The following interview with Kristen Lapensee, singer and bassist of Chemical Valley Mutants was conducted via MSN on August 24, 2004, around 10:00 PM.
STU: Who is in Chemical Valley Mutants (CVM) and what does each person do?
KRISTEN: Well I play bass and do most of the vocals and song writing. Doug Soulliere plays guitar and also does some vocals, and helps with the song writing. Cam Villalobos plays drums.
STU: Has there been anyone else involved in the band previously?
KRISTEN: Yes, Courtenay Bechard, she played back up guitar and sang like 2 songs. She also provided us with a place to play (in her basement).
STU: How long has CVM been around for?
KRISTEN: Well me and Courtenay started talking to Doug about the idea to start the band in May 2003, and after some drummer try outs, we decided to ask Cam and she was all up for it. We officially started practising as a band July 2003. We had our first show September 27th at the Knights of Columbus Hall
STU: How would you best describe CVM musically? What type of stuff do you sing about?
KRISTEN: Well musically I think we have that old 80's punk style; basic chords, fast drum beats. Lyrically, we dont sing about bullshit. We have songs that deal with corruption, sexism, rape & abuse, abortion, anti-corporation, etc. Basically my opinions on things that really fire me up.
STU: What are the things that you have the strongest opinions about?
KRISTEN: The way women are treated. 5 words that sum it right up. Women who are abused by men, guys telling us we can't play, women on a lower pedestal, etc. I am not a feminist, because I believe men should also be treated equally. I just wish gender discrimination didn't exist.
STU: That leads pretty well into my next question. How does it feel to be one of a few bands in Sarnia with female members? Have you had any negative experiences from it? Positive experiences?
KRISTEN: It feels amazing. It was something I've wanted to do since i was 12 or 13. I've had experiences, and Cam as well, with other bands we've played with who have thrown some sexist remarks at us. But on the positive side I think the crowd liked our band better than they did the band that dissed us so... I kind of enjoyed that!
STU: How did CVM get dissed? What did the band say (without naming names)?
KRISTEN: Just bullshit like, "Get back in the kitchen," or "Nice try, but girls can't play guitars!" It was really stupid, but it just made me want to play harder and better. Just show people that we have just as much a right to enjoy what we do.
STU: I was gonna ask if you feel misogyny or sexism is present in the scene... Is there anything specific that you feel guys need to think about in terms of their behaviour towards women in the scene/in general?
KRISTEN: Well, the "Girls can't do it" thing is just as bad as "Hey baby, shake that ass!" you know? But within the basement scene, I haven't really seen the issue (sexism) arise. Shows we were dissed at were shows with the basement bands and the other scene's bands as well. But down in the basement it hasnt been a problem. I think the one specific thing guys need to think about in terms of their behaviour (the one thing in my opinion), is women are not sex symbols, or objects. A compliment isnt a compliment when you tell a girl she has a great rack! There is more to a girl than her sexuality.
STU: CVM was on a split release (World War III) with 69 Cent Burrito Sunday last December. What are two of your least favorite aspects of it? Name two most favorite aspects? Can people get a copy of it anywhere?
KRISTEN: Yes, the split. It was our very first demo. My two least favourite things about it are our band wasnt very tight at the time of recording, nor had we played the songs very much, so looking back on it now they could be done much better. But my two favourite things about it is the quality and effort Dave Quinn put into it, and the fact that it was our first recording. I believe people can get a copy of it from Kevin Buckle (69BSD), but if not then it may be out of print! I may decide to do some more at a later date, but as of right now its up to Buckle.
STU: One thing I thought was neat about it was the variety of vocal approaches on it. Who did vocals on each song?
KRISTEN: WW3? Well Courtenay did Foster Wild, but since she left, I have taken over those vocals for the new CD, Doug did The Division, Tori Maas (our long time friend and roaddie) did guest vocals for Brainwashed Youth, and I was responsible for Dead Society and I Don't Care. But we find the variety of vocal approaches makes each song more unique, and each person's voice makes that particular song effective. We each have very conflicting styles.
STU: You mentioned an upcoming new CD. What's that all about? When's it due to come out?
KRISTEN: Yes... a new CD. Something we have been working on since April 2004... We have re-recorded all of the WW3 songs and recorded 10 others. It is a 15 song CD, made this time ourselves. It is due out in exactly 2 days. AUGUST 27th!!!!
STU: What type of subjects do the new songs deal with? What type of developments have occurred in the musical approach since the previous recording?
KRISTEN: Well some songs are newer than WW3 songs, and some are older... No two songs deal with the same shit... But I find the newer ones are much more serious, more complex musically. I just think they are better!! hahahaha! But no we are definately tighter, more serious, and a three piece!
STU: Where will people be able to acquire the new CVM cd?
KRISTEN: At the release show (Friday August 27, 2004) for sure, any shows after that, they can email me, burn it, whatever. They will be $3.
STU: What does the future hold for CVM?
KRISTEN: Uhh not too much hahahahaha!!!! Cam and Doug will be moving to South America during the upcoming months. I still havent decided if I want to keep it going... I would love to... We will have to see what happens.
STU: Is there anything else you'd like to say or add?
KRISTEN: Yes uh... Everyone try and make it to the show, and keep on supporting your local punk scene. Oh yeah if anyone wants to play guitar for a band call me!! hahaha. Thanks Stu!
STU: No, thank you!