scarling.
a scar is born

Scarling is the new band off Jessicka from Jack off Jill.
Besides Jessicka, this 5-piece band from Los Angeles consists of:
Christian - Guitars, Kyle - Bass, Rickey - Guitars & Garey - Drums.
For more info visit www.scarling.com

We tracked down Jessicka & Rickey for an e-mail interview.

How did you come up with the band name?
JESSICKA: Scarling. was a name I came up with during the final days in JOJ. It means:
1. the smallest mark on your heart left by the healing of a severe injury.
2. he or she who is scarred densely; almost emotionless.
3. a mentally challenged/physically handicapped sibling of a normal star.
4. a band from Los Angeles.
My band mate Christian and I both thought that this name was appropriate because of the ways that both our former bands had ceased to exist and how had we felt scarred by them.
RICKEY: I joined the band after the name was already given, so i am not responsible. However, I will add that I really like the band name and meaning. good band names are a rarity these days it seems like.

What´s the difference (musically) between Jack off Jill and Scarling?
RICKEY: in my opinion there is a lot musically different between JOJ and scarling considering jessicka is the only common member. They were more metal I think, a little more frequently aggressive in its nature and texture. Scarling uses different kinds of guitar effects, and conveys a wide range of feelings and sounds.

Did you play in any other band before Scarling?
RICKEY: I have played in a few different bands and collaborations. Shotgun won was the most notable group though. we were an all-girl 4 piece based in Olympia, WA. Once again, that band also differs in sound from scarling greatly. shotgun won was more traditional rock'n'roll, less experimental, emotional, and hi-fi. I think scarling is less generic, more progressive.

Do you plan to tour Europe?
JESSICKA: YES!
RICKEY: I would love to tour Europe. I have never been over seas. I think for the near future though we are just working on getting the album out. it is definitely on the mind though.

How did you get in contact with Mark Ryden´s artwork?
JESSICKA: The first time I saw Mark's work I was looking for somebody to do the cover for CHGF. His portrait of Christina Ricci was on the cover of a black and white free magazine on the floor of a coffee shop. It spoke to me even though the photo did not do his work justice. At the time I did not know how well known Mark and his work was. I got my manager to send him a package with Jack Off Jill material containing a letter and a sketch of what I wanted for the cover. In this case being so naive to the world of fine art allowed me to submit what I wanted. If I had known how successful he already was I probably wouldn't have. I got a call from him a few weeks later saying that he would agree to do the painting and how much he liked my sketch. He kindly said, " I never have had people send me sketches before." After a little bit of investigation I found how huge Mark was and in my next phone call apologized profusely for being so presumptuous. He forgave me.
We've been good friend ever since.
He's an amazing person and has one of the most creative minds that I've had the pleasure of working with.

What´s your influences?
JESSICKA: Lydia Lunch, Belinda Butcher, Boy George, Kat Bjelland & PJ. Harvey
RICKEY: My favorite guitarists are jimmi page, radio sloan, and slash. each of these people have influenced me in different ways, and even if it isn't evident in my sound, i have really benefited of their work and style. some of my favorite rock bands are: led zeppelin, black sabbath, the cure, nirvana, joy division, at the drive-in, iron maiden, bikini kill, and the need.

Do you find inspiration in other things than music (for instance art, tv.)?
JESSICKA: Absolutely, Right now- here's the who's and what's that inspire me-Crispin Glover, Mark Ryden, Roman Dirge, things that go crash in the dark, city streets, fashionista, lemons, limes, Charlie White, John Waters, blue pills, Robert Smith (respectively), 3rd degree burns, Kevin Shields, natasha lyonne, THE MOVIE STORYTELLING, director Todd Solondz, and daytime television (unfortunately).
RICKEY: Inspiration is an indefinite pleasure that I find in things that could be considered completely uninspiring. I am the type of person to stare at a crack on the wall for an hour and think about how it reminds me of tree limbs and veins. I find art and music in random things that are unintended and just naturally occurring. I am very sensitive and aware. I don't watch very much TV, because there is so much more going on that isn't as blatant and distracting. I am not even a super-productive, pro active person. I am just easily enamored with dissecting everyday offerings.

What´s your favourite candy?
JESSICKA: Pixie Sticks- pure sugar in powder form that can be snorted, sweet.
RICKEY: Right now I would rather have a cherry lollipop than any other kinds, but tomorrow it may be different.

What do you think of the music today, and what´s your favourite acts?
JESSICKA: Some people see the new resurgence of garage rock as a bad thing, I don't. I think it's good that the "the" bands are taking over. They are certainly more intelligent and entertaining then the unfortunate plethora of date rape rock bands and boy bands that have recently clogged the music industry in the past few years. Perhaps they are not the most original but I'll take anything besides Durst and Justin Timerlake.
Some of my new favorites are Interpol, The White Stripes, BRMC, The Rapture, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Thee Heavenly Music Association, Mr. Airplane Man,The Gossip, Le Tigre, Enemy, Moving Units, Fashionista, Experimental Aircraft, Explosions In The Sky, Skywave, and The Warlocks.
RICKEY: I think the only good rock that has come out in the recent years is various independent bands. I feel the top 40 has been plagued with crap for a while now. it is always good to support smaller labels anyway, but I also feel they are wiser with their selection of bands. Some of my favorite active bands right now are: the white stripes, queens of the stone age, the gossip, and catpower.

What´s your best live experience?
JESSICKA: I'll let Rickey take this one.......
RICKEY: I´m not sure if this question is pertaining to playing live, or attending a live show ... so I will answer both.
M my best experience playing live was probably when my old band shotgun won played a show in seattle with bratmobile. the crowd was great, we played perfectly, and I got to use an amp of my friend's that sounded amazing. there wasn't anything distinctively awesome about that night, but for some reason it shines in my memory. I am sure it will be topped soon though. scarling songs are really fun to play and I like all my band mates very much.
As far as the best live show I have ever attended, it was also in seattle, when murder city devils played with at the drive-in. the energy was amazing, and both bands played an incredible show. Their stage presence and performance has yet to be reckoned with.

Have you got any response from the Jack off Jill fans with Scarling?
RICKEY: Of course. I think the majority of our fan base are loyal JOJ fans. Jessicka is talented and lovely, so of course people are drawn to her and her projects. While JOJ and scarling are very different in sound and style, the response from the fans has been excellent. I am still a fairly new addition though, so I have yet to fully experience our capabilities as a band. I think I am ready though. I am excited.
JESSICKA: Awww thanks Rickey I think you are quite lovely too! I agree, the fans that have stuck around since the JOJ days have been really supportive and so far we are getting a really good response.

May 2003