The Iron Maidens: Interview with Guitarist Heather Baker

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.

Multiple guitars are a trademark of Iron Maiden's aural assault; guitarist Heather "Adrienne Smith" Baker shares a few of her thoughts on thrashing iconic metal riffs with the Iron Maidens.

What would you say is the band's "mission statement"?

"Up the Irons, Baby!"

What draws you to Iron Maiden's music?

"I really enjoy Iron Maiden's choice of epic material from their lead harmonies to great vocal melodies."

What is more important in a tribute band, the perfect look or the perfect sound?

"In this case I definitely think that getting the sound is much more important due to the material having such a signature sound."

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

"I do read reviews to reflect back on the night as I compare notes with my own critique."

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

"The fans appreciate the music and act in a way that we direct out target audience. Yet we wouldn't be doing what we do if it wasn't for the wonderful longevity of Iron Maiden. I think both are an important element in what we do."

What is your favorite song to perform? Why?

"My favorite to perform is 'Phantom of the Opera'. It is such a landscape of sounds and dynamics thrown into an epic of a song."

What are your favorite non-Iron Maiden records?

Soilwork - Follow the Hollow, Air - Talkie Walkie, and Cocteau Twins - Blue Bell Knoll, at the moment.

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

"Boston's "Don't Look Back" was on of the first important songs to me."

What is the most common misconception about your band?

"The fact that we're females often puts a common misconception on us that we are unable to fill large MALE shoes. The truth is that we are not trying to fill anything, we just play it as it's written and have a great time doing it."

Leather or spandex? Why?

"Spandex, for those who pull it off with flying colors."

Where can we find more info about the band or any other projects?

"My original project called The Afterlife at http://www.myspace.com/heatherbaker."

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.