Juliette Tworsey of Firebug
By Alex Teitz
Firebug is that new kid on the block who just moved in but is already turning heads. The band founders (Juliette Tworsey and Jules Shapiro) are originally from Chicago, but moved to LA and found bassist Mike Watanabe and drummer Ty Dennis. Firebug’s debut CD, Fragile, is more the base of rock than alternative music. It speaks with its own voice, and with hooks in songs like “Wise Girl” and “One Step Behind.” Firebug is not an inferno, but they are moving beyond a one alarm blaze. For more information visit www.firebugmusic.com
FEMMUSIC: Can you describe your songwriting technique?
JT: We have different ways of approaching songwriting. My co-partner/guitarist Jules and I write all of the songs. Sometimes I’ll come up with the ideas sitting around on the acoustic, put them down on a home recorder and then bring the idea(s) to Jules and the band. Other times Jules will come up with some guitar stuff and I’ll come up with some vocal ideas/lyrics and vis versa. There are also times when we’re all just jamming and an idea will form.
FEMMUSIC: What was the biggest challenge making FRAGILE?
JT: Knowing when to say “ok, no more analyzing this song to death, let’s move on to the next song! Also being your own producer is extremely challenging esp. making sure the record comes out sounding great.
FEMMUSIC: What was the best experience making FRAGILE?
JT: After all of our songs were mixed down, seeing how much we have grown and evolved as a band since our last demo. It was a great feeling for all of us.
FEMMUSIC: What prompted your move from Chicago to LA?
JT: The weather of course! Seriously, too many clubs were closing down, so as a result there were too many bands and too few clubs. So we decided, what the hell, maybe a change would be a good thing. So far, so good!
FEMMUSIC: What one thing would you like to change about the music business?
JT: I would like to see the focus of the industry shift more towards the “art”. Also, I’d like to see more variety and less recycling in music/more risk-taking.
FEMMUSIC: As a woman in the music industry, have you been discriminated against?
JT: Hmm, that’s a tough one… Not personally, but overall for all women, I think that there’s too much pressure to be modelesque rather than focusing on a woman’s unique charisma and attitude. There are exceptions to the rule and hopefully there will be more to come.
FEMMUSIC: What are your goals, and the band’s goals for the next five years?
JT: Well, basically our goals are to keep doing what we love, to have fun doing it, increase our fan base, continue growing, to reflect a humongous Fire Bug banner (like Pizza Hut wanted to do) on the moon, and seriously just to take everything day by day.