Find out all about this great band's origins and inspirations!
After reviewing Liliths Army‘s latest album ‘Doll’, I received a message from singer and guitarist Sylvie Studente asking if I’d like to do an interview with them. Of course, I said yes – what a great opportunity to get to know the band (Sylvie, Sam Sherwood the drummer and Tommy Mayo on bass) a bit better!
How did you start the band and how did you come up with the name?
Sylvie: I originally started up the band when I was studying at university. I wasn’t sure what to call the group at the time and a good friend of mine suggested “Liliths Army”. I had no idea what the name meant so I read about it. As the legend goes, “Lilith” was Adam’s first Wife who was cast out of the garden of Eden for refusing to be subservient. She is often referred to as a “demon” who unleashed an army upon mankind in revenge –of course, you couldn’t be a strong woman in biblical times, so the strong woman fits with my influence in the band as a female-fronted original rock band. I’m not sure if I was that taken with the name at first, but my friend since passed away unexpectedly and I’ve kept the band name ever since, in remembrance of him. Years later, working with Sam and Tommy, I’d say this is the line-up that was always meant to be, and I am very proud of what we’ve achieved together this far.
Are you all originally from Northampton, UK?
Sylvie: My mother’s family are originally from Kent, part of my father’s family are from Cyprus. I was born in Northampton. I’ve moved away a couple of times, but this town has a way of pulling ya back in.
Sam: Yep.
Tommy: I’m originally from Crick which is on the outskirts of Northampton.
What other music genres do you like?
Sylvie: I have a very eclectic taste in music from Rock, Metal and Punk to Motown, Jazz and Classical. It really depends what mood I’m in at the time.
Sam: I’ve been getting into Afrobeat recently.
Tommy: I quite like a lot of Punk but also a bit of Prog Rock.
What has been your favourite gig/festival you’ve played so far?
Sylvie: I played at Glastonbury with Liliths Army before which was absolutely amazing.
Sam: There’s been so many good ones that it’s difficult to pick one to be honest.
Tommy: I Agree with Sam – so many good ones to choose from to decide!
Who are your musical inspirations?
Sylvie: My parents always had the record player going at home when I was a little girl. I remember first hearing the guitar sound of Marc Bolan from T-REX – that overdriven sound and thinking “wow! I wanna be able to emulate that sound on guitar”. That was my first influence for guitar. In my teens the Grunge era hit, and I loved grunge! Me, Sam and Tommy all have similar tastes which are quite eclectic. We all love Punk and Grunge especially.
Sam: Mostly it’s Areosmith and L7 that makes me want to gig with Liliths Army.
Tommy: Joy Division, King Crimson and Nirvana for me.
Do any of you play any other instruments?
Sylvie: I started out classically trained, playing piano and the double bass, and studied orchestration. I even had opera vocal training, would you believe! In my teens I discovered Rock, Punk and Metal and the rest as they say is history. I play guitar, drums and bass.
Sam: Guitar.
Tommy: I play the triangle occasionally when I have the time..
What’s been you favourite gig/festival you’ve not played but been to, and / or favourite band you’ve seen?
Sylvie: This is a tough one…I’ve seen quite a few great bands live such as The Who, Jamiroquai, Evanescence (sat in their soundcheck), and Blondie. Not sure I have a particular favourite gig, as I’ve enjoyed them all. I just love music! I love the passion, and the whole vibe that comes from music and performance.
Sam: I went to Slam Dunk in 2019 and that was a fun day. I saw Soft Machine in London not too long ago and I thought they were really good.
Tommy: I went to Manchester to see Jane’s Addiction before everything kicked off there, absolutely brilliant performance! Rush at the 02 Birmingham were also great.
Which is your favourite song on your new album ‘Doll‘?
Sylvie: I like ‘Helpless‘ as it’s completely different to all the other songs we play. The reason we included it was to showcase that we are very versatile with our songwriting and musicianship. I wrote the song for my parents who have supported me so much in life. I really enjoyed crafting the song as I play piano on the track and wrote the strong arrangements. The string players were absolutely lovely people to work with, and we featured the strings live at our album launch at the Water Rats back in March.
Sam: ‘Drain Me‘
Tommy: ‘One‘
So now you know a lot more about Liliths Army. Please check out my album review of ‘Doll’ and listen to the album itself; you won’t be disappointed. Sylvie also told me, “We’ve started recording our next album. It will take a couple of years as we are recording songs while I’m writing”, so we can look forward to that!
Liliths Army have lots of live gigs coming up, so please go see them! I will be reviewing two of the gigs. The first one is 27th June in Brighton, the second is one of their tour dates with Kath & The Kicks on 29th November in London. I am very much looking forward to both gigs.
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