Ethereal Metal Webzine

Interviewed by Joshua Becker

Enjoy an older interview we did with Cristina Scabbia.

I can’t seem to find out how Lacuna Coil was signed to a record; would you be able to explain that to me, please?

We signed a deal with Century Media in 1997, right before we recorded our first EP “Lacuna coil” released in 1998.

I understand Lacuna Coil is recording another album to be released next year; would you care to tell the fans some information of it?

We are still collecting stuff and ideas. It would be premature to talk about the new album as the material might take a different direction as we work on it. We’d like to make it heavier than the precious records, even if ballads will be there anyway and more dark and obscure. We’ll see…

I am still very curious, even though this is an old subject the title 1:19; I would really like to know what it is about; my friends and I think it has to do with suicide; would you be able to elaborate?

We will NEVER answer this question… the meaning of the title is known to the band only, sorry!

As we all know the name Lacuna Coil means empty spiral, but how exactly was that name conceived?

Empty Spiral is actually not the accurate translation. Lacuna is an Italian/Latin word that means something like “lack” but not really. Something like an empty space. Coil means spiral. From there the translation into “Empty Spiral” that is also the name of our official fan club.

Seeing as how you have toured with Lacuna Coil all over the world, is there one place that you have been that you would like to see more, or one place you have not toured that you would like to?

From China to Thailand, from Philippines to Hawaii and so many other places. we are gonna get the chance to go to India in October and I can’t wait!!!

What are certain routines you perform to get ready for a concert?

Some little ceremonies are secret inside the band, like things we say and we do, so I can’t tell you… But we mostly warm up and chill out before the party starts!

What do you think fame has done for you in a positive way? That is, since you are a huge name in metal, what does that do for you as a person?

Beside having pictures in magazines and videos on tv, which is obviously cool, my life didn’t really change. I think it is really important to keep your feet on the ground and to be “normal” as much as you can.

Is there anything that we, the fans, do not know about you? Fears, hidden talents, etc.?

I am a little afraid of spiders, even if I love them, and I’m really good in preparing handmade pasta and focaccia!

When you are on stage performing in front of thousands of people, do you ever get nervous that you may mess up a song or do something embarrassing?

Not really about messing up a song, cause it’s all about fun on stage.What I am afraid of is when I am sick for whatever reason and my voice is not as good as it should be. I don’t want to disappoint our fans coming to a gig to see us.

The name for your latest album “Shallow Life” how exactly did the band come up with that?

We thought about the fact that in our society it happens very often that image is all and everything is really superficial. But there are also “superficial” things that are beneficial, like a football match to watch, or shopping with friends… the most important thing is to find the right balance and to stand up when important things are coming up in your life.

Where do you draw your inspiration for singing; that is to say, who are your role models or what bands do you take after for your inspiration?

I don’t really have role models or bands who are examples to follow, but I take inspiration from different things and people. My family, people who believe in their potential. Rock.

I saw you and Tarja Turunen at the download festival one time way back, before then did you ever know her or how was that?

We met way before Download. She’s cool!

As I am sure you have heard, you have a beautiful voice; I was wondering what your vocal range is; also, what type of vocals are you most prominent for?

I have no idea, I never took lessons and I don’t really care about my vocal range, I only hope to give emotion to people who listen.

What was the weirdest thing you have experienced by a fan as a celebrity? That is, what is the weirdest thing a fan has done or given you?

Uhm…we signed weird stuff, like a toilet cover… I once signed a dildo.I see a lot of tattoos related to us. Recently a guy got my signature tattooed on his arm… It happened before but that one was reeeeeaaally big!!!!!!!

Last question; because of the fame, do you sometimes wish you weren’t as famous as you are, because of the crazy fans and lack of privacy, or, do you not regret any of it?

I’m not Madonna, so I can have all the privacy I want, haha! The fact is… is so easy to not to be in the spot if you want to. I pretty much hide myself in public, I’m not an attention freak, at all.