The Detroit Cobras' Mary Ramirez
Issue #26
The guitarist of the R&B rock band talks back to the stars
By Ophira Edut
Published: December 1st, 2005 | 2:48pm
STATS
Mary Ramirez was born January 15, 1972, at 1:09 a.m. in San Jose, Costa Rica.
CAREER
Mary is a Capricorn with a Capricorn moon and Scorpio rising, a combination concerned with control and having things on her terms. She is meticulous about her craft and knows how to get the job done exactly as she envisioned. Capricorn rules structure, which colors Mary's house of communication. Musically, this gives her a natural sense of rhythm, and it also endows her with a natural business sense.
Well ... sort of. I'm concerned about control, though my concern is less about exercising control myself than in guaranteeing that undue control is not exercised on me from outside sources. I feel I'm meticulous about my craft, though people who are familiar with the Detroit Cobras might come up with a few different adjectives to describe it! But I'm hopeless when it comes to writing lyrics — though because we've only recorded one original song in the course of our three albums, I don't think it's crippled the band too badly. And while I've acquired a fair amount of business sense along the way, I'm not sure you could say it's come naturally. The only thing that's natural is the feel of the music; everything else about the process involves hard work.
STRENTHS
With creative Neptune in international Sagittarius, Mary has the power to reach people globally. She should draw artistic influence from around the world and tour outside the United States. Reading about spirituality or different life philosophies can also strongly influence her work. With lucky Jupiter, which also rules international affairs, resting in her money house, Mary will be an international success and could even become a global icon for women.
It's OK to dream globally, I guess, but to be honest I'm not terribly concerned with reaching anybody beyond our neighborhood. The Cobras started out playing for ourselves and our friends, and even though it's grown beyond that, we don't think any differently about it. We just have a few more friends now, you know? We'd like to tour more everywhere, but please ask the stars what they have in mind regarding fuel prices. I must admit that my reading about spirituality and different life philosophies has suffered somewhat since I discovered Law & Order: SVU, which is now the center of my moral and cultural universe.
To me, I'm already a success because there's enough interest in what we do that people want another record from us. Hopefully when they get the next one, they'll want another one after that. We don't think too much beyond that; there's no grand design at work here. If I become a "global icon for women," it'll be some kind of cosmic joke. I'd rather be like Chrissie Hynde, who inspires guys along with women. She's beyond gender. I do have some female icons, though, like the Duchess (Bo Diddley's great guitar player), Jackie DeShannon, and Irma Thomas. And whenever the conversation turns to global icons for women, of course Detective Olivia Benson of Law & Order: SVU, is near the top of the list.
HEALTH
Intense Mars in Aries on the cusp of her sixth house of health indicates that she may get headaches when stressed. She should wear earplugs whenever possible to prevent migraines or irritation.
No, no headaches to speak of. Mostly it's the daily pains in the ass we have to deal with here in the rocknroll circus. But I can always use an extra inhaler if you've got one.
RELATIONSHIPS
Mary has quirky Uranus in Libra, the sign of relationships. She should link up with unconventional people for her creative endeavors, but she can be easily manipulated by guilt, so she should be sure to set up clear boundaries. Once she gets past any suspicions or self-doubt, Mary can be that rare combination of brilliant artistry and amazing business acumen.
"Brilliant artistry and amazing business acumen"? Well, now we know the stars have a sense of humor!
Check out the Detroit Cobras' most recent full-length, Baby, on Bloodshot Records.
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