Magdalene (www.myspace.com/magdalenetx or http://magdalenetx.com/) has set Northeastern Texas on its ear with a solid sound, kick-ass lyrics, and amazing vocal stylings. I was able to get the low down from their vocalist, Joanna, and see what she and the rest of Magdalene have been up to lately.

Hi, Joanna. I was able to check out Magdalene’s music out on Myspace. I totally dig your sound and I was wowed by the lyrics. So I just wanted to say that first thing.

What’s the story behind Magdalene? How did you first get together?
Some of the guys have been playing music together for almost 10 yrs.  I joined the band back in 2002 after a chance meeting with a few of the guys.  They already had a singer, but asked me to audition anyway.  I belted out a Janis Joplin tune for them & Ive been their singer ever since.  A couple of yrs later we added a new drummer& a new bass player.  The style, intensity& sound of our music had evolved so much, we felt it warranted a name change.  We all wanted a  fresh start& chose to change the name to MAGDALENE at that time.

Is it hard choosing a name for a band? Why choose Magdalene?
It was challenging because we wanted something slightly feminine, but controversial too.
The controversy surrounding Mary Magdalene has always been fascinating.  People often wondered was she a saint or a sinner…a wife& companion to Jesus…did she father his children…although everyone has their own opinion, it’s still a great legacy that provokes interest and controversy.

How does it feel to be in a group with all guys? Does the testosterone ever get a little overwhelming? Or does it feel like hanging out with your best buds?
Well, I think sometimes MY testosterone becomes overwhelming to them…LOL
No, seriously, I feel really fortunate to be a in a band with all guys.  It’s a little lonely at times, but we are great friends who have a good time together. 

Do you have any musical training in your background ?
I took vocal lessons for many years growing up.  I continue to work my voice on my own using practice CD’s and educational DVDs.  There came a time when I was told to stop training my voice in classical styling and focus more on my own style…now I try to utilize a variety of techniques to work my voice.

Which song in your repertoire is your favorite to perform live and why ?
Well, every song means something different to me; but if I had to choose 1 it would be If You Want Me To.  That song was written from the bottom of my heart & every lyric means something to me.  That song always elicits a great crowd response…I think partially because they feel the emotion with which we are delivering it to them…and it’s just a really great song!

Tell us about your latest CD ?
Our latest CD is a 4 song promo…We were approached by a reputable producer, Mike Gage.  He helped us select songs and did really good job producing them.  The music on this CD is vastly different from what we’ve written before.  Much edgier (is that a word), and there is a depth & intensity that we are all very proud of. 
Mike Gage is going to be producing the next set of songs to complete the CD.  We are in the process of selecting and returning to the studio to have it ready by Feb or march. 

What’s the best and worst thing to happen on the road ?
Whats GREAT about going on the road is that we get a genuine response from people about our music.  It’s a true litmus test.  When we play locally, we have an amazing group of fans who love us even if we have a crummy night.  But when we travel, we get real feedback from fans and are always blown away by their favorable response to our music. 
I guess the down side of being on the road is
If you had to name your top three favorite albums of all time, which three would you chose? And why?
I absolutely love Janis Joplins music. Her pearl album is probably my favorite.  Her energy& emotion are so raw…it s just mesmerizing
Alanis Morisettes Jagged Little Pill was such an amazing album and her writing style was so unique & lyrically complex.
Which bands were or still are your biggest influences?
Well , there are so many great bands out there; it’s important to take note of the bands who are and have been successful for a long time like aerosmith and bonjovi, etc….business-wise, they have been a huge influence on people like me who’d like to make a living playing and writing music.  Then there are bands like Nickelback who seem to write a hit song everytime they pick up their instruments!  I am also influenced by bands who’s songs are meaningful me like Staind, Rob Thomas,(matchbox 20), Seether , and I love Buckcherry & Puddle of Mudd! 

How do you draw inspiration from your own life and bring it into your music?
That’s sort-of what its all about.  Sometimes in my “real-life” you can’t express certain thoughts and emotions or behave a certain way…but when writing music, you can do whatever the hell you want!  It’s my time to speak out…express something that’s on my mind, say words I can’t say in my normal life, talk about the roller coaster of emotions or events that Im experiencing…it’s my chance to let it all out!  Im really grateful for such a creative outlet.

What’s the best part about playing live?
The best part of playing live is watching people stop in mid-conversation as we capture their attention.  Seeing people drawing in toward the stage, and moving closer to be next to us.  Watching them sing our songs with us is probably the most amazing feeling ever!

Have any plans to tour around the country and beyond? If you could, which places would you love to play at?
I would love to play anywhere and everywhere! We are planning on several short tours next year to New Mexico, California, W Virginia, and Florida.   If I could choose a few places, I would love to play Las Vegas, New York & Tokyo.

What would you say to readers new to you and your music?
Are music is genuine & heartfelt…for good and bad.  We love what we do and think it shows in our songs.  Listen with an open mind and turn it all the way up!

What’s next for Magdalene?
We are going to finish our CD in the next few months, then plan several mini-tours for next year.  We will continue writing music and playing as much as possible.

Where can your new Fans find you on the Net ?
Check our myspace.com/magdalenetx ; you ca hear our music, order merchandise, see pics, and message us.

Thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions and good luck in all you do.