WW: Hey Cookie Cutter Girl! Welcome to
WildWritings.com! What's up?
CCG: This Pop Superhero was recently injured in the
line of duty and is recovering quickly from foot surgery.
WW: So is Cookie Cutter Girl an alterego? Where does
the name come from?
CCG: Girl Power Pop Superhero, Cookie Cutter Girl, is a
strong, feminine role model who grew out of my
personal experiences in a string of abusive
relationships. My own success in rising above the
negative feelings, and in refusing to remain a victim,
led me to CCG: the poster child for Girl Power! The
Pop Superhero first appeared to me during one of my
solo shows, asking why I was performing in a
restaurant to the backs of patrons who weren't even
listening. The soon to be Girl Power Icon inspired me
to come out of my own shell, face my fears, and be
heard.
The theme behind "Cutter" is understanding that women don"t need to live their lives within the confines of the "mold" that society has cut for them. They don't *have* to be "cookie cutter" girls ... they can break the mold and be whoever they want to be professionally, personally, sexually, you name it. Women can be a source of support for each other, instead of competing with each other for men, jobs, and security. While this is a decidedly feminist message, I am NOT, by any means, a "man-hater." Men always have, and still DO, fill positive roles in my music and writing, and are not portrayed as being anymore evil than women. The message is one of
strength and power for women, it?s not about men being bad people because they're men.
WW: Your real name is Lynn, right? Tell us about yourself. Did music always play an important role in your childhood?
CCG: My Dad is a Jazz musician who taught music and gigged out until I was born. Both my parents notably attended every "only a parent could endure this" school assembly I was thankful to be performing in too! *smile* I can remember only 2 things I wanted to be when I was a little girl, a singer and a Princess, and Cookie Cutter Girl has helped me realize that I CAN be BOTH!
WW: How did your band meet?
CCG: Each member of the S.O.S. BAND was brought together through ads I placed in various music forums on the internet. It took 3-6 months to find each one, but they are worth it. We aren't just a band: we're a team! *smile* (S.O.S. stands for "Spirit of Sunday." Sunday is a strong male role model in the "Cookie Cutter Girl: Pop Superhero" comic book series. He, like all the characters in the series, is a composite of many real individuals in my colorful past. Sunday is also my favorite day of the week ... the only one I usually don't have to work!)
WW: When did you all know you wanted to be in the music industry?
CCG: Me and "the boys" have all been in "the industry" most of our lives. I think we were just born musicians. You *always* knew that you LOVED music, and, like anything you truly *LOVE* ... Sometimes it takes you awhile, but you eventually realize you can't live without it.
WW: Who were your musical influences while growing up?
CCG: Since my Dad is a jazz musician, and member of the "Closet Accordian Players of America," I grew up listening to a lot of *GREAT* jazz music: Billie Holiday, John Coltrane,
Ray Charles. In my teen years, I was sucked into POP TOP 40 radio, as most teens are, and didn't realize there was incredible Pop music that never made the airwaves. The internet wasn't as large then, and the Indie Music scene wasn't nearly as strong, and easily accessable, as it is now! I traveled through Europe in my late teens, where I am eternally gratefully to have been introduced to the likes of Elvis Costello, Kate Bush, the Talking Heads and Joe Jackson. I've been a die hard fan of Brit Pop and New Wave ever since.
WW: Where do you draw the inspiration from to create music?
CCG: What sets Lynn "JULIAN", the songwriter's, songs apart is that they are all based on true stories. NOTE: Not all the stories are about me! *wink* There's definately a LIZ PHAIR / LINDA PERRY ATTITUDE to the whole ROCK OPERA that is "Cookie Cutter Girl" the CD. It's LIZ PHAIR's bold sexuality and confidence with CHRISTINA AGUILERA's powerhouse vocals! Other similar artists are: LIZ PHAIR, AVRIL LAVIGNE, MICHELLE BRANCH, KELLY CLARKSON, early SHERY CROW & MELISSA ETHRIDGE. Other musical influences for the CCG CD are: ELVIS COSTELLO, LINDA PERRY, THE DONNAS, SHANIA TWAIN (CD production)
WW: How would you explain your music?
CCG: Explain my music? How about I explain *ALL* music! Music is the cheapest form of therapy. Every time I write another song, I'm purging, I'm cleansing, I'm making space in my heart for new material. Every time I get on stage, I'm releasing all I've held inside since my last show. I'm thrusting every ounce of energy, all my GIRL POWER, LIVE & UNSCENSORED, as I pour my heart out to anyone who will listen. When the audience sucks it all in, mulls it over, and
throws us back some of their energy in return, then the circle is completed and *everyone* feels energized ... without drugs or doctors ... or the HIGH bills that come with them! *wink*
WW: You've been recognized by FUSE, MTV and Rollingstone. Has success changed anything in your life?
CCG: YES ... Of course! Success has given me faith in the possibilities that life holds and courage to perform on larger stages than I thought possible. Success has validated my
lifelong habit of betting on the underdog. Success has inspired me to work even harder to inspire others, and convince them that anything is possible ... once you discover *your* "Inner Superhero!"
WW: What are your plans for the future; where can we catch you?
CCG: Our plan is to use the publicity we garner to bring National attention to women's issues such as domestic violence and eating disorders. We are in the process of researching
grants and government funding available for projects targeted at female empowerment and women in crisis. Our goal is to distribute the CDs and Comic Books to schools and crisis
centers across the USA.
WW: Thanks Cookie Cutter Girl! Best of luck to you.
CCG: Thank *you* for having me and your support of Cookie Cutter Girl ... GIRL POWER!
WW: Hey Cookie Cutter Girl! Welcome to
WildWritings.com! What's up?
CCG: This Pop Superhero was recently injured in
the line of duty and is recovering quickly from foot
surgery.
WW: So is Cookie Cutter Girl an alterego? Where does
the name come from?
CCG: Girl Power Pop Superhero, Cookie Cutter Girl, is a
strong, feminine role model who grew out of my
personal experiences in a string of abusive
relationships. My own success in rising above the
negative feelings, and in refusing to remain a
victim, led me to CCG: the poster child for Girl
Power! The Pop Superhero first appeared to me
during one of my solo shows, asking why I was
performing in a restaurant to the backs of patrons
who weren't even listening. The soon to be Girl
Power Icon inspired me to come out of my own
shell, face my fears, and be heard.
The theme behind "Cutter" is understanding that
women don"t need to live their lives within the confines of the "mold" that society has cut for them. They don't *have* to be "cookie cutter" girls ... they can break the mold and be whoever they want to be professionally, personally, sexually, you name it. Women can be a source of support for each other, instead of competing with each other for men, jobs, and security. While this is a decidedly feminist message, I am NOT, by any means, a "man-hater." Men always have, and still DO, fill positive roles in my music and writing, and are not portrayed as being anymore evil than women. The message is one of
strength and power for women, it?s not about men being bad people because they're men.
WW: Your real name is Lynn, right? Tell us about yourself. Did music always play an important role in your childhood?
CCG: My Dad is a Jazz musician who taught music and gigged out until I was born. Both my parents notably attended every "only a parent could endure this" school assembly I was thankful to be performing in too! *smile* I can remember only 2 things I wanted to be when I was a little girl, a singer and a Princess, and Cookie Cutter Girl has helped me realize that I CAN be BOTH!
WW: How did your band meet?
CCG: Each member of the S.O.S. BAND was brought together through ads I placed in various music forums on the internet. It took 3-6 months to find each one, but they are worth it. We aren't just a band: we're a team! *smile* (S.O.S. stands for "Spirit of Sunday." Sunday is a strong male role model in the "Cookie Cutter Girl: Pop Superhero" comic book series. He, like all the characters in the series, is a composite of many real individuals in my colorful past. Sunday is also my favorite day of the week ... the only one I usually don't have to work!)
WW: When did you all know you wanted to be in the music industry?
CCG: Me and "the boys" have all been in "the industry" most of our lives. I think we were just born musicians. You *always* knew that you LOVED music, and, like anything you truly *LOVE* ... Sometimes it takes you awhile, but you eventually realize you can't live without it.
WW: Who were your musical influences while growing up?
CCG: Since my Dad is a jazz musician, and member of the "Closet Accordian Players of America," I grew up listening to a lot of *GREAT* jazz music: Billie Holiday, John Coltrane,
Ray Charles. In my teen years, I was sucked into POP TOP 40 radio, as most teens are, and didn't realize there was incredible Pop music that never made the airwaves. The internet wasn't as large then, and the Indie Music scene wasn't nearly as strong, and easily accessable, as it is now! I traveled through Europe in my late teens, where I am eternally gratefully to have been introduced to the likes of Elvis Costello, Kate Bush, the Talking Heads and Joe Jackson. I've been a die hard fan of Brit Pop and New Wave ever since.
WW: Where do you draw the inspiration from to create music?
CCG: What sets Lynn "JULIAN", the songwriter's, songs apart is that they are all based on true stories. NOTE: Not all the stories are about me! *wink* There's definately a LIZ PHAIR / LINDA PERRY ATTITUDE to the whole ROCK OPERA that is "Cookie Cutter Girl" the CD. It's LIZ PHAIR's bold sexuality and confidence with CHRISTINA AGUILERA's powerhouse vocals! Other similar artists are: LIZ PHAIR, AVRIL LAVIGNE, MICHELLE BRANCH, KELLY CLARKSON, early SHERY CROW & MELISSA ETHRIDGE. Other musical influences for the CCG CD are: ELVIS COSTELLO, LINDA PERRY, THE DONNAS, SHANIA TWAIN (CD production)
WW: How would you explain your music?
CCG: Explain my music? How about I explain *ALL* music! Music is the cheapest form of therapy. Every time I write another song, I'm purging, I'm cleansing, I'm making space in my heart for new material. Every time I get on stage, I'm releasing all I've held inside since my last show. I'm thrusting every ounce of energy, all my GIRL POWER, LIVE & UNSCENSORED, as I pour my heart out to anyone who will listen. When the audience sucks it all in, mulls it over, and
throws us back some of their energy in return, then the circle is completed and *everyone* feels energized ... without drugs or doctors ... or the HIGH bills that come with them! *wink*
WW: You've been recognized by FUSE, MTV and Rollingstone. Has success changed anything in your life?
CCG: YES ... Of course! Success has given me faith in the possibilities that life holds and courage to perform on larger stages than I thought possible. Success has validated my
lifelong habit of betting on the underdog. Success has inspired me to work even harder to inspire others, and convince them that anything is possible ... once you discover *your* "Inner Superhero!"
WW: What are your plans for the future; where can we catch you?
CCG: Our plan is to use the publicity we garner to bring National attention to women's issues such as domestic violence and eating disorders. We are in the process of researching
grants and government funding available for projects targeted at female empowerment and women in crisis. Our goal is to distribute the CDs and Comic Books to schools and crisis
centers across the USA.
WW: Thanks Cookie Cutter Girl! Best of luck to you.
CCG: Thank *you* for having me and your support of Cookie Cutter Girl ... GIRL POWER!
