Women in Rock. I’ve struggled with that title for over a year now. Feminism, something I was once so passionate about, has of late been a struggle for me. First and foremost, I am a musician. I refused to be recognized as a chick drummer or any of that shit. I write songs, I’m a drummer, I’m a bassist, a guitarist… a whatever. But whatever that is I am a musician. What I want is gender equality in the music world. I am an extremely fortunate human. My parents placed me in piano lessons at six. When I wanted to play percussion in 5th grade, they didn’t say, “No, girls don’t play drums.”…
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Ancient Warfare on the Release of Pale Horse
Ancient Warfare exudes a Southern Gothic air in the most elegant way. Today, they release their debut full length album, Pale Horse. Formed in Savannah in 2009, Echo Wilcox moved to Lexington, KY in 2011 where the band gained Emily Hagihara (drums), and Rachel Yanarella (violin). Most recent addition, Derek Rhineheimer (bass), has been with the band for over a year now. Echo says that over the years, “Ancient Warfare’s sound has evolved from a simple instrumental composition to a more fully realized band.” The development of Ancient Warfare is very apparent onstage and comes across with the release of Pale Horse. When asked about the theme of the album,…
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The Mother of Punk
Last week I posted on facebook: “If Patti Smith is the godmother of punk, who is the mother?” This truly stumped me because I always see Patti Smith referred to as the “godmother of punk” but I can’t think of anyone who came before her that is more inspiring to the punk world. My post on facebook was serious but in return I got a mix of responses both serious and shitty. The strangest thing was that all but one response were from men. Where were the girls in this conversation? Don’t they want to know who their punk mother is?? Below are the responses I recieved and my personal…
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I Got It From My Mama
I started thinking about something this morning and now I can’t stop. I know A LOT of female musicians right now. It’s really great and I’m sure this is the most Cincinnati has ever had. With that being said, I’ve seen a lot of social media posts of girls talking about their dads’ musical influences, whether it’s them playing their guitars or being involved in the music industry, etc. I, myself, am guilty of this. I play some of my grandpa’s cymbals and I think its so cool! I’m a fourth generation drummer! But here’s my question, where are the girls that have inherited instruments from their moms? They have…
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Song of the Week: “W.D.M.R.S.” by We Are Hex
It’s seem like an appropriate week for “W.D.M.R.S” by We Are Hex to be the song of the week seeing as they’ll be playing at Black Plastic this Saturday, March 14th (although Friday the 13th would be a more fitting date for them). W.D.M.R.S is off of their most recent 45 and last time I saw We Are Hex, frontwoman, Jilly, told me all about the awesome song that features Jinx Dawson of Coven. Completely coincidentally, Jinx Dawson was recording at the same space after their session and Jilly asked if she would be up for adding some vocals to the beginning of the song. She agreed and the end…
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Song of the Week: “Pedestrian at Best” by Courtney Barnett
It’s been quite awhile since I’ve heard a song on the radio and immediately loved it. That was the case with Courtney Barnett‘s new song, “Pedestrian at Best,” from her upcoming album Sometimes I Sit and Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit. Her lyric style is rambling and manic and completely awesome. The song is catchy and has a great chorus taunting, “Put me on a pedestal and I’ll only disappoint you,” etc. Her album will be released March 25th. Watch the video here.
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An Emotionally Broke Playlist for Those Tired of Winter
Well it’s that point in the winter where things have gotten worse instead of better. February is almost over and instead of warmer weather and hope for spring, we’ve gotten a tone of snow and colder temperatures. For those of you getting stir crazy and depressed, I have compiled a list of songs that may express how you’re feeling. 1. “Runs in the Family” by Amanda Palmer– For those of you with SAD or family inherited depression issues. Or perhaps you’ve spent too much time stuck inside with you relatives. Amanda Palmer always knows how to make you feel a little edgy. Watch the video here. And if you’re bored…
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Meeting Joan Jett
Well something very special happened to me on my recent family vacation to France! We were in the NYC airport for like 9 hours waiting for our flight to Nice, France. I was deeply engaged in my book when my dad came over to me and said, “Hey look, its an old punk band!” I looked up and there were a bunch of darkly clad punks at our same gate at the airport. He pointed out the women and said, “I think she’s the front women.” I looked at her and said, “Joan Jett.” And then I thought NOOOO it can’t be! How crazy! I kept trying to study her…
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An Interview with the Ladies of Casual Strangers
Casual Strangers, a band out of Austin, Texas, formed in the last year and already they’re releasing their first album. The band is comprised of two women, Jaylinn(synths/keyboards) and Katey(lead singer, lapsteel guitar, triwave) and two men, Paul(guitarist, vocalist) and Jake(drummer). Their sound is psychedelic and retro, yet they manage to keep it current. The band’s couple, Paul and Katey have a vocal combo that could remind you of Jefferson Airplane but there’s something more there. The gals, Katey and Jaylinn were kind enough to do an interview with Women in Rock. Here’s what they have to say about their band! IK: With four people, who writes the songs? Is…
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Q & A with the legendary Lydia Lunch
Lydia Lunch has always been able to push the boundaries of punk. A no wave musician, a spoken word performer, a poet, a writer, a self-empowerment speaker, she is by far one of the most influential punk women. Starting out in Teenage Jesus and the Jerks, her career is beyond prolific. Now, she is touring with Retrovirus, capturing her career in music since 1977. Luckily, she’s playing Mayday in Cincinnati on Wednesday, June 25th. Ms. Lunch was kind enough to answer some questions I sent her on fashion, women in rock and her career. IK: Your dark look is extremely iconic and sexy, what in fashion inspired you? LL: More…
