Lead singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer and formidable figure Sharon Middendorf stands at the helm of all that is Motorbaby. She is the kind of strong and powerful woman whose brain power makes you a little uneasy in your own skin. Her mental presence is matched only by her talent to produce melodic guitar-oriented tales, some by which to freak out, some by which to sip tea. Sharon's magnetic personality and powerful performances are what drive the band and have earned Motorbaby their reputation as a superior act, both live and recorded.

Motorbaby just released their highly anticipated album Rise, which includes another famed girl musician, Kathy Valentine of The Go Gos as a guest musician and producer.

Zone Tones: You look so young that most people wouldn't guess that you appeared on the first MTV Video Awards in the early 80s. What was it like to perform on national television with ZZ Top?

Sharon Middendorf: UNBELIEVABLE!! Truly one of the greatest experiences of my life. There I was (about 19 yrs.) dancing and performing in front of every major rock star of that time. This was 1984 and the biggest rock stars on the planet were there. From Mick Jagger, David Lee Roth, Bette Midler, Madonna, Tina Turner, Bowie. That show had a major influence on me. As I was standing there on the main stage at Radio City Music Hall in NYC (my favorite venue) I realized that this was what I wanted to do and I decided then that I was going to find my way back to that stage someday and command it.

Zone Tones: When did you first pick up a guitar and when did you realize that song writing was something you wanted to do with your life?

Sharon Middendorf: I first picked up an acoustic guitar at the age of 7 years old. Playing came very naturally for me. I began to practice and write pretty much immediately but it wasn't until I was in my early 20s that I realized that I wanted to be a songwriter.

Zone Tones: Can you tell us about the first band you were in?

Sharon Middendorf: The very first band that I was ever in was an acoustic 4 piece group in Cleveland, Ohio. We used to play every Sunday at our neighborhood Church. The very first rock group that I was in was a NYC band called The Blacklight Chameleons. I answered an ad in the Village Voice. They were looking for a singer and I totally fit their description. I auditioned, got it and then went in and laid down all the vocal tracks for their record which was already recorded. The record went to number 3 in Athens, Greece.

Zone Tones: You originally left your hometown of Cleveland to pursue a career in music but found yourself sidetracked into modeling. How did you find yourself touring as a model rather then an artist?

Sharon Middendorf: Correction. I originally left Cleveland to pursue a modeling career and was very successful at it. Modeling enabled me to follow my dreams as an artist and it gave me the freedom to pursue my dream of music. It was rather difficult at first because most people couldn't open their minds to believe that a model could actually write a great song, play the guitar and sing. The attitude I received from most people was that it was a nice hobby for a young girl to have. This kind of attitude infuriated me! It also gave me the fuel (for my fire) that I needed to prevail. I've enjoyed my modeling experiences immensely as well as my musical. They are both forms of self expression and we shouldn't be pigeon holed into one mold or another. It's all good.

Zone Tones: What was the original concept behind Motorbaby? Were you trying to write music to touch people in a certain way? Also, where did the name come from?

Sharon Middendorf: I had been looking for a good name for a long time. I wanted something that represented a strong, fast, sexy female sound. Something that represented my personality but had a sense of humor to it. I didn't want to take myself or the music too seriously, after all this is the music business!!! So one day were coming back into town from recording in a studio in NJ. We're driving in through the Holland tunnel and there are all these hotel's with the word Motor and I'm thinking about that word and how much I loved it!! It's strong, fast, sexy, etc.. and then the word Baby popped into my head, it's very female and chicks get called baby all the time so I just decided to put the two words together. It's funny thinking back, this was around 1994; the Internet hadn't quiet taken off yet and I was already merging words together!

Zone Tones: What did it feel like when Motorbaby signed on to Mercury Records?

Sharon Middendorf: AWESOME! It felt like a big validation or stamp of approval, like what you do is finally worthy and accepted. It's sort of a shame that you have to get signed in order to feel like that. The only real difference is that you've got someone else's money promoting you otherwise it's pretty much all the same.

Zone Tones: What did you do the first time you heard a Motorbaby song play on the radio?

Sharon Middendorf: That was such a long time ago and I don't really remember other than I was just really excited and happy. It's a great feeling to know that other people are listening and enjoying something that you put your heart and soul into creating. It's the best!

Zone Tones: You started the Motorbaby website back in 1995 while it was still a humble place. Can you tell us what you remember of the Internet music scene back then?

Sharon Middendorf: Open landscape! I remember being the only band at the Internet and Music Expo here in NY in 1999.I was promoting the site just like I was promoting the band. No one else was really doing that then. I feel that I have been a big part of the pioneering of the whole music on the Internet movement.

Zone Tones: From modeling to music videos, magazine covers to bands, record companies to the Internet and now you're gaining film credits. Can you tell us how you do it all?

Sharon Middendorf: It's called Scheduling!! and not having a full time job! Look, I'm a creator and all these things revolve around being creative. It's relatively easy if you put your mind to it. I'd say that organization skills is a must have.

Zone Tones: What films can we currently see you perform in and what Motorbaby tracks can be heard on the big screen?

Sharon Middendorf: I was recently in a film called Terror Firmer from Troma Entertainment as well as Woody Allen's film Sweet and Lowdown. As for Motorbaby tracks, we've got a couple of tracks on Baywatch as well as the WB's Jack'n'Jill.

Zone Tones: What can we expect from the next album?

Sharon Middendorf: I'm very proud of RISE. I feel it's by far my best musical effort yet. Yesterday I put it in my car stereo and drove around listening to it on the highway. It's definitely a strong driving record with excellent hooks that reel you in and the melodies are very catchy. I'm looking forward to sharing it with the world.

Zone Tones: When did you start being a spokesperson for Vaccaro Guitars? How does it feel to be the first female to do so?

Sharon Middendorf: Dig it! and this Vaccaro guitar is one of my most treasured. I met them through a friend of mine who suggested that I get in touch with them. I sent them an MB package and they asked me down to their shop in NJ. They are the coolest and totally hooked me up. It feels great to be their first female guitarist!

Zone Tones: So, what's next for you?

Sharon Middendorf: Getting the web site ready for CD sales!! That's where you're going to be able to buy the new record EXCLUSIVELY!! I'm also putting on my promotional hat so get ready to see a lot of Motorbaby this year.

Zone Tones: Where can fans, new and old, find out more info about you and Motorbaby?

Sharon Middendorf: Where else? Our web site of course! www.motorbaby.com We're constantly updating and adding mp3s and music video's to the site. So please come and listen and watch and BUY OUR NEW ALBUM!!!