Horror enthusiast. Metalhead. Suburban cat mom. Boss lady at Suspiria PR! Barbie girl!? This edition of Fistful of Questions goes to the one and only Katy Irizarry.
What is your full name?
Katy Irizarry
Do you have any aliases?
Yes
If you had an alias what might it be?
Mercyful Kate
Do you play any musical instruments?
No
Tell me about one of your first musical memories?
I am in that sweet spot where cassettes were still a primary way of listening as a kid. I really loved Hanson, the Spice Girls, and Aqua. My parents got my Hanson on cassette, but since I only liked the “Barbie Girl” song from Aqua, my dad recorded it from the radio onto a blank cassette for me on both sides of the tape, so I would walk around the house with a little hot pink boombox listening to that cassette on repeat.
Tell me about the genesis of Suspiria PR.
I’ve always wanted to eventually do PR independently after working for different PR companies and labels, but never really had the courage to take the leap because there are so many incredible publicists out there already that I didn’t know if there was a space for me. But last summer, I got back from Beyond the Gates feeling really down about my label job at the time and realized I was at a crossroads. And as I was ruminating what my next move would be, I got really lucky and had both Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin and Blackbraid contact me the same week about working for them independently. By the end of the year, I already had 6 indie clients and realized it was finally time to go out on my own.
What inspired the name Suspiria?
I’ve always been a major horror movie fan, specifically vintage movies from the early Universal horror flicks throughout films in the 90s. ‘Suspiria’ was easily my favorite witch movie. It’s extremely feminine with women as both the heroes and the villains, it's very gory (and all practical effects!), and the cinematography and soundtrack are just so iconic. So when I was contacted by Claudio Simonetti’s agent to work the upcoming ‘Suspiria’ anniversary tour in North America, it was just a no-brainer. It was an homage to my first independent client, but also the word is very witchy, feminine, and means “whisper” or “sigh” in Italian, which I think is just ironic since I am very loud! I really cannot think of a name that’s more perfect!
What’s the first band that you did PR for?
What bands are you actively working PR for?
Currently doing full PR campaigns for Kallias and Blackbraid while doing tour press for Telekinetic Yeti and Profanatica. I am also working a number of festivals, including Beyond the Gates, Inferno Festival, and the very first edition of The Metal Injection Festival. I have a few more clients who I can reveal later!
If you could insert yourself into any one band what band would it be and why?
None of them because I would just make them worse haha! I have no musical ability at all, which is why I contribute towards music with my communication and organization skills instead.
Have you ever heard a song and immediately wished you had written it? If so… What was the song and artist?
Not really since I am not a musician. Though, on the flipside, there are a lot of records I wish I could have done PR for. For example, I would have loved to work the new Godflesh record or the upcoming Uada album. Maybe next time ;)
Who are some of your favorite non-metal musical acts?
Lana Del Rey, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Christine and the Queens, Bad Bunny, Wu Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, Biggie Smalls… I like a lot of 90s era rap and hip hop before autotuning took over and everything started to sound fake.
What is your favorite cover song?
Pretty much any cover done by Nevermore or Marilyn Manson. Both always do an incredible job on everything they take on.
What band have you witnessed live that really impressed you with their live show?
God, there’s so many, I don’t even know where to start. One recent tour package that stands out was when the “Under Our Black Cult” tour came through a few months ago. Every single band on that bill - Gaerea, Uada, Carach Angren, and of course, Rotting Christ, were absolutely perfect from start to finish! I also saw Wayfarer twice recently at two different festivals and they blew me away each time. Blackbraid also was a major surprise for a new band on their first tour - they had the chops of a band who has been doing it their whole lives and really dominated the room. I find it would probably be easier to name the bands who haven’t impressed me than the ones who have! There are so many incredible live bands out there - I leave most concerts just spinning with excitement from how amazing they were.
What is your favorite city to visit?
In America, probably New Orleans or Asbury Park. In Europe, Bergen and Oslo for sure.
What is a typical day in the life of a suburban cat mom?
Well, my cat usually wakes me up just before 6:00 A.M. for breakfast. So I get up and feed him and then after he eats, we go back to bed to cuddle until it’s time for me to get up and start my day. He usually sleeps near me while I work, but sometimes he is feeling rambunctious and will wander around the house or watch the wildlife from the windows. Yesterday, he somehow figured out how to get on top of the cabinets in the kitchen, so that was a fun little adventure with him. Then he usually has dinner whenever I do, and I always give him a little of what I am eating with his food (usually fish because that’s his favorite). Then he will hang out with me for the evening and we’ll watch TV together or cuddle until about 9 or 10 P.M. when he starts bugging me for food again. So before bed, I give him a little more food and then we go to sleep.
The year is 2003. Where are you at and what are you listening to?
I am probably at the Staten Island Mall and listening to either Korn, Linkin Park, or Slayer!
What advice would you give young musicians that are just starting out in the music business?
A band is an investment at first, meaning you need to spend money before you make money. You need to be able to fund music videos, tour vehicles, a team, etc., especially if a label hasn’t picked the band up. And even so, any money advanced by a label is just that, an advance, so you do need to pay it back. A big mistake I see is either bands cutting corners because they don’t want to spend the money on high quality photos, artwork, or videos, and they expect to make money immediately. Music is a labor of love and if you are in it for the money, don’t even bother.
What is an absolute band killer?
Again, just wayyyyy too many to name!
What’s the longest time you’ve gone without bathing?
Maybe at most 2 days, and that’s if I am just really sick and have no energy to get out of bed. But I am typically a clean freak and can’t stand going even one day without showering. Even when I’m at festivals, no matter how late it is or how tired and drunk I am, I make sure to remove my makeup and shower before bed. It just helps me sleep better and one less thing I have to worry about doing in the morning.
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
Probably that I started in the music industry at the age of 17, before I even graduated high school!
Is the Fistful of DOOM show in the top 10 of your favorite music podcasts?
Do unicorns sleep standing up?
No, they sleep on clouds.
Give me three albums that I should listen to immediately, if not sooner.
Ultha, ‘All that has Never been True’
Gaerea, ‘Mirage’
Cloak, ‘Black Flame Eternal’
You’re driving cross-country and you can only listen to one album the whole time. What album will it be?
Probably ‘Angel Dust’ or ‘The Real Thing’ by Faith No More. Idk why, but that’s my go to road trip band!
What was the inspiration for your cat’s name?
He’s actually a rescue so I didn’t name him! He was already named when I got him.
What is your favorite song by Taylor Swift?
I can’t say I have one lol.
King Diamond or Mercyful Fate (if you had to choose)?
Mercyful Fate!
Doobies or Boobies (if you had to pick one)?
Doobies haha
Waffles or Pancakes (if you had to pick one)?
Pancakes, especially the ones with a crispy edge.
Star Wars or Star Trek (if you had to choose)?
Star Wars
Favorite band t-shirt you own?
Probably one by The Lion’s Daughter that they did for their cover of Judas Priest’s “Turbo Lover” because it has a baby skull on it and is just so colorful and offensive haha
Favorite meal?
I am so basic that I just love a charcuterie board - give me all the cheese, dried meats, and olives!
Even though it’s basic, ‘Interview with the Vampire’ by Anne Rice. I read it so many times that my copy is falling apart.
Favorite movie?
The original ‘Jurassic Park’
Favorite album?
Too many to choose!
Favorite video game?
The Sims LOL I don’t really play the actual game so much as I love designing new houses and characters,
Favorite Professional Wrestler?
I’m not really a wrestling fan.
Massive thank you to Katy for taking the time to answer my questions. I appreciate you. If you follow Katy/Suspiria PR on the social media sites you will be treated to killer bands, cat pics and you’ll find out about her Barbie obsession. And if you are in a band and need a PR superstar, then you know what to do!
~El Pedo Caliente (aka Uncle James from the Fistful of DOOM show)
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