Strong Stories
An interview with Erja Lyytinen
Words: Vincent Abbate
It’s a half-hour before showtime and Erja Lyytinen is about to take care of the last, most vital bit of business before taking the stage.
Loosening up the left hand? Overrated.
Doing vocal exercises? You’re joking.
It’s her make-up that demands attention. It’s time to get made up. She looks fine just as she is – more than that, really – but nowadays, fine and $2.75 will get you a ride on the New York subway. For better or worse, styling is part of Lyytinen’s job description; she wouldn’t dream of standing unmasked under the bright lights any more than Gene Simmons or Paul Stanley would. The vocal warm-ups can wait.
“When I walk downstairs later, I’ll hum a little bit.”