This week I've decided to open the blogwaves to you, dear readers, and answer some of your questions and inquiries. I received so many great questions that I will have to do this in two parts. Thank you for participating, and now, TO THE MEAT!
Is it difficult being in the music industry, and identifying as a lesbian? I'm so curious, and I respect you so much because of that. It's good to know, that one of the best female vocalists is open about her sexuality. -- Holly
Hi Holly. It hasn't been that difficult for me personally, but I do live in Los Angeles where the weird and wild seem to flourish. However, it's hard for me to think of living any other way. On the road, most of our fans don't seem to have a problem with who I am or who I pick to be my lovers. I am very grateful to have found so many free-thinking folks who also love our music.
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Which are your favorite tatts and why'd you get them? Thank you for all that you've done. You have truly touched my life in so many ways. -- Love, Sadie
Hi Sadie. The tattoos that come to mind are the Picasso painting (unfinished) on my left arm, the portrait of Baphomet on my left bicep, the portrait of KALI on my left forearm --- wow, I need to work on my right side a little bit. Ah well, I am a liberal after all which means I tend to favor "the left." But I digress. Thank you for the question.
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If you could change/fix one thing in this world, what would it be? And how can we help make that change? Also, i think we'd love to know...what makes you laugh your ass off? (in other words, what do you find humor in?) Thank you for creating ART that helps us shape a discourse of empowerment! PEACE & Namaste! -- Rob
Hi Rob. Good question. The first thought that comes to mind is reducing the illiteracy rate in this country. If people read more books, they would have more knowledge -- heretofore & so forth -- wisdom breeds rationality which defeats wickedness and idiocy. So, my friends, get off the internet and read a book! Thank you.
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I've been a long-time fan and I love your music. I first wanted to say thanks. Without your music I would have ended it all. I can relate to almost every song you've put out. It has given me strength to go on, thus as always & forever I AM I--SS4L. My Question however is, what do you feel when your singing something like "Filthee" or "Home Grown"? I feel renewed when I hear "Filthee." It makes me feel not so filthee. "Home Grown" makes me feel liberated almost, cuz my Dad would say that to me, "Now look what you made me do!" and when I hear you say it, it paints a perfect picture in my head where it's not me quivering away from his kicks or punches. BTW Love your new vocal techniques, you rocked the clubhouse! SS4L -- Dustin, AZ
Hi Dustin. Well, there is a strange binary event that happens when I sing songs like "Fillthee" and "Home Grown." For me to be authentic and honest as an artist on stage, I must conjure and summon those emotions. I must relive the feelings that I know I felt and that I believe others who can understand, relate, and empathize with also feel. But then there's other shade of emotion that washes over me. It is a feeling of redemption, of victory, and deliverance. It is an ascension, if you will. Yes, our songs deal with painful truths and elevated joys, spanning the atmospheres of the extremes, but, the message is always we will overcome any obstacle, by any means necessary. We are worth it, and we will fight for it.
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If you had the ability to sit down with our 'president' and let him know how you felt about his disconnect with everything that matters to average people... (i.e.. survival in this s--thole of an economy...) what would you say to him? -- Poetic Lunacy
I don't believe words work on a man like this. (Wow, did I just call GW Bush a man? I must be lazy today. Oh well, one little slip won't hurt me.) What I would like to do is strip him of all his servants and assistants and handlers and take away his mobile phone, blackberry, ATM and Credit Cards and make him go live in one of the housing projects hit by Hurricane Katrina. I would make him go to work at a manufacturing plant for 12 hours and then have to come home to a house full of kids and see if they've done their homework, if they're healthy and happy, have they eaten, do they have school supplies, and then I'd make him balance the checkbook, write out some checks to pay the bills, and then buy groceries, fill up the car, and see what's left. Then, after a month or so of that, I'd suit his monkey ass up and ship him off to Iraq to live amongst the men and women that put their life on the line EVERY DAY. He'd have to go on patrol without his bodyguards, live and sleep and eat in the heat, know what it's like to miss his family, to wonder if he will see them again, to miss his daughters, and then muster the courage to go out on patrol again and again with the proud men and women of our volunteer military to know what real life truly is all about. Then, he can have his life back and we can only hope it makes a change. I doubt it would, he'd probably turn it all around and make it all about him and what he went through, but it would be pretty fun to make him live like the rest of us.
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How do you think (your favorite) Egyptian god/goddess would react to the state of the world right now? -- Aeriahn
Hi Aeriahn. I believe the Watchers are pretty bored. No one acknowledges them much anymore. But I hope they would be proud of those who still fight the good fight, who still look out for community, and who live their lives to the fullest extent.
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Hi Otep. I just wanted to ask you what the most touching thing a fan has ever done for you was, and also if you'd ever had any dreams/nightmares that impacted you so strongly that it changed you forever, and if so what it was. Thanks for your time. 
xoxo -- Mindy Chat pack SS4L!
The most touching thing any fan could ever do is embrace their own lives, love themselves, and realize just how amazing and powerful they truly are. I have received poems, paintings, music, works of art, and so many stories of people who have been inspired by our music and message and for that, I am forever grateful.
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On my darkest days (beatings & rape), your inspirational music, words and art are what get me through. But what gets you through your darkest days? -- Dana
Hi Dana. I am sorry to learn of your repressions and the violence you've endured. Just know that none of it was ever your fault and that it should never hold you back from pursuing whatever it is in life that makes you happy. To answer your question, I smudge out the abyss with art. I write, paint, read, recite -- even if it's s--te, I provoke the flames of imagination to drown out the stagnation. And if none of this works, and Depression decides to stay awhile and crash out on my couch, I take her ass to the gym and beat her to a pulp. Art saves, indeed.
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What advice would you offer someone who is trying to turn their life around? Also, what are the more pressing moral issues in the world today? -- Carlie.
Hi Carlie. My advice would be to expand your horizons. It seems to be a person can't fully change until they've opened up their minds and adventures. Change of scenery, meet new people, READ, and be open to new experiences.
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Dear Otep: When I was four, I was in a car accident with my family that killed my Grandmother and injured everyone else in the car. The accident left me with a spinal-cord injury but no brain damage. I'm 15 now, in a wheelchair and can't feel from the waist down. First, I just want to say that your music has helped me get past most of my insecurities of having to live a life full of stares and whispers. Secondly, I wanted to ask you for advice on how I can break into the music scene? In a few years, I would love to go to college to be a producer or a musician, but it's hard when there are tanned legs and perfect bodies everywhere I look. I was just wondering how I should handle the real world once I get out there. Thank you for your time. -- Leah
Hi Leah. Thank you for your kind words. I see in them a strength of character and boldness of self that is very rare. I think you have an amazing chance to accomplish whatever you choose. As the great emperor of Rome, Marcus Aurelius, said (and I'm paraphrasing), "Expect obstacles." Yes! Accept the fact that you will face obstacles, but also accept the fact that you can overcome them, you can outsmart them. As with any goal or dream, obsess yourself with it. Learn everything you can about being a music producer. Fill your head with knowledge and let your instincts guide you. I wish you well and much luck.
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For the longest time (much like a lot of things), music in general has sort of been a "guy thing" in which a guy fronts a band and whatnot. In my opinion, I think it's awesome that women are becoming a big part in metal (which for years was totally unheard of). Do you feel that you have helped contribute to this recent trend in the world of metal? If so, would you expect to see this trend continue over the years? And as a closing note i would just like to say thank you for taking the time to read this. I imagine you have hundreds of these to read so I wish you luck in choosing a good one! Sincerely Yours -- Dr. Antichrist (A Fan)
Hello Doctor. Indeed it is amazing to see the number and frequency of women in rock bands at every position. It's also inspiring to see the number and frequency of women attending our shows grow and grow. It used to be a rarity to see an "all-girl" moshpit but not anymore -- well, not at our shows anyway. I certainly hope that if I have had anything to do with this I am leading the way with as much respect and honor as intended. And I do, indeed, hope to see this continue and expand.
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You've written one song that even when I listen to it now, no matter how many times I listen to it, it still sends shivers up and down my body: "Jonestown Tea." And I wonder, what does creating a song like that do to you? I wrote a poem for my mother, who in July of this year will have passed away eight years ago. Even when I read what I wrote, I get emotional and I just wonder, what does creating a song like "Jonestown Tea" do to your emotionally, mentally, or both? -- Brett SS4L aka BloodFlowers
Brooklyn, New York
Hi Brett. I am sorry to learn of the loss of your mother. I thank you for writing and sharing your thoughts with me. Writing "Jonestown Tea" was both cathartic and resurrectional for me. I needed to write a song that spoke for those that believe they have no voice but also to empower my own spirit to defeat the demons of doubt. I am sure you understand this need. Write on.
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After several years now of touring on the road, you are bound to have experienced, witnessed and heard things, that people who do not live on the road several weeks a year wouldn't have. So, looking back, is there a moment that will always be remembered, whether it's funny, sad, weird or simply priceless? Best regards -- /smurfd
I've seen pits as big as crop circles in the English countryside. I've heard my name chanted by 25,000 people. I've seen the tears and felt the joy of all those who come to experience our music live. I've heard their voices rise above mine singing the songs louder than the PA! I've seen my words tattooed on strangers' flesh. I've seen things I've never thought possible to someone from my background and circumstances. To quote my beloved Jim Morrison, "This is the strangest life I've ever known."
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Otep, my family and people at school constantly give me hell for being gay and its tearing me apart. Is there any advice you can give to deal with them or just make them ease off? -- KaylaRae
Hi KaylaRae. This is one of the most difficult issues any gay, lesbian, or bisexual person will ever have to deal with. No one should ever have to hide who they are. But personal circumstances dictate everything. I say be yourself and protect yourself. Enjoy the life you have and know that this is just a chapter in the book. Someday, you'll be writing a new one and it will be one that you control. Good luck and much happiness to you.
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Is it true you worked with Joey Jordison on one of your albums???? And did he produce or drum for you??? How was it to work with him? -- Liz
Hi Liz. Indeed, it is true. He and I worked together on our second album, House of Secrets. You can hear Joey on "Warhead," "Buried Alive," "Sepsis," and "Hooks n Splinters." Joey Jordison is an amazing drummer. He is up there with my favorites, which include John Densmore of The Doors and my very own drummer, the "amazzazing" Brian "ninja" Wolff.
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As you are well aware, we are living in an age of technology. There are more and more opportunities for bands and artists to interact with their fans, promote their music, their message, etc. Given this uprising of technological advancement, is almost a necessity these days that bands be involved in Web chats, have MySpace pages, etc, etc. With that being said, there will always be certain people who will scream “sell out” at any given opportunity to any band who ventures out to better themselves in this type of medium and technological age. If anyone ever called you, or the band “sell outs,” what would your reaction be? All my love and respect -- [r]evolution SS4L
Hi [r]EV. My reaction to anyone who said we "sold out" would be to agree. Yes, we've SOLD OUT .... SHOWS! And we're going to keep selling out shows as long as this band exists. In fact, in some areas, tickets can't even be purchased, they have to be bartered and traded. I heard someone sold their 1984 Ford Escort for two tickets last year! (Wow, I hope it came with a sweet cassette player and working back speakers). Our band exists on the fringe and peripherals and will use whatever technology available to get our music and message out to our fans.
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How do you feel about Obama's recent statement, in which he said that if he could, he would change the "National Anthem," and that he doesn't wear an American Flag pin because the American Flag "offends" some people in America? -- monkeyjugglerSS4L
Hello monkey...juggler, is it? Is that your profession or nickname? Ha. Okay, thank you for the question. The statement about Obama is a complete falsehood propagated by the Republican smear mobs to play on our patriotism. They fear his ability to unite the nation because they do better when the nation is divided. Obama never said he wouldn't wear American flag pins because the flag offends some Americans. He said, "You know, the truth is that right after 9/11, I had a pin. Shortly after 9/11, particularly because as we're talking about the Iraq War, that became a substitute for, I think, true patriotism, which is speaking out on issues that are of importance to our national security, I decided I won't wear that pin on my chest. Instead, I'm going to try to tell the American people what I believe will make this country great, and hopefully that will be a testimony to my patriotism."
He has since started wearing a pin, I believe, after Memorial Day services he attended dedicated to our Veterans. But what's the big deal about a pin? Most of those flag pins were made in China and other places that (to quote "South Park") "took our jibs!" I respect Obama for keeping his patriotism in his heart, where it belongs, and not on his chest in an empty symbol of patriotism.
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As another woman concerned with gender equality, I am curious to ask, what is your opinion on porn? Do you think that, if a women freely consents to be in it, it is allowable? Or do you think that any consent is not really free because it comes from within a society that seems to suggest women are sex objects, and therefore porn is always degrading to women? It's something I can't decide on so I would be fascinated to hear your views. If this is allowed, I'd also like to say that I find you enormously inspirational. - Hattie
Hi Hattie. I do not endorse or support pornography. As someone who has never had trouble hooking up with a partner I find attractive or appealing, it just doesn't fill in the blanks for me. But as a feminist, I believe women have the right to do whatever they want to do; they can be a porn star, a housewife, marry a Republican, watch "Sex & the City," wear orange Crocs to work, et cetera -- but don't ask me to agree or validate or respect the decision. It's just "not my bag, baby". But, in truth, it's not my decision to make or live with. I hope to lead by example and (as my Mother did for me) inspire other women to be anything they want to be.
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