They’ve been featured in video games and have been victims to labels, but Priestess focus on one goal: creating rock and roll. With the band on the road in support of their latest record, vocalist/guitarist Mikey Heppner was able to free up some time and answer a few questions.
© Jeff Parsons
What have you guys been up to the past year?
A bit of touring, and getting Prior To The Fire ready to release.
How is touring and promotion different with the new album as it’s been released independently?
Not very different, seeing as we didn’t really benefit from the major label promo system like many other bands/artists do.
NHL, Guitar Hero, Need For Speed – what makes your music so appealing to the gaming crowd?
I guess it’s right place-right time mostly, but I guess the music works well with action.
“Lay Down”: easier on guitar or Guitar Hero?
For me, guitar. I play guitar, so it’s not hard.
In the middle part of this decade and beyond, people associated Montreal’s music scene with indie acts such as Arcade Fire, Wolf Parade and The Stills. How does Priestess fit into all of that?
Montreal has a very diverse scene like most cities. There was a media spotlight on indie rock bands from here for a while, but there’s always been every other kind of music here.
Who has the better music scene: Montreal or Toronto?
I prefer Montreal’s just because I know more of the bands, Toronto kills it as well.
People label your music as “stoner metal” as they have done with Queens of the Stone Age. Josh Homme from QOTSA has time and time again downplayed that genre label. How do you feel about it?
All labels beyond rock are useless to me.
How would classify your music?
Rock. It’s important to not whittle down your possibilities.
Your album artwork reminds me of covers seen on metal records 20 years ago. Where did you get the inspiration for it?
Our friend Yardley did it, he just thought it worked with the music so he suggested it to us and we agreed!
Prior To The Fire won’t be out in the U.S. until winter next year. What steps are you taking to make sure people in the U.S. know there’s a new record coming out?
Our new label Tee Pee is taking care of promo and internet stuff.
Do you have any upcoming tours in support of the new record?
There’s the one we’re on now, and a bunch of stuff in the works for 2010.
What should the average concert-goer be prepared for when getting ready to attend one of your upcoming gigs?
Be prepared for good times!!