Editor’s Note: It was a great time conversing with frontwoman Helena Cos on Spider Rockets, who are quickly becoming a fast rising act in the hard rock scene. They have a brand of no-frills rock that can be embraced in the hole in the wall type of locations along with being embraced at the headbanger’s parking lot. Spider Rockets promises to bring the sleaze and the noise into rock. They will be rocking the Cancer Can Rock Benefit this summer in Amityville, New York along with sharing the stage with the likes of Saving Abel, Puddle Of Mudd, and Tantric as well. Fans need to go pick up a copy of “Along Came A Spider”, which was released this past January. Fans can find Spider Rockets at the following locations:
www.facebook.com/spiderrockets
Madness To Creation: How has 2018 treated you so far?
Helena: All good! Our new album ‘Along Came a Spider’ was released, we’ve had some fun shows, did a bunch of interviews and are looking forward to more. Things are busy in the land of Spider Rockets and that’s the way we like it!
Madness To Creation: Let’s talk about the record, what can fans expect from ‘Along Came A Spider.’?
Helena: This is our own brand of no-excuses rock which twists and turns regardless of what the current trend is turning out. We don’t stay static and if you listen to our previous album, ‘Bitten,’ you’ll hear the natural progression to ‘Along Came a Spider’ in terms of songwriting and production. We upped the ante production-wise but were careful to serve the songs and maintain our identity all the while. The results are: catchy songs with swagger, groove, fun and a healthy dose of in-your-face attitude. This is an album that has you tapping your foot, bobbing your head or humming for the rest of the day.
Madness To Creation: You all have released the lyric video for “Sick” and “Rip Your Heart Out,” take us into those songs and the writing and recording process.
Helena: Well, “Sick” is uplifting and affirming, as the title suggests…. No, actually it blasts through the doors with a swagger. Johnny, our lead guitarist, came up with the riff first which set the tone for the lyrics and melody. This was one of the first songs we wrote for the album and we were going through some difficult times. We had the first death of several in our families that year and we had band members falling off. Our way of lashing out at the crazy emotions and things flying around us at the time with a song about how someone can make you sick.
“Rip Your Heart Out” just goes for romance, reach that sentimental spot in our listeners’ souls and pulling at their heartstrings. I’m joking of course. This is a tune that goes for the jugular by way of telling a story. A sicko love story. Johnny was messing around with a riff and needed me to come up with vocals to get things moving along. I listened and then came up with the chorus vocal “I’m not here to change your mind but I will rip your heart out.” The line stuck and it was funny — to me anyway. The initial thought started as a f*** you to naysayers. I’m sure many people can relate. But, as the verses developed, the concept went another direction. Not consciously. The song evolved into a tale of when two flawed characters meet and what happens next. In the earlier versions of the song, we even had blood curdling screams (from the guy) but ended up nixing them to make a tighter song without distractions.
In all, this is an album that has been in the works for longer than we’re used to. It was supposed to be released in 2016, then in 2017. But we did not want to settle and we never felt it was quite right, so we kept at it. “Rip Your Heart Out” went through a bunch of changes as we were demoing and when we got into the studio, like many of the other songs. “Sick” was actually one of the few songs that did not.
In writing and recording, we were tougher on ourselves than we had been in the past. We didn’t want this to be one of those situations where you look back a year later and think “damn, we should have” And, we’re glad we saw it through because we feel this is by far the best album we’ve done.
Madness To Creation: You all did a blistering cover of “Heartbreaker” by Pat Benatar, what influences has she had on your music career?
Helena: Who doesn’t know who Pat Benatar is? She’s a superstar musician and her version of “Heartbreaker” was epic and shot the song into the stars. The song is a staple on classic rock radio stations to this day. Honestly Geoff Gill and Cliff Wade wrote a great song. But, if Pat did not do her magic with it, we probably would not have heard it and decided to cover it for our new album.
Madness To Creation: You’re sharing the stage for some shows with Puddle of Mudd, Saving Abel, and Tantric, why should people come out early to see Spider Rockets in concert?
Helena: What you get is a fun, sweaty, loud and raucous show from us. In short, a great party. Why would you want to miss it? It’s a great start to the evening.
Madness To Creation: Favorite song from each band.
Helena: Oh, no you don’t! We’ll know more when we’ve done some shows with them. Ask us then.
Madness To Creation: What does the rest of 2018 have in store for Spider Rockets?
Helena: Promotion is going full swing right now and we are trying to keep up with it all and share all the latest news and press on social media. College radio is spinning the album. Also, we’ve been doing a bunch of interviews and have more scheduled. We also have live shows coming up and more are in the works. We’re heading to the Midwest in a week. Stuff is happening behind the scenes right now and announcements will be made each step of the way so stay tuned!
Madness To Creation: Also tell us about the Cancer Can Rock Benefit coming up in June in Amityville.
Helena: Our manager brought this benefit to our attention. It is pretty unique. The profits go towards getting musicians facing aggressive cancer into a studio with professionals and producing something tangible for them and their families during what is otherwise a tough time. Kate Fox, who is running the event, is very passionate about the cause. The show is at Revolution Music Hall in Amityville, NY on June 17th and is an all ages show from noon-6pm. Show link: https://cancercanrock.org/facebook-event/cancer-can-rock-in-new-york-ii/
Madness To Creation: Where can people find Spider Rockets?
Helena: ‘Along Came a Spider’ is available digitally worldwide. And, for those who want a signed CD, come out to a show or go to our online store (via Facebook or our website).
Here are some of the places online where you can find us:
And there you have it! Spider Rockets will be sharing the stage with Puddle Of Mudd, Saving Abel, and Tantric coming up! Check out tour dates below!
Friday, April 20th- The Patio Theater in Chicago, Illinois
Saturday, April 21st- Emerald Theatre in Mt. Clemens, Michigan
Sunday, April 22nd- Watseka Theatre in Watseka, Illinois
Friday, May 18th- O’Connor’s Irish Pub in Clarksville, Tennessee
Saturday, May 19th- Bourbon Hall in Louisville, Kentucky
Saturday, May 26th- All American Rock House in Findlay, Ohio
Friday, June 8th- Don Jamieson of VH1’s That Metal Show with special guests in Long Branch, New Jersey
Sunday, June 17th- Cancer Can Rock Benefit in Amityville, New York
For tickets and further information for any of the shows listed above, click here!
ICYMI: Check out our review of “Along Came A Spider” by Spider Rockets here!
