Album Notes

I started writing songs when I was a girl and co-wrote my first (and only) musical when I was in 7th grade called Mayonnaise and Raw Eggs. It was about 2 girls with an overbearing mother who visited their subconscious mind. I guess that about says it all. I write what I know.

Deepest influences were in folk like Peter Paul and Mary, and classical music, musical theater and jazz along with pop radio. Later, I got turned on to the Rolling Stones and Neil Young. Joan Armatrading's acoustic songs really moved me. My other influences would be B-52s, Joan Jett, Liz Phair, Aimee Mann, Meredith Brooks. I also have this secret love of stadium rock but that's another story.

My songs are mostly inspired from my life's experience and my take on life. Even though I still write bleeding heart ballads laced with pain, I got sick of hearing myself whine about the same old thing over and over so I found a new way of talking about them.

The debut album "pre-banned," contains 8 strong cuts. No fluff here. Co-produced/arranged with John Mazzei who is a keyboard/midi god. Why do you think we named it "pre-banned?' Write me and I'll post the results on my website. Later, I'll let you know the real reason!

I Wanna Be Bad was one of my first songs written on my electric guitar. The song quote says it all! "I'm through with being nice, where'd it ever get me?"

Wild Heart Girl takes you on a passionate sexy ride with a funky bass line, wild guitar stylings by Nate McNamara and a funky solo break. This song reminds me of one of my paintings called "Viscous Body." Very red and wild. Song quote: "sucking the oyster you've swallowed the pearl!"

Velvet Elvis is a dancy, poppy, close to quirky techno tune. This version is only found here. The live version is goes towards rockville. The whole song is a quote.

Mega Date Machine is a story song inspired from a road trip. Yeah, some of the punchiest lyrics are from the truth. The names have not been changed. Everyone in the song is guilty. Song quote; "I pulled my pants down on the median"

I'm a Girl is a girl song though and through. Guys with a sense of humor will like it too. If you take yourself too seriously, don't even bother listening to it. Strong lyrics, catchy girl harmonies, Nate McNamara screams on the guitar solos. Song quote: "I'm my own heroine...!"

Objects in the Mirror is a hooky, moody song with a cool organ part and a phat, phunky, groove. I can't believe I wrote this cliché and made it work! Song quote: "Don't give me no day job."

Pathetic Landfill is a where punk meets Peter Gabriel. The chances of hearing this version in a live show are slim (until we get a bigger budget!) so take a listen and enjoy John's slammin' arrangement of this punky tune. Oh, I love the lyrics. Abstract images from personal pain and struggle, but never a whining word was written in this song. "How?" you might ask? Find out... Song quote: "You'd be dead by now if your looks could kill."

Tinsel and Rocks is a love song co-written by John Mazzei and myself. We were on a road trip and we would take turns writing the lyrics line by line. The one rule was, we weren't allowed to judge or edit the other person. We went into the studio and wrote the music based on a improvisation. The bottom line is, it was pretty much a one take Charley. We just couldn't get it any better than that! You'll love the change up in the instrumentation and flavor. Song quote: "Tell me no lies and I'll see you don't burn."


The band is now called Flying Venus, and we can be found gigging around the Bay Area. We've played at places like the Red Devil, Club Galia, Irelands 32, The Canvas Gallery, Bazaar Cafe, Brainwash, and Simple Pleasures, We've had the pleasure to share bills with Bonnie Hayes and the Superbonbons, Liz Pisco, Acoustic Son, Jennifer Yax, Atomic Mint and Totem Park and look forward to more. Visit www.jeanmazzei.com for gig info