Tiina Teal (Détente): Dawn would be proud of the continuation

Tiina Teal was the lead singer for the legendary underground thrash metal band Détente on their second album – “Decline” - released 24 years after the debut album “Recognize no Authority”. I have contacted her over the internet [Facebook to be precise haha!] and found her to be an incredibly open and friendly person! She also agreed to offer me an interview for Metalfan:





Metalfan: Hello Tiina and thank you for accepting to talk to us here at Metalfan.
Tiina Teal: Thank YOU very much, I’m very honored to be speaking with you and thanks for supporting true metal!

Metalfan: So, you did vocals for the last Détente album, that appeared at a difference of 24 years from Recognize no Authority. How were the recording sessions? Did you get along okay with the old Détente members?
Tiina Teal: It all happened so fast, that I barely even had time to think about anything!  I had met Caleb (guitarist) at a good friend’s party, but I didn’t think anything of our meeting because I was just a fan & I knew they were already touring & recording with Ann Boleyn (Hellion).  But then a few months later he asked for vocal samples totally out of the blue…and two weeks after that, on my birthday (which was just TOO weird!), Steve (Hochheiser) sent me some tracks to write to and it all happened from there.  I couldn’t believe it – best birthday present ever!  The writing & recording sessions were SUPER fast:  I would be emailed 2 songs at a time and have a week to write lyrics, vocal lines, ideas, placements & record them all myself at home (all while working my regular job too).  Then, I would send those rough ideas over to Steve for review, and then usually another week later I’d go to Bill Metoyer’s studio and have 3 or 4 hours to record those 2 songs.  Which might sound like a somewhat decent amount of time, but for vocals that have never been rehearsed, finalized or even really written yet it is extremely fast!  Often in the studio, Steve would also re-arrange my ideas or we would work together to arrange things so they sounded better and we’d all input further ideas.  So that’s how it generally happened, and for someone just coming in cold with no rehearsals, never knowing the new music, not knowing the people, what was expected, etc. it was pretty intimidating and stressful!  A total crazy whirlwind, especially since I had never even done an album before.  But I was lucky, because absolutely everyone from the band and Bill Metoyer were totally cool, so respectful and nice to me.  They were very supportive while also working creatively together to make everything the best it could be.  And nothing will ever take away from how grateful I am for that experience and I grew to be such a better artist & musician overall because of it.  And yes:  I definitely got along with the band too.  We all had silly nicknames for each other after the tour…we kept tour diaries too, maybe someday we will have a chance to release them.

Metalfan: How much did you work to get Decline done?
Tiina Teal: I started at the end of October 2009, and we were done in mid- December 2009 with only some final mixing to do after that. The band had previously recorded a lot of the music already as well as a few ideas with Ann, but when that fell through with her they were already very behind schedule, so I had to come in with all guns blazing and right on target…or else!

Metalfan: How do you describe your period with Détente?
Tiina Teal: Mind-blowing, stressful, surreal, exciting, appreciative, frustrating, weird, scary, fun and all-around kick ass.  As well as a bit sad… there was always the reminder of Dawn Crosby’s tragic demise and the band’s troubled history that was very much present too.  There were so many stories that the guys told me….I also knew going into it, that I had a role to play and was absolutely respectful of that in every way.  And I always will be.

Metalfan: Tell me how the older Détente fans that maybe even got to see Détente in the old days reacted to the new album and shows.
Tiina Teal: That is a fantastic question – because, as you know, SO few older fans even got to see the original line-up of the band, with Dawn Crosby & Ross Robinson, since they broke up right after their first album came out.  It was very scary going out there, knowing that, because the fans justifiably had big expectations and there was even more pressure because I was not Dawn Crosby. Dawn was and still is a beloved figure in music history, as she should be, so it was very difficult to follow in her footsteps and make sure that her legacy was treated with respect and dignity and also that the music wouldn’t suffer from someone else coming in and doing the vocals, you know? I remember one time in Holland, a very large, hairy, somewhat drunken man grabbed my arm a bit roughly as we were loading in our gear to the club and said to me in broken English ‘Don’t disappoint me’!!! and started telling me how much Dawn meant to him, how special the band was in his own personal life and pretty much letting me know that I’d better not fuck it up for him! That pretty much summed up how every show began, with the fans being pretty skeptical of how things were going to sound but, more were also very willing to give me the chance to prove myself.  Fortunately, after every single show, these same fans would crowd around me and say that they were blown away, that they had waited 25 years to see Détente and that all of their expectations had been totally exceeded (I hope they weren’t lying! Haha).  WHEW!!!!  I was sooooo relieved, I cannot even tell you the build-up at each show and the drinking I had to do afterwards just to decompress! Just kidding.  But, I was also told by the few that had actually seen Dawn with the band 25 years ago, that it was almost like experiencing a ghost of Dawn and having her here again… because the raw energy and rebellious spirit of her & the band were together again in some way and our fit together was perfect. So, thank the fates, because if the fans hadn’t liked what I had done with the music (both new and old songs) I am pretty sure that I might not have returned to America with my head and my body still held together…



Metalfan: What were your main inspirations lyrically speaking for the album?
Tiina Teal: Lyrically, I have almost always drawn inspiration from society and political situations in the world. One of the reasons that the band chose me was because my past work as a vocalist was very similar to theirs & Dawn’s focus for Détente.  I don’t write ‘love’ or relationship kind of songs – I just can’t.  I’ve even tried in the past, and it’s just not something that comes easy for me, its not my focus – and, there’s enough people in the world already doing that shit, so I think its already well covered! Or, even the goofier stuff like dragons, mythology – I just don’t get it. So, for ‘Decline’ it was such a perfect fit because I was able to just naturally write about the world as I always have and it fit perfectly with what they wanted and with the band’s legacy.  I can only hope that Dawn would be proud of the continuation of the amazing foundation that she laid not only for Détente but for ALL strong and forceful women in metal who have a brain in their heads and are not afraid to express it.

Metalfan: Dawn Crosby was the bands first vocal. She became somewhat an underground metal legend. Did her activity with the band inspire you, or motivate you? Or did you want to give Détente an entirely new image and sound? What does, if any, the album “Recognize no Authority” mean to you?
Tiina Teal: Oh for sure, Dawn was always in my head and in my spirit while working with Détente.  But what’s kind of weird …before I even met the band, when I was still just a fan, I felt a very strong connection with Dawn, almost mystical. A good friend had given me a Fear of God album about 4 years ago, telling me that he thought we sounded alike.  I had never heard of Dawn, and when I heard her I was blown away… because I had already been singing for many years, already had my own vocal style and such, and had never heard a female singer before that had such a similar vocal sound, lyrical content and just general vibe in their passion. And then when I discovered Détente after that, I was even MORE blown away because our lyrics and focus were SO similar! And since then, I have always kind of ‘talked’ to her in my head and had conversations with her…I really have….so when I was asked to join Détente it was SUCH a crazy experience, and I almost felt like Dawn made it happen, wherever she is now.  I think she knew how dedicated I would be because I have always just lived and breathed such similar sentiments and such similar feelings about music, the world, women, society, etc. 
I never felt like I wanted to give the band a new image or sound – that would not have been my place to do anyways, although the band was very open to me doing what I do, being myself – which I absolutely did too. It was just so cool that everything seemed to just fit SO well once I started working on the music, because we all really come from such similar places.  Obviously, my vocal style is a bit different than Dawn’s, just because the times are different and my voice is my own.  I have a lower voice and have also practiced extreme metal vocals so I do a bit more growling and that sort of thing…so I was able to incorporate some of that ‘newer’ extreme metal sound which seemed to fit really great with the band’s aggressive and hardcore sound that they have maintained, but also fine-tuned throughout the years.
‘Recognize No Authority’ – damn, just the title alone means everything to me, how I live my life!  That album, especially the lyrics, are just so inspirational on almost every level.  And to hear such a fierce, powerful and brutally passionate woman take you by the throat with her emotions and draw you into her world, which is often painful, fucked up, dark… Dawn was and will still always be one of the ONLY women vocalists I’ve heard who can do that to me.  She’s raw, honest and vulnerable while still scaring the shit out of you with every word.  A lot of women or men TRY to sound or force themselves to be ‘brutal’ in metal but they are just a joke in comparison, because Dawn IS all of that and more, she lived every word, every feeling and you cannot fake that – and few have that power. A lot of people cannot even handle that kind of realness, maybe that’s why she never got to be a huge star, I don’t know. But that is the ultimate inspiration to me, as a human being and as an artist.  I relate a lot to her both in her life experience and in music.

Metalfan: How do you see the underground metal scene? And what do you think should be done to improve it? How about the thrash metal scene?
Tiina Teal: I’m not sure about the underground metal scene, because I’ve never really belonged to it, or any scene in general. And, in my opinion, there is no genuine metal scene in Los Angeles, CA where I live either:  the entire town is filled with amazingly talented musicians and artists, but a good portion of them are only out for themselves & their own agenda, which is somewhat understandable, but it also makes it very inhospitable to creating any kind of supportive community, it just doesn’t exist. However, I have never experienced that kind of music community anywhere and I’ve lived a lot of places, so, I have no idea what it is like elsewhere around the world. I would hope a lot better and more supportive. And I really didn’t know much at all about the thrash scene either, beyond the more popular thrash bands, until I joined Détente. I’m not much help, am I?! However, I will tell you that I heard some AWESOME stories from the guys in Détente about the 80s thrash metal & hardcore scene. One time, Tom Araya ran the lights for a Détente/Slayer show in Canada; Gene Hoglan used to roadie for them sometimes; Dave Mustaine & Dave Lombardo used to live with Dawn & Dennis and skipped out on a bunch of bills which resulted in a riot at a Megadeth show; the partying/drug stories, the Sunset Strip fights against the ‘hair metal/glam’ bands….such cool things that the band has been a part of, they really should be included more in metal history. 

Metalfan: What music do you enjoy listening to and what musicians have inspired you throughout your career?
Tiina Teal: I’ve always told people that I’ll listen to anything as long as it’s passionate, real and has something to say, whether it’s a singer/songwriter or a Norwegian death metal band.  That concept alone usually cuts away at least 80% of mainstream music, probably more.  I started out playing drums, so had some influences there like John Bonham and Stewart Copeland and I still always think that a drummer can make or break a band. When I first started trying to sing by myself I would listen to a lot of 60s/70s black soul music like Curtis Mayfield and Aretha Franklin because it felt so good to sing, you know?  And then when I was learning guitar I played along with Neil Young, the Clash, Bob Marley and even The Cramps – whatever had 3 chords and the truth.  But as far as influential musicians and bands, of course there are so many as it is with any music lover, so hopefully I won’t bore you too much with my answers!.  I guess some of my “I-want-these-buried-in-my-coffin-with-me” music and artists are Strapping Young Lad/Devin Townsend, Tool, Jeff Buckley, Nina Simone, Patti Smith, Concrete Blonde, lots of middle eastern music (which I am obsessed with & try to sing all the time), Pantera, Alice In Chains, System of a Down, Led Zeppelin, early Soundgarden, many electronic music artists.  I also really love bands like Ministry, Ween and Butthole Surfers who not only have these incredible technical skills but also push the socially acceptable envelope with a completely absurd, psychedelic vibe.  And like many great bands, especially early punk ones, they bring the much-needed element of danger to rock n’ roll.  Which is SO sorely missing this last decade.  Especially for women – and speaking of, I loved that about chicks like Wendy O. Williams, she was fucking awesome!  I have a ton of other metal bands that I do like, but as far as influences, I was kinda poor, grew up with few friends and only a radio mostly so I just had to learn from that on my own and dig deep.


Metalfan: What was the most challenging moment throughout your career in Détente?
Tiina Teal: Probably touring, because I had never played with the band before, didn’t know them at all and we had maybe 8 rehearsals TOTAL, and that is just total playing time as a band, ever, before leaving on tour in Europe.  That’s pretty fucking intense, man.  I didn’t know these guys as people at all, we all lived in different towns/cities for the most part, we never hung out at all…so I had to really change every single concept I ever had about being or playing in a band, because this situation was so unique and different.  It wasn’t like I was in band, friends with each other, we wrote songs, played clubs, got a record deal then toured, etc., the so-called ‘normal’ route.  It was almost backwards…and, I had not performed in a few years, either, so it was double-intense for me, I had to try and be on top of my game in every way, when I hadn’t had ANY game for a long time.  Especially as a chick, and especially walking in the footsteps as someone as great as Dawn Crosby and, even, Ann Boleyn who was originally recording/playing with the band.

Metalfan: You played in an old school metal band. Are you an old school kinda person?
Tiina Teal: In some ways, but I don’t define myself like that. I mean, as a human being I’m sort of old-fashioned in some ways as in, I believe in respect, politeness and taking responsibility for one’s actions. I guess sometimes that’s defined as old-school. And in music, I love discovering older bands & musicians that have helped shaped the entire industry and I enjoy learning from them. But I’m a pretty forward thinking person: we’re on an evolutionary path, in all ways, including artistically. Being open minded and curious and progressive in these ways are some of the best qualities we can have as individuals, not only just in our daily life but in whatever we do in life.  I know that trying to respect and enhance both ways has helped me grow and learn both as a human being and as an artist. There is an equal amount of so-called ‘old-school’ music that I like as well as new artists that I always listen to.  Whatever moves the soul, right?

Metalfan: What would be to you the high point of your metal musician career?
Tiina Teal: Wow, what an interesting thing to ask, but something that all of us artists (like you too) dream about I suppose! I have to say that this is something that is really indefinable.  Because, what I find important and/or a high or low point could change day to day depending upon what I am experiencing or learning in life. Goals are always excellent and very necessary, but they must also be a little bit flexible because so is life – life is not some rigid timeline.  For the most part, you cannot predict how your life will exactly be played out. 
But given all of that esoteric junk, I WILL say this: if I had the opportunity to record and sing a song with Devin Townsend or with the guys in Tool, I would definitely feel pretty fucking awesome! But even with Détente, and what I have done with them, I already feel pretty damn proud. 

Metalfan: Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols said in an interview that "bad habbits die hard". Which is your worst habbit?
Tiina Teal: Oh boy, a most dangerous question!  Poor, poor Johnny….he would certainly know… Most habits have both a good and a bad side, so I prefer to look at it that way! I love good beer, I love good wine … I have a strong Finnish liver so thankfully this is backed up with some good genetics, haha. I’ve been able to outdrink 300lb men Irishmen before, as legend has it… But, I can’t drink very much when I sing though, like some people can. It just doesn’t work for me, unfortunately. But after the show – let’s go !

Metalfan: What musician(s) would you like to colaborate with in the future? Is thrash metal your favorite genre?
Tiina Teal: Well, you know, Devin Townsend has to top the list, of course – he’s probably my main guru on a lotta levels. On my YouTube channel I even recorded myself singing part of a Strapping Young Lad song , doing a harmony w/Devin’s vocals. There are so many artists though, that I would be so humbled and honored to work with, that I can’t possibly bore you with them all…. Working with Serj or Daron from System of a Down would be amazing. Any of the guys from Tool, as they are another deeply personal, all-time favorite. Henry Rollins, Machine Head, Patti Smith, Jarboe, Butthole Surfers, Mastodon, Buckethead, Gene Hoglan, Bill Laswell, The Melvins, Jello Biafra… OK, I’ll stop now, this is getting ridiculous!





Metalfan: Did you play in other bands previous to your career in Detente ? Would you return if the band decided to re-reunite?
Tiina Teal: Yes, I’ve been in a few different bands in the past. There were a couple of them back when I played drums, in the Northwest (of USA – Washington state, Oregon state).  Here in L.A., I decided that I had to really go for singing and had formed a band after I moved hère in 2001.  That band eventually came to be Burn The Empire, and it had 2 amazing female guitar players and a kick ass rhythm section.  Our chemistry was really incredible and magic, I might be convinced to re-unite if need be.

Metalfan: You have recently made an appearance in Vincent Mclean's 'Tortured Souls' video. Tell me a little about all that.
Tiina Teal: Thank you for asking about that! Tortured Souls is Vincent’s band project that has been going for a few years now, and it features a rotating cast of vocalists and sometimes players as well.  The ‘core’ and regular members of the band are Vincent and his main vocalist, Ryan Mantione. Ryan is a great & incredibly talented friend of mine, so this is how I got involved with the project. The video that we recorded is only a partial segment of an entire story and movie that the multi-talented Vincent wrote & filmed. The video and film will debut at a film festival in Los Angeles in late 2011, and the band’s album will probably be released shortly thereafter. 

Metalfan: Thanks a lot for the interview, Tiina! Anything you’d like to say to Détente fans in Romania?
Tiina Teal: Thanks again to you and to our metal family in Romania – I hope to someday meet you all in person and drink a few beers (or more) with you! Stay strong, keep resisting conformity and always keep an open mind and open heart.