Rising New Jersey hard rock band Black Rose Rebellion is set to release its debut album entitled Hail The Rebel Queen on May 29th. Black Rose Rebellion’s vocalist spoke with Metal Express Radio about their debut album, their formation, hopes for their future, and more. Check out the chat below!
Metal Express Radio: How did the formation of Black Rose Rebellion come about?
Trybe: The band, in its current form, began in the summer of 2022 at a time when Dave and I were getting ready to hang it up altogether. We were introduced by a mutual friend who knew both of us and thought we’d be a good fit to give it one last shot. We hit it off right away and had instant musical chemistry. Karen is Dave’s wife and has been there from the beginning. Michele was the original bassist who quit because of turmoil from the former member I was hired to replace. She eventually came back, and we are so happy to have her. Erik is a phenomenal guitarist who Dave was friends with, and we eventually convinced him to be a permanent member. We were deep in the studio already when we completed our lineup.
MER: Who are some of your influences to play music?
Trybe: The legends such as AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, and Linda Perry are definitely foundational inspirations, but more contemporary artists such as Dorothy, Burning Witches, The Pretty Reckless, Lady Gaga, and Breaking Benjamin are just a few more worth naming. I personally am also heavily influenced by the sounds and themes of R&B. I’m also a country girl from a family of musicians. We kids, cut our teeth strumming around makeshift campfires and coffee houses. I would definitely say my family, friends, and upbringing influenced me to ever get into music.
MER: Your debut album, entitled Hail The Rebel Queen, is set to be released on May 29th. What can you tell fans about the upcoming release?
Trybe: This album was a labor of love. It’s been about three years in the making with a lot of frustration, brain fog, and decision changes to get it to what we wanted it to be, but we got there. It wasn’t perfection we were chasing; it was authenticity. This work is honest and delivers a clear message- resiliency. This much-anticipated release will be followed by music video drops, interviews, live shows, and whatever else comes our way!
MER: How was it writing and recording, being your first major album?
Trybe: Writing was not as challenging as recording. Dave and I both had some head-against-a-wall moments, but truthfully, it was overall pretty fluid, and I believe it is because we already have the same tastes and understandings of what we wanted these songs to sound like. There’s a mutual respect between us that allows us to communicate productively. We also both wrote long before this band; all we did was put our minds together.
Recording was a major learning curve. Live vs. recording is definitely two different sets of ears, so to speak. I also won’t lie and say there wasn’t quite a bit of headbutting throughout lol, but that’s what happens when everyone is passionate and involved. The songs were developed and performed live many times before recording them, but when we started recording, we realized they needed more. It was our chance to finalize exactly what we wanted and listen from a third ear perspective, reflect, and adjust as needed. It was honestly a more unconventional recording process, but it worked for us. Our producer had great ideas and pushed us outside the box, and vice versa, we got him to see some new perspectives as well. It was a really great collaborative effort. Especially from a vocal standpoint, hearing myself recorded that way gave new life to the songs. I was full of excitement being able to add harmonies and backups I had always heard in my head that further elevate the composition. I got to play around with different things, some worked, some didn’t, but by the time we got towards the end of the album, I had a newfound confidence as a recording artist.
MER: What do you see as plans for yourself and Black Rose Rebellion after the album is released?
Trybe: As Dave would jokingly say, “umm, a couple Brinks trucks?” lol!… but really, we are taking it a day at a time. Everyone in the band is rowing the boat; we’re all pushing this music to get people to listen to it. This album really is for the people, and we hope to have the privilege of playing it for as many sets of ears as we can. We are excited for interviews, shows, and facetime with the community.
MER: Is there anyone you hope to tour with and why?
Tribe: I haven’t given that much thought, to be honest. I’m happy just at the thought of a major tour! There are so many artists I’d be thrilled to tour with. I would be happy with any high-drive, energetic, positive artist. Dave would love to tour with Dorothy or The Pretty Reckless. Great choices in my opinion. Considering they are influences, it makes sense! Those ladies have stories to tell.
MER: Is there any place you hope to play live and why?
Trybe: Europe would be a very cool place to tour. The hard rock/ metal scene is thriving over there. Not to mention all the rich history to explore when we’re off the stage. We’re nerds like that- we read a lot and enjoy history. We never stop learning. I love being surrounded by people like that. Brazil is also a bucket-lister. It is beautiful and also hosts a thriving rock scene!
MER: You recently played the Elephant Talk Indie Music Festival. How was that experience for you and the rest of Black Rose Rebellion?
Trybe: So we have played Elephant Talk Indie many times, and every time it is nothing short of a positive experience. Not to mention, it is for charity, and we try to play for charity as much as we can. We’re a community band. There are so many genres and ages that play, so it is a great place to meet new bands and fans. Jerry Ryan, the founder and organizer of the festival, is always so accommodating to his artists. There is never bad blood and bands (and their fans) are always supportive of one another. It is an audience that smiles and headbangs every single time!
MER: How would you describe your sound to anyone who’s unfamiliar with Black Rose Rebellion?
Trybe: We describe our sound as contemporary hard rock. It really is good ol’ fashioned, solid hard rock, but with my contemporary flair. Nothing super complex, layered, or crazy. It’s edgy and full of chunky attitude. I have been blessed to grow up around so many different kinds of music from different decades. I don’t even know what influences shine through in my songs lol it is interesting to hear a different take when someone new hears the songs. I’ve gotten such varied comparisons, and I see that as a really good thing.
MER: What are your hopes for the future of Black Rose Rebellion?
Trybe: My hope, and I believe I share this with my bandmates, is that Black Rose Rebellion can be remembered as the band that stood for resiliency and self-acceptance. I hope listeners think of us as the musical key that unlocked repressed feelings they couldn’t access before our music. I hope to be a role model and have an impact on this world. I get asked a lot about “well, what about fame?” I think that’s the elephant in the room. I’ll summarize my personal feelings about it like this- I’ve never wanted to be famous, I just want my music to be.
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