INTERVIEWS
HALO FRIENDLIES IN INTERVIEW 2004 
SAY HALO TO THE FRIENDLIES! Despite the advances made by punk and riot girl, it took the big, sick and ugly world of nu-metal to set the cause of women in rock back by at least thirty years, degrading their contribution to music as though it were nothing more than strutting around butt-naked in Limp Wrizted and Kid Schlock videos. Now that nu-metal has been consigned to rock's dustbin, time has come for the girls to go on the offensive and reclaim their place in rock with Long Beach honeys the Halo Friendlies more than equipped to lead this charge. Formed seven years ago, the Halo's latest album 'Get Real' is a zest-filled candy head rush of pure pop pleasure and hard rock power. Their sun-drenched melodies translate just as effectively on stage as the girls bring a touch of Californian cheer to the dark, dingy basement that is Manchester's Roadhouse. The place isn't full, by any means, but the Halo's don't appear to be perturbed by this, particularly founding member Natalie Bolanos who leaps about the stage as if it was her own personal playground. In stark contrast, lead singers Judita Wignall and Ginger Reyes have the air of responsible school prefects about them, whilst stand-in sticksman Lewis (Claudia, their usual drummer is at home in LA with a wonky arm) appears to be a pupil of the Animal school of drumkit abuse. Backstage, after their energetic hour-long set, Judita and Natalie are telling the story of how they got their curious, yet imaginative name. "We were looking on the Internet to see what we could find but all the names we wanted were taken" explains Natalie. "Judita's husband (sorry, boys! You read that right) is friends with Damien Jurado, who is an artist on Sub Pop Records, and he wrote a song called 'I'm Halo Friendly'. He suggested we name ourselves the Halo Friendlies and we were like 'OK! That will do.'" I'm stumped as much as you, dear reader, as to what the name actually means but Natalie insists, "it doesn't mean anything, in particular. We just thought it was a cute, girly name." "It was either that or Velcro Kittens, Blush or Grandma's Marbles," chuckles Judita. With that dilemma sorted, Judita and Natalie, together with guitarist Cheryl Hecht and drummer Deanna Moody, recorded their self-titled debut album in 1997, an indie-oriented release that hinted nothing at the heady pop-rock they would later achieve on 'Get Real'. Today, Judita acknowledges the album as nothing more than a rough and ready demo. "I wouldn't say it was a proper debut," she confesses. "They were the first twelve songs we wrote, just girl friends hanging out in a garage and having fun. It's not bad, but not very good either."  The new decade brought about a change in personnel and direction. Exit Hecht and Moody and enter bassist Ginger Reyes and drummer Christina Theobald, who, last year, was replaced by Claudia Rossi. The Breeders and Veruca Salt mannerisms were jettisoned in favour of a gutsier, more melodic approach, helped in no small way by producer Kim Shattuck, former leader of the Muffs. Recorded two years ago, 'Get Real' was released as part of a one-off deal with Christian punk label, Tooth & Nail. Judita, Ginger and Natalie all share Christian beliefs, but stress they are not a full-on Christian rock band. Natalie says, "I don't think our beliefs will be more pronounced in the future but there are a couple of journalists who will pick up on the fact we are Christians and use it against us. It's lame because they wouldn't slag off U2 or the Beastie Boys for their beliefs." "We don't write gospel music. We're a rock band and we write about life and relationships," states Judita. "Our beliefs will come out in some lyrics but it's all depends on what we're going through in life." adds Ginger. Which, at the moment, appears to be a gruelling tour schedule, one that has seen the Halo's opening for Good Charlotte on their US tour and performing for US troops in Bosnia. This UK trip is the girls' fourth in twelve months and their second headlining stint following on from support slots with Home Grown and Funeral For A Friend. The Halo's make no secret of their love affair with the UK and Judita even hints at a possible collaboration with Robbie Williams' ex-songwriting partner Guy Chambers. A new album is expected towards the end of this year so use this time to get acquainted with 'Get Real'. Also, keep your eyes peeled the next time you watch television. Over the last few years, the Halos have developed a habit for cropping up in the unlikeliest of places; Judita is an extra in 'Goldmember' ("I'm in the roller-skating scene with the long, dark hair," she points out) and appears in the new Cypress Hill and Calling videos. Ginger also features in the latest clip from Snow Patrol and the band performs in an episode of 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer'. Hopefully, in twelve months time, the Halo Friendlies will graduate from such bit parts to shining star status in their own right. Ross Halewood |
