• 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…

  • 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…