As seen in Guitar Girl Magazine Issue 23 – Fall 2023
Constance Antoinette is a force to be reckoned with in the realm of metal and rock music. Her journey into the world of guitar started with a heartfelt connection to her middle school band teacher, Mr. England, who saw her potential before she even picked up the instrument. Although Mr. England’s passing prevented him from becoming her mentor, his influence ignited a passion within Constance that would later shape her identity as a talented metal guitarist. Drawn to the raw energy of Metallica, Constance’s musical journey flourished as she embraced the world of metal and rock guitar.
Her debut single, “Ghost Girl,” marked a pivotal moment in Constance’s career, garnering enthusiastic support from her fans and setting the stage for her burgeoning solo path. The creation of this song, born during lockdowns that freed up her creative spirit, opened doors for Constance to explore her musical individuality. A woman of multiple artistic talents, Constance’s fusion of acting, dancing, modeling, and music underpins her unique style and stage presence. Dance training empowers her to command the stage with dynamic movements while acting fuels the captivating characters she embodies during performances, such as a seductive, Harley Quinn-esque figure with Aesthetic Perfection. Her multi-instrumental background, spanning from violin to keyboards, adds depth to her guitar playing, highlighting the harmonious symphony of her musical talents.
Constance’s journey has been punctuated by challenges that stem from being a woman in a male-dominated industry. Yet, she emerges as a beacon of strength and encouragement, inspiring other aspiring female musicians to rise above adversity. Through her words and actions, she advocates for the industry’s transformation, envisioning a future where women are empowered to reclaim their space in music. From her awe-inspiring performance at Mexico’s Hell and Heaven Fest with Till Lindemann of Rammstein to joining Demi Lovato’s band as a guitarist, Constance’s journey continues to evolve, leaving a trail of inspiring stories and an enduring legacy for generations of female musicians to come.
Your journey with the guitar began due to a special teacher’s influence. Could you tell us more about how your passion for metal guitar grew from that starting point?
My elementary band teacher, Mr. England, always told me I would be really good at guitar. Sadly, he passed before he could ever teach me how to play. But I decided to carry on and give guitar a try to honor him, and I ended up loving it, obviously! LOL However, my love for metal started when I heard Metallica for the first time. I knew right away it was what I wanted to submerge my little metalhead brain into.
“Ghost Girl” received positive feedback from your fans. How did it feel to release your debut single and see such a supportive response? Can you share a little about your creative process behind the song?
I’ve been touring in bands since I was 13, but I never had the time nor the creative freedom to write solo music. When the lockdowns started, it freed up my schedule to write and open up to my creative self for the first time. I wrote the song in my bedroom with my cat Nyxx on my lap.
You’ve also released several other singles over the last several years. Might we expect an EP soon?
I wouldn’t say soon, but I definitely have something in the works.
I’m just a nerd in disguise.
I understand you’re interested in acting, dancing, modeling, and, of course, music. How do these different artistic avenues intersect in your life, and how do they contribute to your unique style and identity as an artist?
Well, to be honest, I never really partied or went out much. I was always busy learning something new. I’m just a nerd in disguise. But I love all arts, and they all help each other. My dance training has been extremely handy when performing. I dance, run, jump, kick, cartwheel, and do the splits on stage all the time. I couldn’t handle all of those backbends on stage without dance training! Acting plays a part in my characters. For example, in Aesthetic Perfection, I play a sexy, psychotic Harley Quinn-type character on stage. And, of course, modeling helps with the live tour photos. I know my angles even when on stage.
Your journey has taken you from a violin and piano-playing child to a multi-instrumentalist and touring musician. How have these different instruments influenced your guitar playing and overall musical approach?
Violin definitely taught me to get over finger pain! LOL Piano has been especially useful, seeing as I play keyboards for Till Lindemann of Rammstein and guitar and keys in Aesthetic Perfection.
In our previous Tone Talk interview, you mentioned that you enjoy miking up your amp for recording, creating a vintage feel. Could you share some insight into your studio recording process and how you capture that signature “Constance Antoinette” guitar tone?
It’s been quite some time since our tone talk; however, I still do like a nice vintage sound. However, I play/record using amp sims now. I switched to Kemper and use STL tones (but I use a Mesa Boogie sim, LOL).
From your experience, what’s a significant lesson you’ve learned about achieving and maintaining a consistent tone in your guitar playing, both in the studio and on stage?
Honestly, tone is all in the fingers. Yes, a rippin’ amp tone is rad, but it’s only like 30% of your tone. I practice A LOT. If I have five gigs coming up, I will practice all five sets every day until I play the shows.
. . . can’t go wrong with the Seymour Duncans and jumbo frets.
Endorsed by Jackson Guitars, what model are you currently playing, and what makes that instrument fit your style of music?
I have several different models. I use four different ones alone for Demi Lovato’s sets. I will say my favorites, however, are the Jeff Loomis models — can’t go wrong with the Seymour Duncans and jumbo frets.
The combination of being a lead guitarist and vocalist sets you apart in a male-dominated field. How do you balance these two roles, and how does it affect your creative expression?
It’s very rare that someone needs a new lead singer and lead guitarist in a band. This is why I usually get hired for one or the other, but my solo music allows me to do both, which is what I really love.
You’ve played various genres, from thrash to funk. How do these different musical styles influence and enrich your playing, and what’s your approach to adapting your guitar skills to fit different genres?
Well, it makes it easier to book jobs, that’s for sure. But every style you learn helps you improve and opens your mind to different creative directions, especially when improv soloing.
I read that you were inspired by seeing women rocking out on stage at a Heart concert. How important is representation and visibility of women in the music industry, and how do you hope to inspire others through your own music and performances?
I want my playing to inspire more women to join the music world and get the same feeling I felt as a 13-year-old girl seeing Heart absolutely shred.
Your challenges as a woman in the music industry are certainly significant. Could you share some advice for aspiring female musicians who may encounter similar obstacles and how they can overcome them?
Always be on your best game. Sexism is very prominent in the music industry, but you need to stay above it. Sadly, that means as women, we need to work ten times harder. Let’s take over the industry for our future generation!
Your involvement with bands like the Misfits and your experiences on tours like the Vans Warped Tour have undoubtedly shaped your musical career. What standout memories from those tours have left a lasting impact on you?
Obviously, every tour leaves either great or horrible memories — or a combo of both. LOL But playing Time Square at 21 years old (in an all-girl band) is a memory I will treasure forever. And, of course, Warped Tour was a huge thing as well for me. It was a bucket list item that I could check off for sure.
You recently had a chance to play as part of Demi Lovato’s band. Please share with us what the experience was like. Will you be replacing Nita permanently?
I’ve been Demi Lovato’s guitarist for over four months now, and I absolutely love playing for her. She’s a total sweetheart as well as the most talented singer I’ve ever shared the stage with. And, yes, I replaced Nita’s position.
How do you balance your solo endeavors with participating in collaborative musical efforts?
It’s rough — a lot of stress, sleepless nights, and traveling. But I’m hoping to write more over the holidays and maybe book some solo shows.
As someone who’s achieved a lot in the music industry, what advice would you give aspiring musicians, especially those who might be discouraged by setbacks or challenges?
Keep going, and also go out and network. In 2020, I decided I was done with music as a career and was going to only play for fun, but a friend, who’s actually a really badass actor/dancer, talked me out of it. And I’m so thankful he did.
From playing with the Misfits to Glee and beyond, you’ve had a diverse range of experiences. How have these varied roles and collaborations contributed to your growth as a musician and artist?
All aspects of my career have brought me here doing what I love. I’ve learned a lot about this industry from just working in it.
I play guitar anywhere between three and six hours a day.
Your dedication to practicing and your focus on proving wrong those who doubt women’s musical abilities are truly inspiring. Can you share more about your daily practice routine and how it helps you continually improve your skills?
Well, first off, I warm up for around 20 minutes and play exercises to keep my chops up for another 20. Then I move on to whatever sets I need to learn/practice and play all of those while wandering around my studio so I’m comfortable moving and playing on stage. Then, if I’m feeling really spicy, I’ll improv to a random track to finish up. All in all, I play guitar anywhere between three and six hours a day.
Looking back on your journey, what is one moment or achievement that you consider a true milestone in your career, and how did it shape your path moving forward?
Hell and Heaven Fest in Mexico last year with Till Lindemann of Rammstein was a huge milestone. We played to over 100,000 people. That was by far the biggest show I had ever played at the time. Ever since then, I’ve been on a roll!
Your involvement in Gritty in Pink showcases your commitment to empowering women in music. How do you see this movement evolving, and what changes would you like to see in the music industry’s treatment of women?
I would like to see more women in power on the business side as well as instrumentalists. I’m tired of men at a label telling me I don’t wear short enough skirts or should consider a breast augmentation. If we all work together and lift each other up, we can help eradicate that type of thinking.
Lastly, as someone who has faced and overcome challenges in the industry, what message would you like to send to all the aspiring female musicians who are looking up to you as a role model?
Practice, keep going, and remember that we’re all fighting with you. <3
Key Takeaways from Constance Antoinette’s interview:
- Empowerment Through Music: Constance Antoinette’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in the face of adversity. As a woman in the male-dominated metal and rock music scene, she not only carved out a space for herself but also became a beacon of inspiration for aspiring female musicians. Her story encourages women to pursue their dreams in music, advocating for a future where the industry is inclusive and empowering for all genders.
- Artistic Versatility: Constance’s multifaceted talent in acting, dancing, modeling, and music, particularly her skill in playing multiple instruments, underscores the importance of versatility in the arts. Her ability to blend these disciplines contributes to her unique style and stage presence, offering a fresh perspective on the role of performance art in music. This takeaway highlights the value of cross-disciplinary skills in enhancing an artist’s identity and performance.
- Creative Resilience: The creation of her debut single, “Ghost Girl,” during the lockdowns showcases Constance’s creative resilience. It represents a pivotal moment where she embraced her individuality as a musician, stepping into a solo career path that allowed her to express her artistic vision freely. This narrative serves as a reminder of the potential for growth and innovation in challenging times, encouraging artists to seize moments of solitude as opportunities for artistic exploration and expression.