• Artist Spotlight

    The Bassist That’s Done It All, An Interview with Janis Tanaka

    In the 1980s, a band called Sugar Babydoll was formed by Courtney Love (Hole) and Kat Bjelland (Babes in Toyland); two of grunge’s greatest women in rock. The band was also joined by Jennifer Finch of L7. I wrote about this band awhile ago for Dangerous Minds but what was left out was the story of Janis Tanaka. The band relocated to San Francisco and changed their name to Pagan Babies joined by Deirdre Schletter on drums and Janis Tanaka on bass. Here is an interview with Janis who’s gone on to play with many legendary musicians. It seems like the projects you’ve played in have always been heavier. What…

  • Playlist,  Song Playlist

    Local Men Inspiration Playlist: Part 1

    As a follow up from our Local Ladies Inspiration Playlist in November, we have curated the same for local men in the Cincinnati music scene! These men are appreciative of and inspired by various female musicians. Here’s who moves them to make great music! Part 2 will be released on February 14, 2016.         Aaron Watkins (Commercial, Mardou, Butt)- “Papa Don’t Preach” by Madonna “Not just the song but Madonna is a massive influence to both music, fashion, art, and redefining gender roles. For her time I feel like this song was probably seen as being pretty edgy, and touches on issues of independence in the face…

  • Uncategorized

    Top Cincinnati Women in Rock Moments for 2015

    This year was really great for female musicians in Cincinnati, Ohio. It seems like the ratio of men/women musicians is finally starting to even out. Roxie and I compiled a list of our favorite and most exciting events that took place in Cincinnati featuring seriously talented Women in Rock. 1. The Comet in Northside designates an artist in residence each month to host weekly shows for the entire month. The role typically features new bands in Cincinnati and thrusts them into the spotlight among peers and enthusiasts alike. In 10 out of the 12 months this year, bands with females in them were chosen to be the venue’s artist in…

  • Artist Spotlight

    An Interview with Kat Bjelland and Lori Barbero of Babes in Toyland

    On Tuesday night I was lucky enough to meet the absolute rock legends, Kat Bjelland and Lori Barbero of Babes in Toyland before their show in Covington, KY. We met at the Backstage Café to have a drink and chat. IK: I read that Lori named the band but I’ve read this quote that I love from Kat, “boys and girls are all babes in the universe.” Where did the name and quote come from? Kat Bjelland: (points to her head) It took me awhile to figure out (Babes in Toyland) was a Disney movie. Lori Barbero: I have no idea where it came from. KB: I thought it was appropriate because we…

  • Song Playlist

    10 Summer Bar Fight Songs

    Let’s face it, the crazies come out in the summer. Bars are less crowded in the winter, then nice weather hits and BOOM, you’re surrounded by a bunch of dummies…. drunk dummies. Now, I’m definitely not advising for you to start a fight with anyone. However, here are 10 songs that you can rock out to while feeling angry. And maybe these will serve to be good jukebox selections to channel your anger in a positive way! 10. Bikini Kill “Suck My Left One“- Pretty sure you’re going to confuse some bros with this one. Bikini Kill will always be a classic choice to play loudly and angrily because Kathleen…