PART 1 : The Genesis of 'Paranoid Rage':
‘Paranoid Rage’ reflects an emotional reaction to events, people, and places. The album features 11 re-mixed and remastered songs—some dark, some not so dark, and one acoustic track titled ‘July 19th’. I birthed them all, I love them all ♥
You could say the album’s title is fitting and self-explanatory, as the tumultuous state of mind in which I created the songs was fueled entirely by paranoid rage and drama. Failed bands, broken relationships, depleted bank accounts—everything culminated in turmoil, and all I could do was write about what I was experiencing. Or perhaps it was the songs that chose me from the ether?!
Furthermore, the concept of the 4th dimension plays a significant role in understanding the genesis of 'Paranoid Rage'. In the 4th dimension, all ideas and possibilities exist beyond our immediate perception in the 3rd dimension. It's a realm where creativity and inspiration transcend physical limitations, influencing artistic expression in profound ways.
Where did the album name come from?
The album’s name came from a conversation with an old colleague from my time as a support worker at Mencap. She mentioned that years ago, her then-boyfriend tragically committed suicide outside a pub they were all at. My friend said, "his head had been full of his own Paranoid Rage!"
I was listening to her, however, suddenly my mind just lit up when I heard the words, 'Paranoid Rage!' I told her right then and there that she had just named my band! We both laughed, but I couldn't wait to tell the other band members.
"Paranoid Rage" resonated deeply with my vision and reflected the state of mind I was in, when the songs came through. Each song felt like a download in my brain, where I could see, hear, and feel exactly how each one was supposed to unfold. It's as if creativity transcends from the 4th dimension, where ideas and inspirations take shape beyond our everyday perception.
Early band names...
"Flower of Darkness"
Initially, I was gigging at open mics by myself under the name "Flower of Darkness." This name was given to me by Misha (Producer of the Black Swan Album) in 2001 when we first met. Misha set up an email account for me as I didn't have one at the time, and I liked the name 'Flower of Darkness', so it became my gigging name at open mics around London.
However, when I formed my band in 2004, they were not impressed with the name "Flower of Darkness" and understandably wanted to change it to something more fitting!
The thing is, their band name suggestions... were quite frankly... CRAP! I remember "Cranial Screw" being one of them. Why?! It meant nothing; the band stood for nothing, and it didn't reflect my style of writing. I was happy to change to another name, but it had to be a good one, for God's sake!
"Peasants' Revolt"
For a while, I considered naming the band "Peasants' Revolt" after learning about the 1381 historical event, where peasants rose up against unfair taxes and treatment, even marching and chopping off heads. This revolt, which started on May 30th—my birthday—seemed fitting, but slightly comical, which wasn't the angle I was going for.
Naming the band - "PARANOID RAGE"
I was worried at first the band might not like the name Paranoid Rage, but I had to stay strong as the phrase struck a chord with me and I knew it was good.
I told the then band members one by one, and every one loved the name! In-fact every time we gigged someone would say how they loved the name! I knew I felt a strong pull towards this name.
PARNAOID RAGE become my band name and later, my album title. This was the start of the PARANOID RAGE days...! And yes! The early band days where fueled with PARANOID RAGE!!!!
----------------------------------
PARANOID RAGE BAND
2004-2006
Band Members
Debbie Leigh Driver : Song-writer / guitar / Vision
Hector Ben Lloyd : Bass / Guitar
Ser : Drums
Rob : Guitar lead / Bass
Cargo in Shorditch London
2005
Throwback to our gig at Cargo in Shoreditch, London, back in 2005 — not many pictures from back in the day, but hoping more surface soon! We absolutely rocked the house!
Carling Bar Academy
Gigging at Carling Bar Academy, London, some point in 2005.
Sadly, there aren't many photos from those early days. Back then, I don't think anyone really thought about capturing moments—we were too focused on rehearsals and gigs!
Fun fact: My boots were thrown into a dustbin, messing up my outfit so badly that I swore like a trucker on stage! It was so bad that my band-mates scolded me the next day. My response? 'F you! Rock n roll!' 😄 See what I mean about being fueled by paranoid rage!?
Stratford Theatre
Throwback to an unforgettable gig at Carling Bar Academy, London, sometime in 2005.
Sadly, there aren't many photos from those early days. Back then, I don't think anyone really thought about capturing moments—we were too focused on rehearsals and gigs!
Fun fact: I got married to my gay best friend at this gig, and there's a video of it somewhere! I decided to wear a wedding dress, which worked perfectly since we were on stage in a theater setting.
During the gig, my guitarist Rob played a version of 'Here Comes the Bride,' which got the crowd laughing. When I stepped up to the mic, I belted out AC/DC lyrics acapella:
'Well you can stick your nine-to-five livin'
And your collar and your tie
You can stick your moral standards
'Cause it's all a dirty lie
You can stick your golden handshake
And you can stick your silly rules
And all the other shit
That you teach to kids in school
FUCK YOU!'
Then, without missing a beat, we launched into 'You Made Your Bed'! It was a wild gig! 😄
I remember telling the world to 'fuck off,' sharing a kiss with my friend, and ending the set with a dramatic 'dying swan' act, rolling around on the floor. Rock 'n roll at its finest!"
Bulldog Bash in Stratford-upon-Avon
Sadly, at some point in 2005, Rob and Hector left the band!!! I was heartbroken. Still, life goes on and enter 'Heath' on bass and 'Andy' on lead.
We played the Bulldog Bash in Stratford-upon-Avon and rocked!
(And YES!, I did wear that T-shirt! PUNK ROCK!)
Thanks for joining me on this journey through memories and music. Explore more about 'Black Swan' and 'Paranoid Rage' or continue with Part 2 if you dare.
Ready to dive deeper into the raw energy of 'Black Swan' and the intense emotions of 'Paranoid Rage'? Click below to experience music that defies convention:
Kommentare