Recently, we caught up with veteran vocalist, Kirsten Rosenberg of the Iron Maidens. Among other things, we touch on how the Maidens are kicking off 2022, her origins in music, her animal advocacy, and a whole lot more.
Andrew:
Kirsten, thank you for taking the time to dig in with us. How have you been holding up?
Kirsten:
I’m happy to report I’m doing well, thanks! I’m glad the world of live music is opening up again for all the folks who depend on it for their livelihoods, as well as for all of us who just miss the enjoyment. Music is such a unifying force, across borders and cultures, and never have we needed this “salve for the soul” more than now with all the madness in the world. But I’m fortunate that I also love being at home during downtime because that means time with the hubby and all our critters – mini horse, donkey, ten chickens, two potbelly pigs, two dogs, and two cats.
Andrew:
Going back, what were some of your earliest memories of music which first sparked your interest in rock music?
Kirsten:
I distinctly remember hearing Heart‘s “Barracuda” as a wee youngin, and I was particularly taken with “the gallop.” I love horses so maybe that’s why I was drawn to the gallop, which is also one of my favorite aspects of Maiden, but I always loved the harder rock as a kid. Although I found the KISS album covers terrifying. [Laughs].
Andrew:
Who were some of your earliest influences that helped shape your style? How has your style evolved as you’ve grown as a musician?
Kirsten:
As I mentioned, I was listening to Heart as a kid, and who wouldn’t be inspired by Ann and Nancy Wilson? Then I got into Cheap Trick starting with Budokan and then Dream Police. Robin Zander is another inspiring mega talent. I also got into heavier stuff like Metallica, Armored Saint, and the like, but at the same time, I liked 80s new wave artists like Duran Duran, although that’s not something this metal kid would have admitted at the time. But as far as early influences, generally speaking, I loved 80s metal ranging from radio-friendly hair, to underground speed and thrash. So, I guess I imprinted on big 80s vocals mostly, with lots of high, soaring notes. That said, the first time I heard Maiden I actually found the heavy vibrato in Bruce’s voice a bit off-putting, like, a little too theatrical sounding. Of course, that initial aversion turned around right quick and I grew to absolutely love that quality. But oh yes, my tastes have certainly expanded as an adult! Now I love so many different genres and vocal styles, including hip-hop and pop. I’m intrigued by Billie Eilish’s voice, which is completely dissimilar to my own style, and I consider Barbra Streisand a vocal god. What she can do with her voice blows my mind. Same with opera singer Cecilia Bartoli, her vocal gymnastics are staggering. This might sound weird, but I don’t really know what my own style is, other than I like belting and using vibrato. In fact, I don’t even really like the sound of my own voice, but that ain’t gonna stop me. [Laughs].
Kirsten:
Well, my dad is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, so I guess writing is somewhat in the genes. I used to be Managing Editor for the Animals’ Agenda magazine, too. But even though I’m an avid reader, creative writing was never my thing. I was never into journaling or keeping diaries. Yeah, I can come up with a vocal melody and decent song lyrics but they’re not so much inspired as more just a matter of, “Well, most lyrics I hear on the radio suck so I’m sure I can come up with something at least as inane.” And that’s just what I did when my previous band wrote some originals. How’s that for motivation? [Laughs]. But they weren’t bad, I can turn a phrase now and then. Really, whenever I feel inspired to compose lyrics, it’s usually something parodic, like, in the style of the brilliant Tenacious D.
