One of the first influential female managers and A&R executives in rock, Vicky Hamilton helped nurture and shape the careers of Mötley Crüe, Poison and Guns N' Roses, famously letting the latter sleep on her couch and funding their early demos, before they got their record deal with Geffen Records. Also working closely with the likes of Faster Pussycat, Stryper, and June Carter Cash, as well as booking shows throughout Los Angeles in more recent years, her work has changed the face of the L.A. rock scene and the business in general. And she's still doing it. We caught up with the music maven to discuss her latest projects and collaborations, including a mystical dinner party event featuring music and magic in the Hollywood Hills on November 1st.
You've had such an amazing career in music, as chronicled in your memoir, Appetite for Dysfunction. I know there was interest in adapting the book to film or TV. Where does that stand as of now?
The production company and agency are shopping the fictionalized TV pilot and package to leading ladies with production companies. Fingers crossed it sells very soon! I’m not supposed to say much about it.
You are still working with musicians and helping guide their careers. Tell us who you are currently working with and why?
I just started working with a great young band Fathoms (pictured above), a great pop/indie band that's female fronted by Georgia Clay…such lush melodies and amazing musicianship featuring Kenzo Cregan on guitar and also vocals. They have a single coming out Nov 6, on Dark Spark Music, my label through The Orchard/ Sony.
In addition, Jeff Jones who is the bass player of The Guess Who and many others, who has a new EP coming out early next year. Jeff has a long history in the music business. He was one of the main singers on Ocean's "Put Your Hand in the Hand," the 1971 hit, and we are doing a remake of this song and will start with that release. Jim Camacho is always a shiny star in my stable, his Petty-like voice and amazing songwriting ability shines brightly on his new single, "Love Will Win."
What do you look for in new artists?
First off, great songs, something fresh new and different. Then the performance has to be enchanting. If the songwriting and musicianship is present, I then look to see if they are ambitious and building a following.
From top left: Vicky Hamilton, Barns Courtney, Chloe Cicoria, Jeff Jones, Scarlet Rivera, Charlotte Fox, Luca Pina, Voxx Voltair, Iris Berry, Jim Camacho, Kyle Reinhart, and Minta Spencer.
You also have a big Halloween season seance event coming up.
It’s actually an All Saints Day party, when the veil between heaven and earth is the thinest. Renowned medium, Voxx Voltair, the psychic will be leading the seances in a sound proof room. It's at an amazing villa in the Hollywood Hills, with Mexican dinner and drinks. It starts at 4 p.m., so if you are going to Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses and friends it’s a good place to get started! It’s within walking distance of The Hollywood Bowl. You never know who you might see at the party! There are limited slots available so email me at aestheticv@gmail.com if you would like to come.
Please share a bit about the artists and how you put this gathering together.
Fathoms, Jeff Jones and Jim Camacho will be guest singers. Iris Berry is doing an ode to Hollywood multimedia performance. Also, there will be guest vocal performances by Barns Courtney, Pappa D, Devah Glam and Chloe Cicoria. The band is a phenomenal string band, with violinist Scarlet Rivera from Rolling Thunder Revue, Minta Spencer on Harp, Peter Jacobson on cello, musical director and guitarist Kyle Reinhart, guitarist Luca Pina and Vincenzo De La Rosa on bass. The MC will be Charlotte Fox, a very funny comedian and musician. All this in a private place called The Star Garden with a great outdoor patio; it’s kind of old school and glamorous. I'm hoping to bring together artists, entertainers, writers, film makers, rocket scientists etc. to get the creative juices flowing once again.
Anything else you're working on coming up?
I’ve started a content and animation company called Dark Star Network with Ken Bailey and my long time friend Randy Roberts. We are developing scripts and animation for the big screen and small screen. I’m personally developing an animation picture called How To Be A Rockstar with Ken Bailey. It’s a really fun coming of age story and challenging as it’s my first animation outing. I’m also writing other things, but want to keep the mystery alive, so mums the word! I’ve started a new company called Vicky Hamilton Company and I'm selling some private shares in my life work while developing new projects. I’m always learning new skills while bringing new music and entertainment to the fold.
More info on all of Hamilton's projects at vickyhamilton.com. Info and tickets for Saints & Seances here.
