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Much of the music industry is very shallow but there are exceptions to the rule and CJ Sleez is one of them. Apart from being very beautiful, a kick ass Rock N Roller there is just much honesty in what CJ does and says. You can take her opinions which way you want but at least she's a straight talker. After checking out her excellent book and CD I wanted to feature CJ within the Street Voice pages. Here in front of you is a no hold barred interviews and this is what CJ had to say for herself.

Street Voice: First off can you introduce yourself to our readers especially the European ones who might not have heard of you?

I'm a Toronto based multi-media artist who has produced work in the fields of music, literature and visual arts. To date, I have released 2 records ("Rock Action" and "Back from the Brink"), and have had 1 book published ("Poor little bitch girl"). I play hard, work harder, and I honestly believe that anything is possible if you want it bad enough.

Street Voice: Your book 'Poor Little Rich Bitch' was a very honest read but how did you feel when you had the finished product in your hand?

Gratified, and relieved that it was done. The only thing that bothered/still bothers me is the typos. It was a rushed release and unfortunately my editor missed a few minor errors in the manuscript. However, I'm mostly upset at myself for making the mistakes in the first place.

Street Voice: Since the book was published have you had any run-ins with the authorities over the content especially the drug courier bit?

Not that I know of anyway. Good question though. That is exactly the reason why I chose to include a disclaimer at the front of the book. That way, if I'm ever interrogated I can always tell them it's a fictitious novel.





Street Voice: At the end of the book it seemed you were still fighting an on going battle with drugs and depression so how have things been since the book was released?

Since the book came out, my life has actually been pretty amazing. I found true love (or rather it found me), I'm managed to stay off hard drugs (which have caused me problems in the past), I also see a psychotherapist once a week and finally feel like I've found the right meds. For the first time in my life I feel like I could actually be happy.

Street Voice: Are there any plans to write another book?

Definitely, I've actually already started it. Although, I'm sure it will be a few years before I have both the completed manuscript and the perspective that I feel will be required to finish it properly.

Street Voice: You've obviously been written off by many people so has this made you a stronger person?

I really don't feel given up on at all. The only thing that matters is that I believe in myself. Besides, I've always been blessed with plenty of support and encouragement from my family and friends. It's more that I keep myself so busy that I tend to lose touch with people. It doesn't help that I usually hate talking on the phone to (I always have) and tend to be pretty selfish with my spare time. And finally, I've made so many friends over the years, that if I kept in contact with all of them, I'd never stop partying. Sometimes, changing your habits, means having to changing the company you keep.

Street Voice: What advice would you give to teenagers who are doing what you did?

I say "Go for it!" Why the hell not? Life's short, you know? You might as well experience as much as you can while you're still young and have fewer responsibilities.





Street Voice: Your music is fantastic and the lyrics so real so do you get a little pissed when a record company can't see your potential?

Pissed? No. Frustrated? Well, I guess at times. But you can't allow yourself to think like that. Do it for the love of doing it, do it for the passion or don't do it at all. I'm grateful for the success and recognition that I have had, not what I haven't.

Street Voice: I believe your last release was 'Back From The Brink' so are there plans to release new music very soon?

No plans for a new release in the next few months anyway. That's pretty much all I know right now. My next album is half written (and has been for some time), but I'm on a bit of a hiatus this summer. Things were getting too complicated within the band (suffering through a dark, stir-crazy Canadian winter will do that sometimes). Rock n' Roll should be fun. That's what it's all about! When it starts to feel like a chore or a job… it's time to step back, take a break and re-assess the situation. As I've said before, I think perspective is crucial for an artist's work to reach outside of itself. What I mean is; if I start to become too focused on the here and now, I lose sight of the big picture, the relevance of it all. I'm sure I'll be back in the studio by the spring if not before

Street Voice: If you could play with three artists who would they be and why?

I like extremes and I'm fascinated by the history of rock n' roll as well as cultural evolution in general. I believe that rock n' roll is reborn at the end of every decade, when popular music once again seems to return to it's most passionate and raw state. It explodes, becoming part of a musical movement, a revolution bigger than itself.

If I could choose 3 bands to play with at any point in time, they would be the following;

- The Sex Pistols circa 1979- because they were pure, untainted angst personified. They played without egos, and yet they reeked with youthful confidence and unbridled enthusiasm. They played it bloody, sweaty and rough. I've always admired the strength of both their individual rebellious spirits and their determined defiance as a band.

- Guns n' Roses circa 1989, (with the original line-up of course). The late 80's was the height of metal glam and big haired bands, most of who were (arguably) inspired by GNR. 'Appetite for Destruction' was the first record that I ever saved up to buy myself, and after all these years, I'm still not completely tired of listening to it. This was also the era of big bluesy elaborate guitar solos (which I love). Not only is the electric guitar my favorite instrument, but Slash has always been my favorite guitarist.

- And finally, I'd have to say Hole circa 1999, because I've always been inspired by Courtney Love's stubborn ambition, as well as her strength and stamina through hardship and heartbreak..

However, if I got to choose 3 bands to tour with this year, they would be;
- Billy Talent- They're also part of the Toronto rock scene and are now doing extremely well on a global level.

- Nine Inch Nails- Because I think I'll learn a lot working w/ Trent Reznor. It would be an honor to play with a musical genius such as him.
and last but not least;…

- Paris Hilton, so that I could corrupt all of her fans, tear holes in the fabric of her plastic princess "reality" and then beat the crap out of her.





Street Voice: You also do modelling so what sites/companies/magazines have you worked for?

I've worked for both the Wilhelmina Agency in New York and the NAM Agency in Toronto. However, my ample tattoo coverage (and my stubborn refusals to cover them), combined with my integrity (I never endorsed anything that I didn't personally love, use or believe in), really limited my options. Most of the work I did was type cast. I've done rock videos, album covers and runway shows for events like the annual 'Fashion Rocks festival'.

I've also modelled a lot of lingerie, as well as club and fetish wear.
There were aspects of modeling that I loved (being showered with attention, the constant compliments, being pampered…), but there were also things about it that I hated (following orders, being told how to look/dress/pose/act, the lack of creative input, the limited self-expression and let's not forget the barrage of creepy photographers that feel personally obligated to sexual harass you on a daily basis…). Overall, I'd have to say that I'm glad that I did it though, and I consider myself lucky to have had the chance to experience the life of "beauty" that so many girls long for.





Street Voice: I read in an interview that you said a company would have to pay you a lot of money to go naked but would you ever strip for a pro-women magazine for less if they came along?

I'm pretty sure that you read that in Hustler, right? Just for the record, I think that most men's magazines (such as Playboy) are pro-women. They glorify and celebrate the female form; they portray women as playful, beautiful and confident beings.

No I saw it on another site where you were interviewed.

Street Voice: You're openly bi-sexual so does it piss you off when homophobes dismiss people in same sex relationships?

As for same-sex unions, who cares whether people accept or dismiss them? You can't live your life according to what other people think or say and you can never let another person's ignorance or close-mindedness to stand in the way of your happiness! My advice? Give the world the finger and follow your heart.

Street Voice: So apart from music and the modelling what do you get up to in your spare time these days?

I read as much and as often as I can, I'm writing quite a bit of poetry as well as working on my next book whenever I find the time. Plus, I'll be back in school as a full time student this fall (which I'm sure will keep me more than busy). This year I'll be taking 'Entertainment Business Management' at the International Academy of Design + Technology. It's strange; as much as I hated high school, I actually love attending College and University. It's a completely different atmosphere and every few years, I find myself wanting to go back to learn even more. I guess it goes to show…that you just never know.

Street Voice: Anything you'd like to add?

For more info check out www.cjsleez.com or myspace.com/cjsleez .

Many thanks to CJ for doing this excellent interview. Anyone into hard Rock N Roll should sheck this lady out. I love her and when you hear her music you'll fall in love too. here's wishing CJ all the best for the future and I for one can't wait to hear her next CD.



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