The Iron Maidens: Interview with Bassist Wanda Ortiz

The Iron Maidens are an all-female tribute to the music and live spectacle of Iron Maiden. Each band member took the time to answer a few questions about life in a tribute band, how the band came together and what they set out to accomplish in music.

Filling the shoes of Iron Maiden songwriter, bass player and mastermind, Steve Harris, Wanda Ortiz shares a few of her thoughts on holding down the heavy end of the Iron Maidens.

How was the band formed?

"Everyone in the band had already known each other through playing in bands together or through friends and acquaintances. One day, one of us decided it would be fun to form an all-girl tribute to Iron Maiden and approached the rest of us. Coincidentally, Iron Maiden just happened to be a favorite band for all of us so we all thought it would be a lot of fun. The band was started out as just a fun project but after the first few gigs, we started getting calls from many clubs
throughout the US. This project now keeps us pretty busy."

What draws you to Iron Maiden's music?

"As a bass player, I'm drawn to music that has fun and challenging parts for bass so that's what drew me to Maiden initially."

How important are production values to your show?

"Very important: since a lot of production goes into a real Maiden concert that is something that needs to be seriously considered if we are to be successful recreating their show."

Do you read your reviews? Do they mean anything to you?

"Yes, I've read most of them. They are helpful because they help the band gauge how it is doing."

What is more difficult, performing in an original band or a tribute band?

"It's hard to say that one is more difficult than another because they both have their own challenges. For instance, it is harder to get an original band off the ground because you have to start from scratch and build a following. A tribute band already has the following of the band they are playing tribute to, but there is a lot involved in getting costumes, songs, and the show "just right" The audience also tends to be less forgiving since they are already familiar with the way things are supposed to be done."

What is more important, approval from the fans or from the original band?

"It's important to have both. You need approval from the fans otherwise there is not much point in having the project to begin with unless you want to play for yourself in the garage. The original band can make things difficult for you to continue if they want so it's important that they're okay with what you're doing."

What songs get the best crowd reaction?

"The "oldies but goodies" like The Trooper, Phantom of the Opera, and Killers for example. The newer Maiden songs are really great but people like to reminisce and hearing a song from their past is like seeing an old friend that they haven't seen in a years"

What are your favorite non-Iron Maiden records?

"I have several. Here are a few of my rock favorites: Exit Stage Left/ Rush, Fragile/Yes, War of Words/Fight, Destroyer/ Kiss."

What was the first album or song that was important to you?

"The first rock album I ever bought was Kiss' first album when I was 11. I had heard about Kiss in school from other kids so I wanted to check them out too - that's when I started getting into rock music."

What is the most common misconception about your band?

"One common misconception is that you can't be fulfilled as a musician if you're not playing your own songs. People at Maidens' shows always ask me if I would be happier playing my own music and I do not really understand why. I have played in orchestras most of my life where I am always playing someone else's music and no one ever asks me that question after an orchestra concert. I love playing classical music: it is like reading a very good book. I feel the same way about playing Iron Maiden's music. I'm not sure why there are people who think you shouldn't play music you didn't write - what a sad place this would be if we couldn't hear Beethoven's or Mozart's music live anymore. Iron Maiden is still around but they can't play everywhere all the time so I think it's nice having tribute bands around that help fulfill the desire to hear and experience their music live."

Leather or spandex? Why?

"Leather because it lasts longer."

This is another part of a five-part interview with the members of The Iron Maidens. More information on the band is available at the www.ironmaidens.com or www.myspace.com/theironmaidens.