Gaga's Opener
Semi Precious Weapons' Justin Tranter brings outlandish style and antics to Monster Ball Tour
By Stacey Jay Cavaliere

It was just about five years ago that the band Semi Precious Weapons performed for audiences of about 300 people in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, trying to break into the rock music world.

But the career that ignited was the singer who was Semi Precious Weapons’ opening act in the obscure nightclubs. She became pop’s leading lady, selling out arena concerts.

Lady Gaga brings her Monster Ball Tour to the US Airways Center for a show on July 31, and now Semi Precious Weapons is the opening act, gaining worldwide exposure for their sizzling glam rock.

“I always knew that I would be performing in large arenas,” Semi Precious frontman Justin Tranter said in a telephone interview. “It is even more of an amazing experience with Gaga, touring the world with someone I love as both an artist and a friend.”

Semi Precious Weapons has proven that they deserve such a high-profile assignment, with high-energy rock mixed with Tranter’s outlandish style and onstage antics, energizing fans before Gaga hits the stage.

Tranter’s crowd-pleasing frolics range from gravity defying high kicks in his stiletto heels to pouring champagne into eager mouths of fans. “We will have amazing costumes, lots of energy and dancing, and will surprise and shock,” he said.

“I love playing live so much and the excitement of a live show,” Tranter said. “Our music is meant to be performed live. I love looking out over the crowd at all the people dancing to my rock and roll.”

Semi Precious Weapons’ first full-length album was released on June 29, to rave reviews. The album debuted No. 71 on the iTunes charts and is gaining radio airplay across the country.
“Our new record is titled You Love You because our not-so-secret mission is hoping that our fans will love themselves, and rock ‘n’ roll more than anything else,” Tranter said.

Tranter said he’s noticed that he’s accomplishing his mission when he sees people at the Lady Gaga shows not only mimicking her style, but his as well. “I am always in high heels, and I have noticed some of our male fans wearing them at the shows, too,” he said.

“Our sound is pure rock and roll, with a little bit of electronic and dance infused within,” Tranter said, describing the songs on the new album.

The singer said his favorite songs are “Statues of Ourselves” and “Leave Your Pretty To Me” because they touch on his love for family and friends. “I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for the incredible people in my life,” he said.

Tranter began his musical career at an early age, attending arts school. He graduated from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, earning a degree in songwriting in only three years with a 3.9 GPA.

After the Phoenix concert, Tranter said he and his crew will meet and greet fans at the Lady G After Party at the Madison Events Center.

“Our after parties have become sort of legendary,” Tranter said. “People get crazy, and it is great to be able to meet our fans, who we have come to find out are so diverse and mixed.”

Tranter said he enjoys meeting young fans that are starting to express themselves. “This new generation of queer youth, and youth, in general, are starting to realize that sexuality is fluid and no matter how awful people are to you, you have to just … love your life and who you are,” Tranter said. “You have to love you!”

For more information on the band, visit www.semipreciousweapons.com.