2007 POLLY STAFFLE PINUP OF THE YEAR

CJ SLEEZ

Toronto’s CJ Sleez is relatively unknown in America. But that probably won't be for long as she is almost the perfect female rock star. She’s like 80’s singers Pat Benatar and Joan Jett mixed with 90’s grunge divas Courtney Love (Hole) and Suzi Gardner (L7) and modern day rock stars Morgan Lander (Kittie) and Juliette Lewis (Juliette and the Licks). She also happens to have the looks of porn star Traci Lords with the classic pinup flair of Bettie Page or Marilyn Monroe and the unapologetic attitude of a Suicide Girl. Now, if she could only pose for a topless poster like Jim Morrison, we’d definitely be talking legend in the making. CJ gives PollyStaffle.com the scoop on whether we’ll ever get to see that much of her and also discusses her influences, her book “Poor Little Bitch Girl: Unapologetic Memoirs from the Queen of Raunchy Rock’n’ Roll,” hanging with the Rolling Stones and more as this month’s Polly Pinup.

ROCK AND RULE QUEEN

CCF: Tell us a bit about CJ Sleez. Who is this kick ass rock star and why has Canada been hiding you from us Americans?

CJ: Hey now baby, first off… CJ Sleez never hides from anyone or anything. I love Canada and prefer to think of the time that I’ve spent here as well spent. It gave me a chance to lay the necessary groundwork, and to perfect my art. Although I do feel that true rock and roll is naturally raw and flawed by nature. It should be real with all the blood, pain and tears that come along with it. During the time I’ve played in Canada, I have become a professional. I’ve developed a strong sound and style, achieved a solid fan base, and after several line-up changes, I’ve finally found a solid band that I’m totally happy with. So, as anxious as I am to begin touring throughout the states, it’s not like Canada hasn’t kept me busy these past few years.

CCF: How big a following do you have over there?

CJ: It’s big enough to keep me culturally relevant anyway, which of course I’m grateful for. Our shows are always sold out, although keep in mind; it’s not as if we’re playing gigantic stadiums yet or anything. I get a lot of press and public attention is never an issue. I don’t believe in being pretentious and do my best to stay grounded. After all, without the music to back it up, it’s all just hype. I think the important thing is, to love what you do and to just keep doing it the best that you can.

CCF: Well put… Currently the CD you have out is the “Back From the Brink” EP. It was my introduction to your music and it’s good. I enjoyed it. It’s kind of hard to describe though. It’s all over the place. I feel some 70’s punk, some 80’s hard rock, some 90’s grunge, yet it doesn’t seem outdated. Who are some of your personal influences?

CJ: We have a wide range of influences including Guns N’ Roses, The New York Dolls, Motley Crue, Alice Cooper, KISS, Motorhead, The Sex Pistols, Mc5, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, Hole, The Makers, L7, Marilyn Manson, Iron Maiden, NIN, The Stooges, Judas Priest and many more. I admire any band that’s willing to push the limits of the mainstream and move people emotionally through their music.

CCF: Are there any comparisons people make that you hate? Like, “Oh she’s a Courtney Love wannabe” or whatever like that?

CJ: I try not to put too much weight into what other people say about me - good or bad - and I’ve gotten used to the gossip because it’s always been there. Realistically, why should someone else’s words have any effect on my life? Most of these critics have never even had the chance to meet me anyway. What do they know? I’m a hell of a lot stronger than that. I wouldn’t have made it this far otherwise. I believe that we choose our own reality and that it all begins within our own thoughts.

CCF: Speaking of reality, you ever think of getting a film crew to follow you and make a documentary of you life?

CJ: The only time that idea crossed my mind was when I was flipping through the TV channels and noticed how many pathetically dull and uneventful reality shows were on the air. I thought to myself, “Why would I waste my time watching this crap when my life is so much more exciting?” and then, ‘Hey, I should do my own reality show!” But the only problem is that most of the juicy/interesting content would never make it past the censors. Oh well.

CCF: (LOL) You did recently give up some of the juicy tidbits in your book I hope. “Poor Little Bitch Girl” - what can you tell me about it?

CJ: It is my autobiography that was recently published by Manor House. While no one can argue that it was written in my trademark raw and unapologetic style, certain less-liberated critics have labeled it as “controversial.” And while I may not agree, I still take it as a compliment. The book is a collection of some of my life stories, and although many of the topics discussed within could be considered harsh or even taboo, it’s written with a dark sense of humor that keeps the reader fully entertained throughout. It’s not a bunch of sob-stories that leave you depressed or anything. I’m positive that anyone who’s into good old sex, drugs and rock’n’roll, will absolutely love it.

CCF: I read, you were in Hustler and you were in Playboy. Not nude, but you have been featured in both, right? Would or have you considered posing for one of those publications?

CJ: I’d pose nude for a magazine like Playboy or Hustler if they made it worth my while, but it would have to be at least a five figure offer for me to consider it. I guess in the end it all boils down to how much you think you’re worth, and baby, I’m worth plenty.

CCF: How long have you been in music and what was it that made you want to be a rock star?

CJ: Even though I was self-taught, I actually grew up in a family of musicians. Music has always been such a huge part of my life, that it only seemed natural. I couldn’t and still can’t imagine myself doing anything else. It’s the only thing that I’ve ever been completely sure of, and it’s literally what I live for. I mean come on babe; I’ve got the best job in the world! Besides, doesn’t everybody wish that they could be a rock star?

CCF: Are you fans of or ever played shows with fellow Canadian rock band Kittie?

CJ: Kittie is a great band. Then again, I take my hat off to any and every Canadian girl who knows how to rock hard and isn’t afraid of putting it all out there. However, despite the fact that they’re based out of London, I think, which is less than a three hour drive away, they’ve never really become a part of the Toronto scene, of which I am so familiar, and I very rarely go to London due to the fact that it’s boring as all hell. I’ve always felt the need to be in thick of things and Toronto, being Canada’s largest city, is where all the action is.

CCF: You were in the Rolling Stones “Streets of Love” video? How did that come about and did you get to hang out with Mick Jagger or Keith Richards?

CJ: Ya, that was deadly. I generally hate name-dropping though, and despite the fact that I’ve spent time with almost all of my rock star idols, you’d never hear me bring it up in an interview or conversation. At this point, it’s just not that big of a deal to me. However, since you’ve asked so sweetly, the director, who already knew who I was, hand-picked me for the shoot and wouldn’t take no for an answer. They brought me out to Ottawa and yes, I spent the day with the band. They were hilarious and we shared some good laughs and it was obvious that I was one of the only people there that they felt truly comfortable hanging out with.

CCF: So what is going on now with the band? Is there a tour coming, are you writing, is the band going back to the studio anytime soon?

CJ: Right now we’re getting ready to tour again, starting in August. It’ll feel so sweet to get back on the road. The only time I’m totally and truly happy is when I’m working and playing my music.

CCF: You’re real big on the live shows, right? You really get pumped for performing?

CJ: For me, it’s all about the live show. It’s the best feeling in the world! I love getting the opportunity to perform and connect with my fans on a more personal level.

CCF: Thanks for you time CJ. I wish you the best of luck and I'll be waiting for you to play a show here in Vegas.

CJ: Thanks so much sweetie.

“Back From the Brink” is currently available from Spinerazor Records. The CD features six rocking tracks including “Dirty Girl,” “Skin Deep” and a bonus video for “Backdoor Tease.”

- CCF, August 2006