How do you support your metal community?

Most of my friends are metal heads, and and I try to go see their shows as often as I can. Which is great in Edmonton. There are so many good metal bands performing constantly, it’s hard to miss them all. Every show I go to, I try to bring a friend who hasn’t heard them before. It’s always great to see new friends meeting the old, and appreciating each other’s abilities.

Do you play the guitar you are posing with?

No talent on the guitar, unfortunately. Tried to play for a few years, but it became apparent that I’m better off on the other side, cheering on those who can play.

Do you have a musical background, or do you prefer other creative arts?

I have a long musical background, but only of singing. I’ve sang as long as a I can remember, and sing along even when I paint. I have a low raspy voice, so you won’t hear any melodic gospels from me, and I can’t write a song to save my life. Good music just flows from some people. I can imitate it, but never create it. I think I’ll stick to painting and photography.

What first attracted you to your local metal scene?

I listen to many styles of music, so I try to be involved with almost all music scenes, but metal was the easiest for me because of all my friends. Lots of the great bands I see play now were high school buddies who would grab a guitar at a party and jam. The metal scene here also has a very brotherly feel that doesn’t go by peoples’ appearances. You don’t see a lot of girls with short blond hair and red lipstick at a metal show, but everyone is there for the music, and that’s all that matters.