There is no doubt in the minds of those who first hear DM's lyrics and the music of The Missing that there is something really different here. The Poor Dolly CD captures the essence of the beast with "scary kitty" and "justice." An intimidating DM crawls out of her skin confronting the enemy in "Justice" she stands up for all women who have been a victim of abuse. She takes on the role of the protector. I can't imagine the convicted not pissing in his pants before taking off.

Scorched by the vocal flame straight from the throat of the dragon the abuser is reduced to ashes -- not only in his own mind but also in the minds of little frail female winglies everywhere. DM brings strength to the ones who are too weak to defend themselves and for that, "Rock On!"

The current dark goddess of the underground had much to say in November 2001. I am glad I was able to snag this interview from her and I wish her and "The Missing" the best of luck and be safe in the city. DM, your words give us strength and we love the music. Keep it coming!

G: Where did you get the name DM from -- what kind of significance if any does it have?
DM: It's actually just my nickname. I suppose it would be cooler if it had some kind of deeper meaning, but it doesn't.

G: Where are you originally from and what (if any) other towns have you lived in?
DM: Born in Staten Island, spent a few years in Syracuse, currently residing in Brooklyn. So I've been a New Yorker all my life.

G: What year were you born?
DM: You didn't really think I was gonna tell you, did you? ;)

G: I have to say that I have never been to a show but I can imagine how powerful the scene must be. Describe some of your fans and explain your general relationship with them. Are they there to have a good time? To let off steam? to get away and be themselves?
DM: I love our fans. The band has had some tough breaks over the past year or two, and there were lots of times when I got really depressed and discouraged. But every day, I get e-mail from our fans (both longtime and new fans) who just want to say hi, thanks for the music, we love you guys, keep it up. That means a lot to me, and it's a large part of what keeps me going. As far as what our fans get out of our shows, I'd say it's different for everyone. I've had people tell me everything from "I feel what you're feeling when you sing" to "I just enjoy the energy of the band." I think that's great. As long as nobody's falling asleep or vomiting, it's all good.

G: After listening to Poor Dolly I was immediately magnetized to your voice -- have you had any vocal training or any type of musical education -- or is it all just "natural" talent?
DM: I suppose some people would debate the use of the word "talent," but no, I haven't had any vocal training. I'm sure that means that I'm ruining my voice and I'll be mute by the time I'm 50, but that would probably make at least a few people happy anyway. As for training, yes, I spent my whole life in music, but not as a singer. I've been playing trombone for more years than I care to admit. Did the band thing in school: marching band, jazz band, orchestra, early music ensemble, the whole nine yards. Eventually went to college on a music scholarship, which was great, because who the hell can afford to pay tuition nowadays?

G: Any major events in your life that have prompted you into a career such as this?
DM: I've always been a musician, and always knew that I wanted to perform. However, I thought it would be in a symphony. I mean, I was a trombone player, and besides, I had been told all my life that I had a terrible voice. But about 10 years ago I heard a song called "Morning Dawning" by the creatures (at the time, a side project of Siouxsie and the Banshees). It just blew me away; it totally opened up a whole new world of music to me. Right then and there I decided I didn't care what people thought of my voice. I knew that this was what I wanted to do. And so here I am.

G: Do you have another steady job or does the music keep you busy enough?
DM: The music keeps me plenty busy, but it sure as hell doesn't pay the rent. I'm in training to be an EMT. Of course, a job like that really won't pay the rent either. ;) Hopefully, by the time this goes to print, I'll be certified already.

G: Once again who are your most intimate influences?
DM: Siouxsie and the Banshees, first and foremost. Dee Snider of Twisted Sister. I actually learned how to sing by imitating him when I was a kid. Stravinsky…now there was a guy who was making a musical ruckus long before punk rock! Nine Inch Nails, Tool, Annie Lennox, Weird Al, Aretha Franklin, Benny Goodman, Danny Elfman, Mychael Danna, and the Dead Kennedys. I was also heavily influenced by a lot of the music I studied in school: chant, renaissance, troubadour, post Classical and early Romantic, plus the music we studied from other countries, particularly India, Ireland and Africa.

G: When did the Missing come into being? Were you all friends or did you meet just by chance?
DM: Originally I met up with a bassist and guitarist through an ad in the Village Voice. Eventually we got a drummer, and after spending about two years together, we realized we were heading in different directions musically. They wanted to be more along the lines of the Smiths and I was far too aggressive for them. In the words of the bass player "I screamed too much." So I took the drummer and got a new guitarist. The three of us remained as the core of the band for about 5 years, until they both gave up late last year. So I'm the only original member left. But I'm really pleased with the members I have now. They're all great, and we're very excited to see where the band goes from here.

G: Describe each band member in a one liner.
DM: John (guitar): Easygoing almost to a fault.
Frank (drums): Too hard on himself.
Dominick (bass): Has a midget fetish.
DM (voice): I like cheese.

G: How long have you been in the music business and have you been in any other bands prior to The Missing?
DM: I was in a psychedelic hippie-rock band in college where I played trombone. Man, did I stick out like a sore thumb! I didn't know anything about that whole scene or music style, but apparently I could play it well enough. And it was a lot of fun, besides. the missing: is the first serious band I was ever in, and it seems like I've been doing it forever. In truth, it's been about 6 or 7 years. I don't count any bands that never made it to the stage. And of course I'm leaving out all the non-rock stuff.

G: Your lyrics are very feminist in nature -- are you a feminist?
DM: Actually, I'm an equalist. In a perfect world I'd say that men and women are truly equals and should be treated as such. That in and of itself would make some people consider me a feminist. But since this isn't a perfect world, yes, I guess I do tend to lean towards the female side a bit.

G: Where does your lyrical inspiration come from?
DM: Mostly the things that piss me off. I don't consider myself a poet or anything. I just take what moves me and describe it, exactly how I'm seeing and feeling it. The result is lyrics that attempt to convey my emotions, very bluntly but hopefully, effectively.

G: Do you feel that the personal is political?
DM: It can be. It all depends on what your beliefs are, how strongly you believe in them, and at what level are you willing to act to make them known.

G: Where do you stand on the US and world right now -- what are your fears or strengths?
DM: I have never supported killings abroad by any government, especially my own. So I get furious when I hear people say that it's America's long-standing policies of destruction that brought this on, and that we deserved the September 11 attacks. I say, fuck you. Because it wasn't some omnipotent, omniscient governmental figure named America that was killed in retaliation. It wasn't even the politicians who were directly responsible for those policies, or the military personnel who physically carried out their orders. Maybe that I could somehow understand. No, it was people like my cousin, who just showed up for work that morning so she could do her job and pay her bills, and she got killed for it. So where is the justice in that? I mean, to the idiots that killed her, I say, "Boy, you really showed her! Now she's *sure* to pull her armies out of your country! Good job! Cathy won't bother you anymore!" Idiots. It's ludicrous. My mother always said that two wrongs don't make a right. I grew up believing that, but it seems like the rest of the world hasn't figured it out yet.

G: Least Favorite Color?
DM: Beige.

G: Favorite capitalist dimwit?
DM: Dan Quayle. I mean, it's been more than 8 years since he was around, and I still find it hilarious that he was the Vice President. I'll never get tired of laughing at that guy.

G: Pet Peeve?
DM: People who litter.

G: What big sister advice to you have for women who want to get onto the music scene?
DM: Never, ever EVER sleep with anyone in your band. Ever. I never have and never will, but I know lots of women who have. And I can tell you, it almost never turns out well. In fact, it's usually a big disaster. So keep your fucking pants on! When you're a musician, the band is your family, and you just don't screw your family. Period.

G: What general advice can you offer to women that they can use in their daily life?
DM: Your beauty is not evaluated on how many men (or women) want to fuck you. Sex should not be used as a weapon. Stop buying fashion magazines and complaining about how the models are too goddam skinny. And then stop starving yourself to look like them. Stop watching shows like Ally McBeal and Sex and the City, which reinforce the notion that no matter how successful or attractive you are, your life just isn't complete without a man. Learn to change a tire. Stop playing the victim. If you are in an abusive relationship and feel you have nowhere to go, realize that YOU ALWAYS HAVE SOMEWHERE TO GO; it's a place called "Away From The Asshole That's Hitting You." Carry your own condoms. Understand that "bitch" is what men often call women who are mentally stronger than they'd like them to be. It's okay to be taller than the person you're dating, and it's okay to wear high heels if you want to. Small breasts are sexy. Children are optional. There's a big difference between sex jokes and sexual harassment. You are not weak if you allow someone to open the door for you. Learn self-defense. Anyone who really loves you will still love you if you gain weight. Don't neglect your friends when you're in a relationship and remember them when you're not. It's okay to want someone in your life; but if you need them to the point you can't live without them, then that's a problem. Hmmm, I guess I should reevaluate that feminist question, huh?

G: Closing statements: If any...
DM: Thanks so much for the interview. And I guess your magazine is the perfect place to plug some other female-fronted bands that I think kick ass: the creatures (of course!), Crisis, The Abuse, Hydrovibe, Guano Apes, Mahavatar, KuF, Binky, Tang, Volition, God Among Men, Collide and Spider Rockets.