Bitch slapped: Former Betty Blowtorch guitarist is back with a new band

The Blare Bitch Project

When Fri., Feb. 7; 10 p.m.

Where Double Down Saloon (with Sweet Justice and 21st Century Lepers)

Admission Free

Info 702-791-5775

Betty Blowtorch - guitarist Blare N. Bitch and bandmates Bianca Halstead (aka Bianca Butthole), Sharon Needles and Judy Molish - was a hard-rocking and hard-touring punk act that attracted a fiercely loyal following. The band's climb to the top was thwarted when Needles and Molish bailed mid-tour. Then, four weeks later, on Dec. 15, 2001, Halstead was killed in a car accident in New Orleans.

Bitch has picked up the pieces with the Blare Bitch Project, featuring former Lunachicks drummer Becky Wreck, Punky and Leah. Everyone writes songs and sings, adding different energies with each song. Bitch recently spoke with CityLife and proved she's still a force to be reckoned with.

CityLife: Tell me about the Blare Bitch Project.

Blare Bitch: I have a really good bunch of people in the new band. Punky's songwriting is very melodic and very hooky, and she's a great player. It's nice having another lead player. I can kick back and relax playing rhythm and just listen to her.

CL: Is it difficult being a girl band?

BB: The hardest thing is radio, especially in the [backwoods] towns. We'd get, "Sorry, we already have a girl band" or "We already have a female vocalist in rotation." Huh?! There's kind of a taboo that if you're a girl you're not going to be as good or rock as hard as a guy, but I think people are getting to the point that whatever sounds good is good.

CL: You and Bianca shared a rich music history. Has it been difficult to go on with your career without her?

BB: She was so special and everyone knew she was special. She didn't really know that. I think about her every day, and I think that I've grown a lot in a good way because of it - my outlook on life, my spirituality. It is getting easier, and I'm trying to stay positive and still go through moments of sadness and be OK with that, too.

CL: Is it uncomfortable to talk about her death?

BB: It's a hard topic, but it should be talked about. If we embrace death, then we end up appreciating what we have more because it's all going to be gone one day. When you talk about someone who's gone, it keeps them around. I like talking about her.

CL: How does the "real" Blare differ from your stage persona?

BB: I think I'm more subdued in real life. I love hanging out; it's my favorite thing to do. I may be more soft-spoken and laid back when I'm off stage, but I'm still very driven.

CL: What might people be surprised to learn about you?

BB: I've been teaching yoga for about seven years; I co-own a studio. Yoga's great. It's relaxing, but it keeps you strong, flexible and healthy.

CL: How would you sum up your musical philosophy?

BB: I want to go for the rock 'n' roll dream, and if you don't, then get the hell out of my way.

Poizen Ivy is a local freelance writer. The full version of her interview with Blare N. Bitch can be read at www.sincitysounds.com.