Beki Bondage
Vice Squad
By Jillian Abbene
(SugarBuzz Wash DC/Richmond))
SugarBuzz Magazine
I can hardly contain myself in writing my first interview—especially since it’s with Beki Bondage of Vice Squad! When I discovered recently that Beki is the only original member of the band (circa 1979), I realize how profound and significant that makes her presence today. Back then, there were very few solid female vocalists in the scene that could single-handedly stamp female empowerment--all at the young age of 15. Her talents along with the rest of the reformed Vice Squad still haven’t lost their momentum. A quick history: Vice Squad formed in the 2nd wave of Punk. Cranking out older songs like ‘Nothing’ and ‘Avon Calling’, Beki’s lyrics began to serve as a true purpose before breaking up 1979, leading up to their successful comeback.
It will be obvious after reading this interview and listening to Vice Squad’s latest CD, ‘Defiant,’ that Beki wants to be taken seriously…without being pigeon-holed as being the first fetish punk sex symbol-pin up, or that the messages are misinterpreted in her lyrics.
So go listen to their latest CD, ‘Defiant,’
It is all about concise female vocals, straight up fast-paced punk rock that doesn’t overpower, but delivers upbeat tunes varying in all punk rock styles. My favorite is, ‘Ordinary Decent.’ Now read below the honest and spot-on replies from Beki herself.
1. The new CD, “Defiant” is more metal-based than the others you have put out, was there a reason for this or did the songs just, ‘take a course of their own?’ What is your favorite song on the CD? And why? --was there some significance?
I think of Metal as sounding like Black Sabbath and I don't think we sound anything like that, BUT modern metal does borrow quite heavily from Punk so we probably have some musical traits in common with more recent Metal bands, in as much as we like making a lot of noise !!! The album we did before 'Defiant', 'Rich and Famous' had a poppier feel and sounded a little light weight to me (though I think the songs were good) so I took a lot more interest in the production on Defiant which is probably why it has a heavier sound. Personally I think the lyrics are totally punk, and I judge bands on what they are writing about and what they stand more than the sound. My favourite song is 'Britain is still Burning' because it's full of aggression and hope and I also like 'You can't do that' because it's a great expression of frustration.
2. Who came up with the naming of the CD?
It was either Lumpy or me. We were going to call it 'Don't let the bastards grind you down' or 'Defiant', and on discovering that the former had been used a lot already we went for Defiant.
3. For all the readers, what festivals do you have planned for 2007?
Concrete Sands on 21st April and Rebellion on 11th August so far, but loads more gigs are up on mySpace http://www.myspace.com/vicesquad
4. When on the road, how do you relax between travels? I want to know how on earth you stay fit while traveling here and there? You look great!
Sometimes you can relax after the show but only if you haven't got a gig the next day. Even though you spend hours in a van traveling doing nothing it's very tiring so you tend to tour in a fog of fatigue, usually made worse by a hangover. Unless you get out and run alongside the van you can't keep fit!!! I suppose it's the hour spent singing very fast intense songs and thrashing away on guitar that keeps me functioning.
5. What is your opinion of the U.S. punk scene? (Please elaborate if you can). Are there differences that stand out? Curious!
I think the U.S punk scene is thriving. In fact I think punk is becoming more popular all over the world. It's attractive to people because it allows you to be an individual yet still 'belong' and you don't need to have lots of money to wear the clothes. It also encourages kids to think for themselves rather than just submitting to being a part of the machine. People in the U.S in general seem far more politically aware than they were back in the 80's, for example, and I suspect that's at least partially down to the influence of Punk.
6. What bands in particular (current) do you think influence Vice Squad?
I can't think of any, we just do what we do! There are a few bands out there who appear to be quite influenced by us, but we don't try to sound like anyone else. When I sing at the top of my lungs in a raucous bark I say I'm 'doing a Strummer' but that's about it for deliberate influences.
7. What bands would you think would be fitting as a great opening for Vice Squad? (USA and/or UK)?
So Unloved supported us on our last U.S tour and I think they're great, so I'd gladly have them on board again. We also like dBd, and we're doing some gigs with them in the UK later this year.
8. What age group do you think your fan-base is targeted to these days?
We don't target any age group in particular, we target a mind set. Basically if you're a noizy bastard who hates being told what to do and hates injustice etc. then you'll probably like us. It also helps if you have a sense of humour. It's great to see punk permeating different generations, seeing young kids at gigs and seeing older people who've stayed punk through thick and thin.
9. With that, what important lessons could you pass on to the younger generation of females that look up to you now? Especially since female roles in the punk scene are stronger than ever--
I'd say don't let anyone put you off doing what you love. You have as much right to express your opinions as everyone else, and if you want to do it through music then go for it.
10. Some of your clothes drive from something out of “Zena The Warrior” (which only you can pull off successfully), Where did you get this idea and do you feel empowered in them while performing? (personally, I want to know, because yes, I would feel empowered and I‘m 42)
I was always into the warrior-woman look, if you look at old photos of me you'll see I made Roman Centaurian style skirts years ago and wore a whip on my belt. I'm glad you've pointed out that it's warrior-influenced as most people think it's fetish clothing.
11. Switching gears, when did you know personally that this was what you wanted to do with your life? What profession would you choose, if only by fate, if this was now to be taken away?
I was hooked on the sound of electric guitars from about age two and knew I had a voice by the time I was about nine, so I suppose I knew I wanted a life in music even as a child. I wanted to be a veterinary surgeon when I was at school but got hooked on Punk instead. I'd be quite happy being a songwriter for other singers, that way I could still be very creative and noisy in the studio. I've always wanted to run an animal sanctuary but I forgot about the fact you need money to have one!
12. Obviously, you are vegetarian and believe in animal rights--which is a good thing. What one poignant piece of information truly convinced you over the years that still stands true? What are you favorite dishes?
The BSE/CJD outbreak in Britain a few years ago convinced me that veggie is best. The scientist who predicted the outbreak years before it happened had his research grant taken away because those in power wanted to protect the interests of the meat industry over the interests of sentient creatures and the public. Teenagers who'd had no say over what they ate died from CJD and the suffering of the cattle was barely commented on. The farmers were more interested in getting compensation for loss of earnings than anything else. Some people are morons and unfortunately a lot of them get into positions of power. What bright spark came up with the idea of feeding the remains of sheep to a herbivorous animal? I find the stupidity and arrogance of it all astounding. My favourite food is tofu, preferably deep fried and with loads of shitake mushrooms. I eat a lot of curry and heavily spiced foods, but try to avoid garlic if I have a gig as it's not fair on the people at the front!! I also eat a lot of cake. I've been on the cake and wine diet for years.
13. What would you like to do that you haven’t had a chance to do?
Be successful in music!!!!
14. What was your most memorable show and why?
Most memorable recent show was Safari Sam's in Hollywood, because the crowd was great and because it was so hot and sweaty.
15. What is the future with the band? And do you see the sound of punk rock changing? How?
Vice Squad sounds ferocious now we've got Kev (our new drummer) so we're eagerly awaiting our upcoming assault on the ears of the UK. I think the sound of Punk Rock will become more varied and more powerful but will keep its spirit of rebellion.
I would like send out a deep thanks Beki (and Vice Squad) for taking time out of her busy tour schedule. Vice Squad is touring in Europe at the moment. Check it out for dates near you.
