you'll have to wait for my autobiography for that level of nitty-gritty. For now though, yes, we were the first true cross-over band of metal/rock/punk as evidenced by our historical pedigree here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HellsBelles Suffice it to say, it was the Eighties FFS. Wheddya think it was like? :) Yes, like that, and then some!"

Looking back at all the madness and insanity that is heavy metal, is there anything you would like to go back and change?

"Good question. No."

Readers love hearing dirt on their favorite musicians. Can you spill the beans on bad antics of band mates?

"My autobiography will be available via amazon and all good book shops :)"

What can fans look forward to seeing in the future?

"The songs. We have so many more stories to tell, songs to sing and fun to be had in this crazy old world we live in. We just live from one day to the next. Take nothing for granted and are just grateful to still be around to play. That's all. We want to get the next album out later this year and a couple more singles out too, then we've been invited to headline a UK festival which we're considering if we're ready with the live show.

Until then, it's hard work on writing new songs and listening to other great artists. And Buffy St.Marie of course."

Thank you for the chat!

"You're welcome Lisa.

Check out the new songs and news on www.reverbnation.com/TheHellsBelles follow the band on Twitter at www.twitter.com/HellsBelles_UK and at our website www.HellsBelles.co.uk