The Iron Maidens: Interview with Lead Singer Aja Kim

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.

Aja Kim lends her vocal talents to provide the voice of each era of Iron Maiden singers Bruce Dickinson, Paul DiAnno and that other guy. "Bruce 'Lee' Chickenson" shares a few of her thoughts on holding down the heavy end of the Iron Maidens.

How was the band formed?

"In the petri dish of our minds..."

What draws you to Iron Maiden's music?

"There's something special about this music that affects me in ways I rarely feel in current music. It's very powerful music - with a depth to the lyrics and a beauty in the melodies that is unmatched by any other metal band, in my opinion."

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

"Musicianship in this band has always been the top priority. Even though a great look is important as a tribute band, which will only get you so far. If you want people to keep coming back you have to bring more than just the right outfit and mannerisms to the table. In Iron Maiden's
music that goes double. Iron Maidens fans are the most passionate music fans I've ever seen and we all feel a tremendous sense of obligation to be as musically accurate as humanly possible."

How important are production values to your show?

"Iron Maiden is known for its stage production so we can't just show up and play the songs. Our wonderful manager, Mark Dawson, has even figured out a way to pack the show up so that when we go on the road we bring the same level of production to every show."

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

"Since I am performing and singing music that is extremely important to the fans and most reviewers are fans, I do read them. It is so rare that a tribute band gets the kind of coverage we receive. that it is also quite fun. For the most part reviews are quite favorable, which is
gratifying since we work so hard at what we do. Nevertheless, even if they are not it's a good learning tool. But at the end of the day it is really the opinion of the fans who come to our shows that mean the most to me and judging by the audience reaction we consistently receive we're doing alright!."

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

"Having done both I think it's definitely more difficult for an original band. A tribute band has the advantage of audiences already liking the music and not having the responsibility of actually creating it."

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

"Our fellow fans are the ones who plunk their hard earned dollars down to see our show so their opinion means everything to us. Without them, we could not do what we do. Of course, it's nice if the real band likes us, too!"

What songs get the best crowd reaction?

"The Trooper, Number of the Beast, Phantom of The Opera, Run to the Hills, and Wasted Years. These songs are staples in our show and if we didn't play them I think people would be terribly disappointed."

What is your favorite song to perform? Why?

"I hate narrowing it down to just one but if I had to choose for me it's Rime of the Ancient Mariner - I love the melody and the sheer epic proportions of it. Plus the whole crowd starts headbanging to it the minute we kick in with it- it's quite a sight to see!"

What is the most important part of a song?

"For me, as a singer, the lyric and melody are of paramount importance. But there really are no most important parts - every instrument and note counts."

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

"Tommy by the Who. That album was groundbreaking and so innovative for its time and the first thematic work of its kind from a rock band. It got me ready for Seventh Son of a Seventh Son."

What is more enjoyable? Playing by yourself for 2 hours or part of a package show where you get 30 minutes?

"Maiden's songs are so long that I'm barely warmed up in 30 minutes! Therefore, I enjoy a nice long set. To me it's like the difference between grabbing a sandwich and eating it in the car or sitting down to a 5-course meal. Both satisfy your hunger but I like to savor my meal."

What is the most common misconception about your band?

"That the only reason we've achieved what we've accomplished so far is because we're women. That may bring some people out to see us for the first time but what keeps them coming back is not our gender - it's that we deliver the goods to the highest level of our ability in that moment and the fans know the difference."

Leather or spandex? Why?

"Spandex - because I can."

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

"I have solo material you can listen to at www.myspace.com/ajakimmusic."

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.