Queen's Maid ready to 'Pound' their music home

After performing on the St. John's downtown scene for more than two years, Queen's Maid is ready to release its first CD.
The five-member hard-rock band has decided to go with a six-song extended play (EP) of original music rather than a full length record.
"There's no point in trying to run before you can walk," says guitarist Jonathan White.
White as well as singer Sandy Stokes, guitarist Steve Vincent and drummer Robbie Welcher are from the New-Wes-Valley area.
Bassist Ryan Strickland calls Point May home.
While Queen's Maid could be described as Newfoundland's version of Guns 'N Roses, it's unfair to these musicians to pigeon-hole them into any one particular genre.
The music they create is about much more than sex, drugs and rock and roll.
Some of their original songs are more ballad-based than heavy rock.
Some numbers touch on political matters while others speak of leaving youth behind and realizing the world is not all fun and games, Stokes says.
When taking to the stages downtown, Queen's Maid's repertoire depends on their audience base.
They have no qualms about going against the grain and combining cover songs with original music.
"We've played at the Rock House, CBTG's, Turner's Tavern, Junctions, Distortion, the Ship. And if we need to play some covers to get our original music out there, then that's what we've been doing," Stokes says.
Their approach to music is obviously working.
Recorded at Curtis Perrin's Jet Set Studio in C.B.S., "Pound" was funded off the backs of the fans through the sale of Queen's Maid T-shirts.
Because the shirts have been selling so well, the guys are mulling over extending their line of merchandise.
"We've been thinking about some women's underwear," Stokes laughs.
All six songs on the CD tell a story.
"Everything Gets Dirty" is an in-your-face rock song that talks about the rise and fall of someone in the spotlight and the pressures and temptations that comes with it.
"One Night Nadine" tells the story about a woman who always gets what she wants and uses men like toys.
"Front Row Lady" has a start and stop rhythm reminiscent of the Who's "My Generation" or Zeppelin's "Black Dog."
"It's a pretty self-explanatory story of a girl who loves the music and teases the band," Stokes says.
"Music" is a softer number that uses a metaphor of a song to chronicle the aftermath of a failed relationship.
"Middle Man" is about a drug dealer who went from rags to riches selling drugs to the high-class society while "Consequences" ends the record on a high note with a "feel good alternative rock sound," Stokes says.
The front man of the band, Stokes' presence onstage is electrifying.
He becomes lost in the music, taking both fans and fellow band rockers along with him for the ride.
"Queen's Maid is a name for our product and Sandy is the face of our product," White says.
Like Stokes, the other musicians are confident rather than cocky.
Once they sell the 1,000 CDs they now have in their hands, they'll continue to work to expand their fan base even further which could see them take their show to other areas of the province.
"We're really grateful to our fans in New-Wes-Valley because they've helped us get here and now we're attracting fans from St. John's which is helping us stay here," Stokes says.
Queen's Maid official CD release party takes place Friday night at the Rock House on George Street.
Another North and Elite Motif will make guest appearances.
Admission is $8 or $15 which includes the purchase of the CD.
For more information on the group visit www.queensmaid.ca.

danette@nl.rogers.com