Kill Miss Pretty is Russ (guitars/programming), Alicia (vocals) and Martin (bass). (Photos by Christina Mendenhall / Rhythm Scene)

I was first introduced to Kill Miss Pretty’s music back at Moonfest in October. Since then, I have been intrigued by these guys and gal that (in my mind) stole the show Halloween night. As the Boynton Beach-based trio prepares to release their latest single, “Judy Garland”, we sat down with them to see what’s going on in their land of Oz.

Having been a unit for a few years now, Russ (guitar/programming), Alicia (vocals), and Martin (bass) seem more like a family than anything else. There is a closeness about them that is apparent from the moment all three of them are in the room. When I asked Russ why there was no drummer in their act, the response was simple, programming the tracks himself is easier and more consistent. Not having a live drummer also cuts down on the amount of noise coming out of their practice space. With the talent and dynamic these musicians posses, there certainly isn’t a need for one.

But when asked about their musical tastes, the response is not as easy.

“Most of the bands I listen to are broken up,” Alicia starts off; she goes on to name The Blow, Peaches, PJ Harvey, and the Moldy Peaches as a few of her favorites.

Martin’s response was a little more broad. “What’s in my iPod? I listen to a lot of 80′s.” But it’s not 80′s like A Flock of Seagulls. He’s listening to Depeche Mode and “yeah, he’s really into Duran Duran”, Russ interjected.

Currently Russ is a fan of She Wants Revenge and “If you haven’t heard of or listened to Does It Offend You Yeah, you have to check them out!” Note taken.

When it comes to the business side of things the Internet is their greatest asset. In 2009, we saw the breakout of social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook and the KMP folks are taking full advantage of the exposure on both of these sites. With nearly 1200 fans and followers (on both sites), KMP is making themselves directly available to new and old fans. The group understands the importance of social networking, and seem focused on making it a more personal relationship between fan and artist. And judging by Alicia’s new Valentine’s Day video blog, that personal relationship is blossoming.

As far as what makes these guys (and girl) tick, their formula is pretty basic. “Our goal is go out and have as much fun as we can” was the sentiment that was continually repeated throughout our time together. And signing with a huge record label and becoming a huge national act is not on the agenda for this threesome either. They are careful to not burn themselves out with constantly playing shows, and according to Alicia the reason is “to make each show special”. However, all three agree that if they were to participate in a national tour, they’d want to tour with electro-shock rocker Peaches. Good choice.

Kate Dingle is a writer for Rhythm Scene.

With Kill Miss Pretty’s ever growing fan following, it’s hard to ignore the number of gays and lesbians who are coming along for the ride. When asked how they felt about it, the first words out of Alicia’s mouth summed it up perfectly, “We love the gays!”. Russ went on to explain that they have always wanted to play Sea Monster (once a big gay hangout) and now “the planets seem to have aligned. With the new single, ‘Judy Garland’, coming out and us playing SQUEEZE at the Sea Monster.” But their fondness for the gay community goes beyond playing the Sea Monster. As everyone may or may not know KMP’s lyrics can be a bit racy (to say the least), and “it’s a little harder to offend the gays” as Alicia put it. Well guys, the gays love you too.

Kill Miss Pretty’s next show will be on February 20th at SQUEEZE in Fort Lauderdale. Their good friend, Spooky Kid Daisy Berkowitz will be appearing onstage with them to unveil their new single “Judy Garland”. And that will not be the only new music we get from them this year. They are planning on releasing even more music towards the summertime. And yes, there will even be more collaborating with Berkowitz. In the meantime, be sure to visit their website www.killmisspretty.com to download their entire music catalog for free.