Kobra and the Lotus own
Interview conducted on Sept. 30, 2019
by Dan Locke
Flames give way to change.
In the ashes, regeneration occurs. Kobra and the Lotus harness such regenerative fire on their sixth full-length, Evolution [Napalm Records]. Clawing a path to the forefront of modern rock throughout the past decade, the JUNO Award-nominated Calgary quintet—Kobra Paige [vocals,
piano], Jasio Kulakowski [guitar], Ronny Gutierrez [guitar], Brad Kennedy [bass], and Lord Marcus Lee [drums]—catalyze ten chantable anthems fueled by stadium-size hooks, signature airtight metallic songcraft, and skyscraping vocals.
It builds on the promise of the past as it positions the band for a focused, fresh, and fiery future.
Band Members
Kobra Paige – Vocals
Jasio Kulakowski – Guitars
Ronny Gutierrez – Guitars
Brad Kennedy – Bass
Marcus Lee – Drums
Dan Locke: Why the name Lotus?
Kobra Paige:The lotus is a remarkable flower. It blooms from the dark mud of a pond into this strong and stunning flower, shining to the world. I’d like to believe humans are and can be like that. It’s a great metaphor for the capabilities of humanity.
You were nominated this year for a JUNO award for Hard Rock Album of the Year. What was it like? Did you go to the awards?
It was a great and humbling honor for us to be acknowledged within the Canadian music scene. We did attend, it was an amazing 3 days, and it was super fun to rock some different clothes on the red carpet.
What is the live music scene in Calgary like?
In all honesty, I’m not home very often and we rarely play in Canada. It’s not the easiest country to tour due to the large stretch of space in the middle. I can say though that Canada, in general, is chock full of amazing talent in all genres.
What influenced you growing up?
More so classical music and classic rock. I was raised on a healthy diet of Queen, Beatles, Michael Jackson, Vivaldi, Bach, Beethoven.
What were the first and last concerts you went to?
The first alternative concert I chose to go to was The Distillers when I was 13 years old. Brody rocked mine and my sister’s world. The last concert I went to was the Sweden Rock Festival to watch my partner sing with his prog band, Seventh Wonder.
Who took you to your first Judas Priest concert? After seeing Judas Priest at 15, you decided that metal was for you. What type of music were into before?
My father, it was awesome. It didn’t make me specifically decide that metal was for me, it opened my mind to using my voice in a different way that didn’t have to be opera. Halford showed me that there was a place for a full voice filled with a vibrato that could be more authentic to who I was turning into as a young woman. I was heavy into punk-metal beforehand. If there was a show with a pit where I could mosh and throw down my teenage angst, I was there.
How did it feel to be able to open up for Judas Priest in London after the first time you saw them, four years before?
It felt surreal and like a dream come true. It also felt super bizarre and uncanny that they were the first band of all bands we ever really got to support. What are the chances of that? Pretty slim but shows anything is possible.
How did you get Rik Emmet to do the guitar solo for Ace of Spades?
This came via his relationship with 70’s Canadian rocker “GODDO”. Goddo helped produce our first independent record release ‘Out Of The Pit’.
Since you are from Calgary, I am going to name some bands from that area. Give us a few words about each band.
o Tegan and Sara
o Feist
o Loverboy
o Chixdiggit
I’m not familiar with Chixdiggit so I’ll testify for the others. They’re all amazing, unique sounding artists with kickass songwriting. Go Calgary!
You were on the Kiss tour and you fell ill to Lyme disease. There are other singers who also have Lyme disease – any thoughts on these artists?
All I can talk about is my personal experience with Lyme. It’s a very serious epidemic that I hope government officials in positions of change begin to take more seriously. People go misdiagnosed hourly all around the world and go on to develop debilitating side effects that eventually lead to permanent damage and bed rest. Once you’re ill with aggressive Lyme it is very hard to treat it and regain your life, especially if you’re an older individual.
Can you tell me what was it like to open up for Kiss?
It was an exceptional and legendary tour to be a part of. Both KISS and Def Leppard were inspiring. In terms of a small band like ours opening up for giants of their size, it was quite unique and difficult. Imagine 10000 people spread out over a 20000 space ready to party and see their favorite band. We come out there like little ants with no stage production and do our best to pull them in…many people didn’t care we were there. That’s how it went and it was quite hard!
Why did you decide to call your new LP “Evolution”?
The album is specifically regarding self-development and an internal journey. It also is regarding the sonic evolution and effort by the band to again release an album that sets another higher bar for ourselves. We added more unique layers to the guitar tone this time around as well as specific synth sounds made via The Moog that made for a strong identity right from the first chord of any song.
What was it like recording with Michael “Elvis” Baskette in his Orlando studio? Did you get a chance to check out Disney?
It was amazing. Elvis is our people. He felt like he was exactly the person we were meant to record with and we will certainly work with him again. He became like a 6th band member and kept us focused on our sonic consistency and goals the whole time. He’s also a brilliant songwriting collaborator and musician.
How was your first stop in Nashville?
It was a bit hectic because it was the first stop of the tour and there are always kinks that need to be worked out. The schedule usually doesn’t run on time. We still had a great time though. We love that city.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I actually have zero ideas for the first time ever. I’ll be a married woman and that’s all I know.
Anything you would like to say in closing?
Thanks to everyone out there supporting live music. It’s super important to either buy albums or use legitimate streaming platforms. The world works in a different way now and the only way artists can keep doing what they’re doing is if people help out by not torrenting and doing it right. It really affects all of us!
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