"Once upon a time there was a young singer who found himself transfixed by a dream of pure stardom and sonic accolades." - Official Site.

First of all, what has the band been up to recently?

Rachel Stamp have been working on our next album Ravenous, which we hope to unleash this year... We're also spreading our wings a little bit, both collectively and individually so hopefully you'll be seeing some fruits of our labour very soon...

How would you describe your music?

Rambunctious, erotic, spiritual, carnal and miraculous.

The media influencing young people is a big issue at the moment. How much of an influence do you think music has on today's youth? What kind of influence does it have?

I think that music deeply affects the people who listen to it. I think that a lot of artists need to think a little bit more before they open their mouths. I hear a lot of sexist homophobic music out there right now and I hate it. The pop charts are full of bullshit and no-one has the guts to say so for fear of appearing uncool. I never cared about being cool so I'll say it... the charts are clogged up with shit and this town needs an enema...

Do you ever try and get messages across to your fans in your music, or try to persuade them to think a certain way?

Only to be open minded and to think for themselves and not to be afraid to be an individual.

Have you ever experienced conflict as a result of dressing a certain way/listening to a certain music/being a part of a certain group? If so, what form did this conflict take?

I get hassle every day cos of the way I look. I have to be honest and say it really gets me down, but I refuse to stop being myself. I've been spat at in the street before. But you remember that these people are idiots.

Have you ever been to a show/gig (either one of your own or someone else’s) where violence has broken out? Why do you think this violence starts?

The music, tell people to play nicely and carry on. Our audience is pretty intelligent so they usually calm down and dig the rock n' roll...

People are represented / stereotyped in a certain way for the way they dress. Does this 'labelling' also happen to people for the kind of music they listen to? What are your opinions on this?

I hate labelling. I suppose in a way it does help condense a general mind-set into an easily communicated badge. If people are into 'Goth' or 'Emo' or whatever then that's a kind of sign that they will be fairly intelligent and open minded. I think it's a shame that people like to conform to stereotypes so much. I've been to a few shows lately where it seems the audience can't do anything without first being instructed by the lead singer...

What kind of music are you into at the moment? Any favourite bands?

Currently I'm just listening to Radio 3. That's not a band, it's literally Radio 3.

What has the band got planned next?

New album, DVD.

Finally, is there anything else you’d like to add or promote?

Check out our website at www.rachelstamprocks.com.

Thanks to all the bands and promoters who have taken part in our 'Punk and Politics' Feature!