Maine Music Association: You have phenomenal vocals, the kind you don’t come across by accident, how much vocal training have you had?

Cruella: I have been singing since before I could really talk. I don’t have any formal training other than school and my church choir. My uncle was our choir leader of our church (way back in the day) and we would practice quite often in preparation for Sunday Mass and special occasions. I learned how to harmonize and improvise during those years. Even though I do not consider myself a Christian now, I owe a lot of my musical exposure to the Catholic Church.

MMA: Were you always interested in music, more specifically singing?

Cruella: Yes , from the days that my mom would put headphones on me in my crib and spin records. My mom said that I would learn the words and melodies of songs and sing them perfectly when I was a young as 2 years old. I remember a lot of the Beatles , Rolling Stones , Joni Mitchell and Rod Stewart from those times. During my adolescence there was a lot of homemade karaoke going on to the radio as well.

MMA: Who are some of your influences?

Cruella: Joni Mitchell , PJ Harvey, Bjork, Siouxie Sioux, Chaka Khan, Aretha, the list is endless.

MMA: Prior to joining By Blood Alone, were you involved in any other bands (in any way)?

Cruella: I sang back -up with Black Apple (Twisted Roots members), Swamp Witch Revival, Supersoul Challenger and was Sinferno’s original lead vocalist.

MMA: Are you originally from Maine?

Cruella: I am from North Dighton MA originally , But my father and his 2nd family lived in Maine so I would spend many of my summers here.

MMA: How did you come to be the lead vocalist for By Blood Alone?

Cruella: John Graveside responded to my ad that I was looking for a band. I tried out and he asked me to join right away.

MMA: As the vocalist for the band, how much influence do you have on the song writing process?

Cruella: I have some influence with songs for the band. I have written a couple of our songs and Graveside Is the primary composer/writer for the rest. But all the lyrics and melodies are mine for all of our music.

MMA: Do you find as a female front that more is expected of you, or less? (I’ve known female band members who wouldn’t even carry in their own stuff let alone anybody else’s)

Cruella: I am not sure what you mean. But I expect more of myself, so I will do whatever I can to help or get things done whether that is carrying gear, making phone calls or creating entire sets for our shows.

MMA: Do you find, because you’re a woman, that you’re expected to be more professional and ‘demure’ or can you spit like the rest of ‘em…lol?

Cruella: No, I am not expected to be anything else other than myself. Belching, spitting, hugging whatever…

MMA: One problem female leads sometimes run into, the hubby or significant other not getting along with the band i.e. jealousy; or not being fully supportive, do you have that problem?

Cruella: My husband, Michael, is fully supportive in whatever creative endeavors I have. We have been together for 20 and a half years. We are like a well oiled machine.

MMA: As per the previous question, what advice would you give to a woman in that situation?

Cruella: Try to include your partner in everything you are doing by talking with them and letting them know what is going on in your life. If they are interested and feel like they are being included they will respond favorably. It is best to keep the communication open.

MMA: In the reverse of the previous questions, do your male band mates’ significant others’ have a problem dealing with you?

Cruella: No way, everyone is super cool.

MMA: Who does most of the booking for the band?

Cruella: It used to be pretty even between myself and Graveside but since I have been back after my cancer battle he has been doing most of the booking.

MMA: Have you ever had a problem with club/venue owners taking you seriously because you’re a woman?

Cruella: Never, and I think that is due to my assertiveness and confidence.

MMA: Your band is based out of Portland, a city which some might say is the hub of the music scene in Maine, how hard has it been for your band to break into other areas in the state?

Cruella: It has been a steady process but we have always been very well received the in Lewiston area and we hope to spread further. We have been getting many favorable reviews from around the world. The UK, The Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Sweden etc etc…

MMA: What is your opinion on the music scene in Maine?

Cruella: It is wonderful, so diverse and full of life. We have huge amounts of talent here… even if the rest of the world is slow to recognize.

MMA: What do you think musicians/bands could do to better the scene?

Cruella: I cannot give a blanket statement for this. Every band has there strengths and weaknesses. If I were to say a few things it would be t