Monica Mania:// The Suga Mama of Music Blogs

Sunday, April 20, 2008

[MONICA MANIA INTERVIEW] THE VERONICAS

Jessica & Lisa Origliasso make up the Australian sibling duo of The Veronicas, who first stormed onto the charts in 2006 with their hit singles "4Ever", "When It All Falls Apart" and "Everything I'm Not", off their smash debut album "The Secret Life Of …"

Now they're back stronger than ever with their sophomore album, "Hook Me Up", featuring collaborations with Toby Gad (Fergie, Natasha Bedingfield), Greg Wells (Michelle Branch, Paris Hilton), Shelly Peiken (Ashley Parker Angel, Jennifer Love Hewitt), Billy Steinberg (Madonna, Celine Dion), and Josh Alexander (Leona Lewis, Fefe Dobson).

I caught up with the talented and beautiful twins to talk about their new disc, writing songs for other artists, getting hysterical with music producer Jonathan "J.R." Rotem, what they usually argue about, their obsession with Vegan Nachos, and so much more …

Hamada: - How did you come up with your band's name The Veronicas?

The Veronicas: - We grew up reading 'Archie comics' and we named ourselves after our favorite character Veronica! She's the dark haired hottie that loves to shop and always gets her ways ... Her rival is 'Betty' the goody good blonde.

Hamada: - Can you describe the difference between your sophomore album, "Hook Me Up", and your debut offering "The Secret Life Of"?

The Veronicas: - We guess each record is a good insight into who we are as artists and people, but "Hook Me Up" musically has a bit more of an electro pop/rock beat to it. It's a good indication of how we've grown musically and what is inspiring us right now.

Hamada: - Many fans were disappointed cuz the track you recorded with hitmaker Jonathan "J.R." Rotem, "Hysterical", did not make the final cut of the initial Australian release of "Hook Me Up". Why did that happen?

The Veronicas: - Interesting that you know we worked with him. Weird!! Ha! The song didn't make the final cut because it didn't fit in with the sound or direction of the record as a whole.

Hamada: - You obviously share a very good rapport with songwriting/production team Billy Steinberg & Josh Alexander as they've crafted 2 songs on "Hook Me Up", as well as 3 tracks on your debut LP (including my personal favorite "I Could Get Used to This"). What's the secret behind that great chemistry?

The Veronicas: - They are amazing guys!! I think we all just have the best time together whenever we write and record. We have so much respect for them and love them to bits. They always get the best out of us because we are so comfortable working together!

Hamada: - Veteran R&B producers such as Dallas Austin (Pink – "Just Like a Pill"), Soulshock & Karlin (Skye Sweetnam – "Kiss a Girl"), and Stargate (Speedway – "Can't Turn Back") have experienced with the Pop/Rock sound. Have you thought about working with any of them for your next projects in order to cater to a wider audience of listeners?

The Veronicas: - You never know! Who knows where we'll take the next record!

Hamada: - Among the things you've achieved on your impressive resume was penning "All About Us" for Russian band T.A.T.U. How did it feel to have one
your songs performed by other artists?

The Veronicas: - It's an awesome feeling and a weird one at the same time! Weirds us out more hearing someone else singing our songs on the radio then hearing our own voices! (Haha). We are obviously very proud of ourselves as songwriters when our songs get picked up and become hits for other artists!

Hamada: - Do you sometimes wish that you've kept "All About Us" for yourselves?

The Veronicas: - Hahaha! You can't have any regrets. We had a hard time letting the song go, but it was a huge success for them, so we made the right choice … Plus, we can always go and write another song ;)

Hamada: - What are the things you usually argue about? And how well do you get along with one another?

The Veronicas: - Clothes … Always clothes! On the other hand, we are best friends who are around each other 24/7. So considering that, I think we get along amazingly!!!!

Hamada: - List 3 things that you are totally obsessed with.

The Veronicas: - 1) Vegan nachos. 2) Mud crab with vinegar. 3) Shopping!!

Hamada: - Tell us something that most readers will be surprised to learn about both of you?

The Veronicas: - We were born one minute apart on Christmas day.

Hamada: - Have you thought about promoting your music in the Middle East?

The Veronicas: - At the moment we are very busy on tour, but you never know!

Hamada: - Any message you'd like to give to your fans all over the world?

The Veronicas: - We love you and thank you for all your belief and support in us. We couldn't do without you guys … XOXOXOXO

[Visit] The Veronicas @ MySpace

Posted at 02:01 am by mokhal

Posted by mikayla @ 04/28/2008 08:32 AM PDT
hey i totally like your music
Posted by rachel @ 04/28/2008 02:23 AM PDT
OMG!!!! U
GUYS RULE! ON UR TOUR CAN U PLEASE GO TO MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA???????

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

~rachel
Posted by Mallory @ 04/27/2008 08:20 AM PDT
omg i didnt know all about us was supposed to be for them!! but they are amazing either way! GO VERONICAS! (from US.)

Posted by Gwen @ 04/27/2008 04:45 AM PDT
omg your the best i love the veronicas haha love love love love love <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
Posted by Nikkiii am in wales.. @ 04/25/2008 06:05 PM PDT
loooove them :D

x Best girls in the uuniverse!
Posted by Germany rules! @ 04/20/2008 06:50 PM PDT
yeah man, they better releae that JR track...
Posted by Binti @ 04/20/2008 09:38 AM PDT
I am impressived I never knew that was them who wrote "all about us" very great lyrics and songs, i love it!

I want now so bad to listen their own album sounds very great!

good luck girls

B
Posted by JD @ 04/20/2008 07:34 AM PDT
i love the song
"Dont Say Goodbye"
featuring
Tania Doko of Bachelor Girl

Posted by Tiana @ 04/20/2008 07:25 AM PDT
I wish we could listen to that "Hysterical" Song by J.R. coz if it sounds some what R'N'B i would love to hear that from the girls. know that would be rad lol:)

P.S. Jess & Lis post it on ur MySpace [if ur reading lol]
PRETTY PLEASE:)

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