This week, check out my interview with Cristina Scabbia, lead singer of Italian metal band Lacuna Coil, whose sixth studio album, released by Century Media this week, is projected to debut with upwards of 12k units. Keep feedin’ the inbox: jesse.beer@hitsmagazine.com.

SPOTLIGHT
Jesse Thomas (www.iamjessethomas.com): Every now and then we hear an artist who just has something magical; we think Jesse has that quality. Her vocals alone will capture your soul. Her new full-length album is set to be released next month on L.A.-based indie label Red Parade Music. Jesse performed on the official Hotel Cafe showcase at SXSW in March 2011, and is scheduled to perform at the SXSW 2012 showcase. She has also played in front of sold-out crowds at venues like the Roxy. She toured with and opened for major acts including John Mayer, Cary Brothers, Amy Kuney and Bleu. Jesse was the Starbucks Pick of the Week on iTunes last year for her single "You I Want," with 2.1 million free download cards in all U.S. and Canadian locations. Her song "Fire" is confirmed as the Indie Download of the Week at the iTunes Store from Feb. 14-21. If you’re in the LA area next week, we suggest checking her out next Wednesday (Feb. 1) at the Bootleg Theatre.

EMAIL Q&A WITH LACUNA COIL’S CRISTINA SCABBIA
How excited are you guys about the release of your new album, Dark Adrenaline, next week, given how well the current single “Trip the Darkness” is doing at radio?
We are thrilled... We've actually been for a while, as soon as the album was ready months ago! We LOVE this album, hope people out there who don't know the band will listen to it. I'm sure they'll think the same.

The band is gearing up for the Gigantour with Megadeth, Motorhead and Volbeat, which should be quite the tour. Any other touring plans in the U.S. this year?
We surely want to go back to the States for a proper headliner tour. I feel home over there. We have a lot of ideas for the shows, that's why I can't wait to start to work at a new production.

What was the inspiration behind Dark Adrenaline? Any particular tracks that are extra-special to you?
The whole process of songwriting started from a not so good moment in the lives of some of the members in the band. Personal negative experiences marked the music and the lyrics of Dark Adrenaline. But don't let my statement fool you. We started from a darker space to find the light and the energy to find ourselves again. Dark Adrenaline is heavy and obscure but also strong and hopeful in its entireness. A trip into the darkness to see the light at the end. Every song is special and different, but “My Spirit” and “I Don't Believe in Tomorrow” are the ones that mean the most to me. “My Spirit” is dedicated to all the friends we lost in the last years, a reflection on how death changes the life of whoever stays alive. We will miss the loved ones, but we'll always carry the memories and the legacy will live forever through them.

It’s so hard for female-fronted rock bands to have success, much less get respect on the radio, but Lacuna Coil has managed to have a successful career. What do you think has been the key to all your success?
I think the key is to show that you're not just a pretty face. Plus, things changed so much in the years. When we started, we were in between the very few metal bands that were having a female in the lineup. I've personally never seen it as anything weird. Music shouldn't be sexist, and Nature gave us all, male and female, a voice.

I am a big Gelato fan, and I’ll bet it’s really good in Italy. What’s your favorite flavor?
I LOVE gelato. I am a HUGE fan of the yogurt taste, and surely NOT for dietary reasons, aha! I usually add either coconut or chocolate to it.

Thanks so much for taking the time answer these questions. Good luck this year and I’m looking forward to catching you guys on tour when you come to Los Angeles!
You are so very welcome. Hope you will enjoy the album again and again, and I will see you hopefully soon!