INTERVIEW: Clarissa of Willing Hands Discussing The Scene LGBTQ+

Photo: Xander @namewastoshort

Getting to work with local bands in Spokane, Washington I’ve been lucky enough to come across gems. One of the bands that I’ve gotten the pleasure to work with more than once is Willing Hands, open about their placement within the LGBTQ+ community along with having a front woman is absolutely empowering. I had the pleasure to interview Clarissa and I’m thrilled to share her story with you all.

Q. What inspired you to begin your music journey? What inspires you when you write your music?

A. I’ve loved music for my whole life and always wanted to make it and perform it. I’ve never truly aspired to do anything else. As far as inspiration, i’d say i’m inspired by my own experiences, current issues in the world, and future issues that will come from them.

Q. Do you feel like your transition had any sort of impact on your art? Do you feel more free and connected?

A. Yes. Before I transitioned I would post music online but never performed live and usually didn’t post pictures of myself. I felt a lot of dissonance between my art and myself that was due to dysphoria, I feel. I didn’t perform live until 2022 but I started making music in 2009. Being myself allowed me to feel like my art was fully authentic and less shy.

Q. How has your journey been in the metal scene, being LGBTQ+?

A. It’s been interesting. I’d say mostly positive. A lot of people won’t take you seriously or see you as a gimmick and often underestimate you in a very passive way but that’s also just being a woman in a male dominant field. I’d say the hardcore scene is much more accepting of queer people in general but I’ve learned to disregard any lack of acceptance and just do what I do best. 

Q. Is there any sort of impact you would like to make on the music industry? 

A. I’d love to inspire more women and queer people to make heavy music. I think there’s slowly more and more frontwomen 

and female musicians in general getting hyped but not as many openly queer musicians (regardless of gender) in the industry. 

Q. Can you describe your writing process when you are writing new music?

A. Lyrically, my note app is filled with random lyrics and ideas I come up with throughout the day. I had the lyric ideas for “Who Made You God?” by Willing Hands for 3 years before that band even existed. Lyrics usually come last when writing music for me, so if the song seems right for something I’ve jotted down, i’ll build upon that. Other times the lyrics just come from how the song feels for me in reference to an experience or issue. When i’m writing riffs or whole song ideas it’ll come from random sounds I hear or trying to invoke a specific feeling.

Q. You are in quite a few projects, which one happens to be closest to your heart and why?

A. Not to say I don’t love every project I’m in, but Willing Hands for sure. I write about life experiences that have deeply impacted me and how I’ve survived or grown from it. The album we’re finishing up writing is about a lot of deeply personal experiences especially. I try to not write anything outright negative unless it’s targeted toward a specific issue in the world.

Q. What do you like most about performing?

A. Connecting with people. I want people to walk away from watching a performance feeling something, even if that feeling can be uncomfortable. 

Q. Is there any advice you would give to young music lovers and or / people within the LGBTQ community?

A. I cannot stress enough that doing the thing that makes you happiest and being authentic to yourself is key in this life. People can be judgmental but there are people who are accepting or are just like you, and you’ll find them in time.