Scene Point Blank: How long did the process of writing these songs take, and was the recording process seamless? Where did you record it?
Alice Genese: We began writing in January of 2018. We’ve continued to write up to and past the recording. We recorded at Studio G in Brooklyn where Jeff Berner is a partner, producer, and musician.
Shaune Pony Heath: Some of the songs that we wrote would bubble forth at a rapid pace and we would later go in and refine them and then others would take their sweet time and come out in a much more finished manner. There is no definite science or formula to our writing. The only definite is that there are always more songs or ideas trying to fight their way to the front of the line to get out first.
The recording process went fairly easy (once I got over my initial nerves). I think it has a lot to do with all of the guys involved having worked so closely with each other previously. I was the only new blood in the room and that was terrifying to me but they were all very gracious and made me feel like I belonged there.
We trusted Jeff’s instincts as a producer to the point where we kept saying: ‘Let go and let Jeff…”. And I am so glad that we did.
Scene Point Blank: I understand that on April 24 you had a listening party. What was the reaction to the release?
Alice Genese: We had a wonderful show at The Transparent Clinch Gallery in Asbury Park. It is a beautiful space with Danny’s photos hung all over the room and mid-century modern furniture for sale throughout the gallery. It feels like a living room, so we played a set, like we write, in my living room. I think it was a very special afternoon.
Pony opened with an incredible set of him on piano and vocals. I followed with my bandmates I recorded Sticks and Bones with (minus bass) and then Pony and I wrapped it up. I haven’t played live since 2020 and I was more nervous than usual – terrified -- but the crowd was so lovely. I won’t soon forget.
Shaune Pony Heath: It was so amazing to be able to play for people again! We love the gallery and all of the folks who work there. It was a very intimate setting and it felt like exactly the right place to kick this off at.
I played a little set with a bunch of my own songs after which I got to sit back and watch Alice do her solo set. It was amazing to watch not only because she is wonderful, but also because she got to play with some of her former bandmates for the first time in years. It was beautiful.
We then played the Ov Stars songs together and people seemed to be responding very well!
Scene Point Blank: Are there plans to tour?
Alice Genese: I miss touring and though we have nothing in the works, I hope to get back out there someday.
Scene Point Blank: Are there any future impending gigs?
Alice Genese: Our next gig is at Pioneer Works in Red Hook (Brooklyn) It is a part of the programming of the We Are But One exhibit of Genesis and Lady Jaye Breyer P’Orridge’s works. We are so honored to be included. See the link below:
https://pioneerworks.org/programs/hiro- ... psychic-tv
Scene Point Blank: Are there plans to do future collaborations with each other?
Alice Genese: On my side, I’d love to go back and record some more of the material Pony and I have written over the years. I have been funding this project out of pocket and my pockets are not very deep at the moment. Keep hope alive…
Shaune Pony Heath: We have never stopped collaborating. We have written so much material and are constantly coming up with more work. As Alice said, there are unfortunately just some financial limitations for us in which to record it in the capacity we did on this album. But I am pretty sure that we will find a way.
Scene Point Blank: Which musician(s) do you consider your greatest influence, living or deceased?
Alice Genese: David Bowie, Patti Smith, James Brown, Genesis Breyer P-Orridge, I mean so many others, but just off the top of my head.
Shaune Pony Heath: Tori Amos, Nina Simone, PJ Harvey, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, Diamanda Galas, Jaques Brel, and several thousand others. Also friends and all of the ladies that sang, harmonizing, while working when I was growing up.
Scene Point Blank: How would you like to be remembered in time?
Alice Genese: As someone who inspired…
Shaune Pony Heath: I want to be remembered as someone that in all of their failed and imperfect being always tried to pursue affecting change or even just simple comfort to someone else through their work and their humanity.
Scene Point Blank: Parting thoughts?
Alice Genese: Gratitude. I’ve felt very lucky to have had the life and experiences I’ve had. Even if they were ones I didn’t particularly want, they’ve all led me here, to where I am now and I feel very settled in my skin. I’m very grateful for that.
Shaune Pony Heath: Being able to write and record this record has completely changed my perspective about creative work and the value of that and for that I am grateful.
I hope that anyone who listens to this record can find a little piece of themselves within it and be able to let go of some of the hurt or loss within themselves.
Above all else, love.
Contact
- OVSTARSBAND@GMAIL.COM
- Facebook: @ovstarsband
- Instagram: @ovstarsband
- YouTube: @ovstarsband
- Streaming links click below:
- https://ovstars.hearnow.com/
- https://ovstars.bandcamp.com/
- Www.lovejessedesigns.com
